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By DERRIK J. LANG

AP Entertainment Writer

NEW YORK (AP) –
Disney World
is about to get a little pitchy, dawg.

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 recreate the excitement of those 24 people who show up on
that ‘American Idol’ stage,” Disney Parks chairman Jay Rasulo told The
Associated Press. “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 Fremantle Media, despite the fact “American Idol” airs on Fox
and Disney owns broadcast competitor ABC.

“It is owned by us, so we can extend the brand in the off-air space in the ways
that we want to,” said Keith Hindle, Fremantle Media’s licensing vice president.
“We don’t see this in any way as a NewsCorp. vs. Disney debate. That’s never
been part of the discussion, and it’s not something that’s relevant to us. It’s
just part of ‘American Idol.”‘

The attraction’s details are still being worked out, but it will probably
operate something like this: Theme park guests ages 14 and up will be able to
audition for a Disney casting producer. Those who pass the test will be selected
to appear in one of the park’s “Idol” stage shows. Rasulo anticipates six to
eight such shows a day.

Backstage, the performers will receive hair and makeup touchups from a stylist
and singing tips from a vocal coach. Then, the guests will perform on an
“Idol”-like set in front of a live audience and three judges.

Top audience vote-getters will compete in a grand finale show at the end of each
day. Overall daily champs will win a special front-of-the-line pass at a
regional audition for the actual

“American Idol” show. Hindle says Disney winners won’t be given any special
treatment during the real audition, just the ability to skip ahead.

Because of eligibility differences — namely, the TV show’s 16- to 28-year-old
age limit — winners may be offered the option of transferring their pass to a
friend or family member, but they won’t be allowed to sell it. Daily champs too
young to audition for the real deal could save the pass until they’re old enough
to compete, according to Hindle.

But will there be enough Fantasias and Sanyayas to keep theme park audiences
captivated?

“I know that there’s enough talent on any given day in our theme parks to keep
people entertained,” said Rasulo.

Beyond the attraction, Hindle says actual “Idol” stars may make appearances
throughout the year and merchandise designed by both FremantleMedia and Disney’s
product divisions especially for the attraction would be available for sale.

“It’s a very collaborative process,” Hindle said. “Disney knows more about live
stage productions that we ever will. We know more about our TV show that Disney
ever will. Exactly how this will manifest it is something that will be mutually
approved by all parties. We’re looking to Disney to see how their guests like to
be entertained.”

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Orlando, FL: This Land is Your Land-o
From rollercoaster forest to gulf-stream waterslide, Orlando was made for you and me. Come live out your food fantasies, and indulge your sense of wonder in the theme park capital of the world.

Dress code: If you’re pounding park pavement, wear breathable clothing, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen (Mickey Mouse ears, optional). And don’t forget an umbrella for those sudden tropical downpours.

One phrase worth knowing: Fastpass! With one of these in hand, skipping the lines at top attractions is not only on the up-and-up, but encouraged. It’s a ticketed reservation system that sets up a prearranged time to come back to the ride of your choice without a wait–for no extra charge.

Where to get your adrenaline rush: At Disney-MGM Studios, Lights, Motors, Action! is an extreme stunt show on hand for the 50th Anniversary celebration. Cars, motorcycles, and jet skies burn rubber and give a movie-worthy performance right before your eyes, complete with eye-popping pyrotechnics and hair-raising high-speed chase scenes.

Where to recuperate afterwards: Get the signature treatment–beguilingly called Mystical Forest Therapies–at the spa at Saratoga Springs Resort, which includes 30 minutes of muscle-numbing Swedish massage combined with 30 minutes of relaxing reflexology.

Where to blow a paycheck: While the admission price to Discovery Cove is steep, it’s worth it to spend a day getting up close and personal with marine creatures like dolphins and a stunning variety of rainbow-colored fish with no crowds, no lines, and no hassles.

