‘I’m Going to Disney World!’

New ‘American Idol’ is Seen – and Heard! – in Famous Disney Ad

LOS ANGELES – To celebrate the newly opened “American Idol Experience” attraction at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Kris Allen shouted the famous words “I’m Going to Disney World!” immediately after being crowned the newest “American Idol” in the show’s star-studded season finale on May 20, 2009 in Los Angeles.

Disney camera crews captured Allen’s celebratory pronouncement on the Nokia Theatre stage mere moments after “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest announced the champion’s name to millions of viewers watching worldwide.

Not only does the newly crowned Idol shout “I’m Going to Disney World!” at the spot’s conclusion, Allen’s voice also is featured throughout the ad as he performs the iconic song, “When You Wish Upon A Star.”

And with the same immediacy that has made the Disney spot one of the most beloved commercials of all-time, the newest “I’m Going to Disney World!” commercial aired on television within hours of the “American Idol” finale.

Starring in a role usually occupied by sports stars – including Super Bowl heroes and World Series champs – Allen is the second singer to ever star in the Disney commercial in its 20+-year history. (2008 “American Idol” champion, David Cook, was the first.)

The “American Idol” champion’s role in the newest “I’m Going to Disney World” commercial celebrates “The American Idol Experience,” the new “American Idol”-themed attraction that had a February 2009 grand opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, part of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

“The American Idol Experience” – the first major theme park attraction in the world based on the popular television series – was developed by Walt Disney Imagineering in conjunction with FremantleMedia Enterprises and 19 TV Ltd.

In the attraction, Disney guests are able to experience the glitz and glamour of the “American Idol” television show, whether they are auditioning for a Disney producer, performing on-stage in front of a packed theater or voting for their favorite performance from their audience seats. Performers who receive the most audience votes in the preliminary shows return to star in that evening’s grand finale show. In addition to their new-found theme park fame, the top vote-getting guest in the finale show receives “The American Idol Experience” Dream Ticket – which allows an eligible holder to schedule a front-of-the-line audition at a future regional audition for the “American Idol” television show.

By starring in the Disney commercial, Allen joins a lineup of superstar professional athletes who have shouted the famous “I’m Going to Disney World” line.

Fittingly, the new “American Idol” will make his celebratory visit to Walt Disney World Resort as Disney Parks asks guests “What Will You Celebrate?”