Reality Hit Idol Comes to Disney's Fantasy World

The American Idol Experience, a new attraction at Walt Disney World, had its grand opening last Thursday. In the show, would-be pop singers plucked from the crowd at Disney's Hollywood Studios subject audiences to their amateur crooning and themselves to the possible ridicule of a trio of judges. Unlike the enormously popular TV program on which the theme park show is based, The American Idol Experience is largely hit-or-miss, depending on the quality of the performers. You can read my review of Disney's new Idol show.

The grand opening event was an American Idol fan's dream come true. In addition to former contestants such as Justin Guarini and Sanjaya Malakar, every season's winner through 2008 attended the event. Paula Abdul and Ryan Seacrest helped host the kickoff show, and David Cook and Carrie Underwood performed. For a look at the grand opening festivities as well as the attraction itself, check out my American Idol Experience Photo Gallery.

Photo: Cookin' with Minnie. American Idol winner David Cook shmoozes with Minnie Mouse on the red carpet at Walt Disney World's The American Idol Experience grand opening. ©Arthur Levine, 2009. Licensed to About.com.