Best place to end dinner with a bang: Walk out onto the outdoor terrace or stay put at the table when they dim the lights at the California Grill. The views of the nightly fireworks over the Magic Kingdom castle provide a “happily ever after” ending to an inspired meal at this hip restaurant that’s known for its great wine list.

You can take it with you: For kids (or precocious adults, for that matter) who want to bring home the magic, you can purchase exact replicas of Cinderella’s dress, tricked-out pirate costumes, trading pins, and innovative toys galore at the Marketplace in Downtown Disney.
 

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Catch the Wave at Clarion Resort and Waterpark

By combining a hotel resort with an on site waterpark, the Clarion Resort and Waterpark in Kissimmee, Florida has brought together best of both worlds for Orlando area vacationers while saving them lots of money. The Clarion Resort and Waterpark is an ideal location for families, wedding parties, conventioneers, and travelers who seek an affordable, fun location with access to all of the attractions that Orlando is famous for plus a full scale waterpark that is only a few steps away from their hotel room.

 It’s no secret that waterpark tickets can be expensive—between $30 and $40 per person for starters—but guests of the Clarion Resort and Waterpark have full access to this aquatic attraction at no additional cost. The Clarion Resort and Waterpark in Kissimmee has more than 50,000 total square feet of waterpark, pools and slides, which include a lazy river with a zero depth entry, three main slides, six kiddy slides in a separate children’s area, an outdoor swimming pool, and a heated spa for teens and adults.

For guests who want to venture beyond the Clarion Resort and Waterpark during their visit to the Orlando area, all of the major attractions—including the Walt Disney World theme parks, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and SeaWorld—are within a 20 minute drive from the resort. And with the resort located only 15 minutes away from Orlando International Airport, a memorable Florida vacation can begin as soon as the plane touches down in the Sunshine State.

Since Orlando is an ideal location to combine work and play, the Clarion Resort makes it possible for business travelers to attend corporate meetings with the most up to date conference facilities while the rest of the family enjoys a waterpark that’s a destination in its own right. The Clarion Resort and Waterpark can accommodate events for up to 500 people, with state of the art audio/visual equipment rental, wireless Internet access, a 24 hour business center, and professional catering.

Party guests will enjoy the Clarion Resort and Waterpark just as much as the guests of honor, and the resort is well prepared to customize the event experience for weddings, anniversaries, bridal and baby showers, birthdays, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Quinceañeras, family reunions and other events that require professional service and a personal touch.

Now more than ever, people are looking for ways to get the most out of their travel dollars. By bringing together the best of both worlds, the Clarion Resort and Waterpark offers a complete vacation experience all in one location for an affordable price. For more information about the Clarion Resort and Waterpark or to make a reservation, call 1-866-9-SLIDES or visit the hotel’s Web site at: www.clarionwaterpark.com. 

The 100 percent non-smoking Clarion Resort^® Waterpark is conveniently located at the junction of US192 and Florida’s Turnpike. This Kissimmee, FL hotel is within 20 minutes of the most popular Orlando attractions, including Universal Studios Florida theme park, Islands of Adventure theme park, SeaWorld Orlando marine adventure park, Aquatica SeaWorld’s Waterpark, Wet ‘n Wild water park, Osceola Heritage Park, the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, and Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water parks.

The hotel offers free transportation to the hub of Walt Disney World. Transportation to Universal Studios Florida and SeaWorld Orlando is available at an additional charge. Disney multi-day passes and other theme park tickets are available at the hotel’s concierge. The hotel is adjacent to Lake Toho Fishing Area and has dedicated electric hook-ups for boats and recreational vehicles.

Our private Mindy’O Waterpark features a lagoon-style heated pool and hot tub, as well as twisting drops and dark plunges through multiple three-story water slides. More than 50,000 square feet of activities are located right outside your door, including a large lazy river, six kiddy slides, jets, splashing fountains, interactive water play area and more!

This upscale Kissimmee, FL hotel resort offers guests many full-service amenities including: