Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
242
Tips
Idol, a la Disney
Disney's version of
American Idol—
aptly dubbed
The American Idol Experi-
ence—
made its debut in the spring of 2009. Based on the wildly popular TV
show of the same name, the American Idol Experience brings with it an exciting
new element to the park's existing lineup of spectacular shows and experiences.
Studios guests are invited to audition, perform, and even compete live on
stage—a stage that practically mimics the original (audition slots are open to
guests ages 14 and up; space, however, is very limited—and only those who pass
this phase are selected to actually compete on stage). Each seat is equipped with
buttons for voting—with your votes determining the winner. If you can, avoid sit-
ting in the very first few rows, as the cameramen can be somewhat distracting
and at times can (and will) block your view. The entire production, as impressive
and exciting as its namesake thanks to the extraordinary special effects, takes
about a half-hour (not counting the wait in line). Though not quite as popular as
the televised version, it's close enough, so be prepared to arrive at least a half-
hour before the show or you could miss out. Check the park's
Times Guide
for the
current show schedule.
6
“prepare to merge as you've never merged before.” Then, faster than you can scream “I
want to live!” (around 2.8 sec., actually), you shoot from 0 to 60 mph and into the first
gut-tightening inversion at 5Gs. It's a real launch (sometimes of lunch) followed by a
wild ride through a make-believe California freeway system. One of three inversions cuts
through an “O” in the Hollywood sign, but you don't feel you're going to be thrown out.
It's too fast for that. So fast, the Disney hype says, it's similar to sitting atop an F-14
Tomcat. (I've never been in an F-14, so I can't argue.) The smooth ride lasts 3 minutes,
12 seconds, the running time of Aerosmith's hit, “Sweet Emotion.” Like Space Mountain,
all of the ride action takes place indoors, but this one kicks it up a few notches.
Note:
Riders must be at least 48 inches tall, and expectant moms and people prone to motion
sickness or those with heart, neck, or back problems shouldn't try to tackle this ride.
Sounds Dangerous Starring Drew Carey
Frommer's Rating:
C
Recommended Ages:
8-Adult
Drew Carey provides laughs while dual audio technology provides some hair-raising
effects during this 12-minute show at ABC Sound Studios. You'll feel like you're right in
the middle of the action of a TV pilot featuring undercover police work and plenty of
mishaps. Even when the picture disappears and the theater is plunged into darkness (an
effect that will likely turn off younger audience members), you continue on Detective
Charlie Foster's chase via headphones that show off “3-D” sound effects.
Tip:
After the show is over, check out
Sound Works,
which offers interactive activities
that allow you to experiment with different sound effects. If you skipped the show, you
can enter from the street.
