American Idol Experience

Today we celebrated Hannah’s 17th birthday. I’m so happy to be able to share my birthday week with her, especially in this way. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios there is an attraction called ‘American Idol Experience.’ Candidates show up in the morning to audition for spots in their American Idol show. The winner for the day wins a ticket to go to any of the national American Idol auditions, sending them to the front of the line. Carrie (Rocker Mom, singing ‘Hit Me With Your Best Shot’) and Hannah (our own singing/dancing/acting talent, singing ‘Rock Star’ by Miley Cyrus) auditioned in the morning and both made it through to the second round in the afternoon. Each hour, three performers vie for a place in the finals at 7 PM. The stage is a replica of the one on the TV show. Just like the TV show, 3 judges give their opinions but the audience votes for their favorite. Both Hannah and Carrie performed well but both lost in the semi-finals. We all were proud to support them. Both of them agreed that it was fun and helpful. Good job Hannah and Carrie! I am happy that Hannah especially could have this experience for her birthday. We love gifts that money can’t buy… Now if she could just get a job performing here, she would totally be in her element!



During the day we hung out at Hollywood Studios while Hannah and Carrie prepared for their auditions. We watched a wonderful live performance of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Sean and Brendan rode the Tower of Terror, TWICE! There was very little, if any, wait time on the rides. I rode the Rockin’ Roller Coaster with the boys, TWICE. Lots of fun.




Back at Fort Wilderness, tacos were on the menu. Everyone came to Rob & Michele’s cabin to eat. Again, being with the family and just hanging out was one of the best parts of the day.

Sethism of the day: While we waited for Matt & Carrie & family to get back from the park, Seth saw a group of young men near their cabin. He shouted. “BRENDAN!” Then ran and tackled one of the kids. The kid yelled, “I’M NOT BRENDAN!!” The kid’s mom said, “We don’t know a Brendan!” Seth ran into the cabin, embarrassed. Oh well. The tacos were a hit anyway!

After dinner we drove to the Beach where the Magic Kingdom fireworks can be seen. They pipe in the music and narrative to go with the fireworks. The kids played in the sand and chased the ducks looking for a handout. After the fireworks we headed to Mickey's Campfire for S'mores. By the time we got there, it was done and the outdoor movie had started. Oh well...we had lots of laughs just running around in the golf carts.