Disney plans ‘Idol’ attraction

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced plans Thursday to create a live performance attraction based on “American Idol” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park -- formerly called Disney-MGM Studios -- in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

“Our goal is to try to re-create the excitement of those 24 people who show up on that ‘American Idol’ stage,” Disney Parks chairman Jay Rasulo said in an interview. “We believe many, many viewers want to know exactly how that feels, and we’re going to try to reproduce that feeling for them.”

Much like the hugely popular Fox singing competition, the as-yet-unnamed attraction -- scheduled to open in late 2008 -- will allow theme park guests to audition, then perform before a live studio audience inside the Hollywood Studios’ theater space formerly occupied by the “Doug Live!” and “Superstar Television” attractions.

Disney licensed the rights to create the attraction from “Idol” co-producers 19 Entertainment and FremantleMedia, despite the fact “American Idol” airs on Fox and Disney owns broadcast competitor ABC.