Changes

Although Disney announced the creation of The American Idol Experience was officially announced by Disney on February 7, 2008, construction on <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/the -american-idol-experience/news/07feb2008-american-idol-attraction actually began in September 2007-coming-to-disneys-hollywood-studios. Disney licensed htm </ref>. In the show’s logos and set design from 19 Entertainment and Fremantle Mediapress release unveiling the attraction, President of Disney Parks and worked with the show’s set creator Andy Walmsley on the design Resorts Jay Rasulo noted:{{Quotation|"Millions of the studio. The 1,000 seat set that Imagineers constructed, was based people have imagined themselves standing on the 'American Idol Season 7 set, and featured a 35 by 7 foot LED wall' stage. The attraction also features a spotlight, which automatically follows the performers as they move around the stageWe're excited that we will be bringing this dream to life every day at Walt Disney World. }}

Partnering with Disney to create the new interactive attraction was American Idol production company 19 Entertainment and FreMantle Media Liscensing. American Idol set creator Andy Walmsley created the set for the new attraction, basing it off of the American Idol Season 7 set <ref> http://www.disneybythenumbers.com/blog/blog_files/American%20Idol%20Experience.html#sthash.KbQ42VZs.dpbs </ref>. The 1,000 seat set that Imagineers constructed, featured a 35 by 7 foot LED wall, as well as a spotlight, which automatically follows the performers as they move around the stage <ref> http://wdw1.wdpromedia.com/media/wdw_nextgen/Site/WDWContent/Media/InternetMediaType/Attraction/AmericanIdolMiniSite/pdf/Technology%20Meets%20Tinseltown.pdf </ref>.  Although originally, intended for 2008, The Grand the grand premiere of the American Idol Experience took place on February 12, 2009<ref> http://www.yesterland.com/idolexperience.html </ref>. In attendance were all seven winners of American Idol, as well as judge Paula Abdul and host Ryan Seacrest<ref> http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-seven-winners-of-_l_20090213074609-photo.html </ref>. Since its opening, the American Idol Experience has seen very minor changes. On February 11, 2009 it was announced that guests could make online reservations to audition for the show<ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/the-american-idol-experience/news/11feb2009-disney-add-advance-reservations-for-american-idol-experience-auditions.htm </ref>. In October 2009, a second audition entrance was added to the attraction<ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/the-american-idol-experience/news/20oct2009-second-audition-entrance-added-to-the-american-idol-experience.htm </ref>.