Thursday's Tip

Did anyone catch last night's premier of the new "American Idol" season? I missed it, but I read that one of the contestants who scored the coveted yellow ticket to Hollywood was a Golden Ticket winner at the American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios. In fact, when Gabbi Carrubba won the ticket in 2009 singing "Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas, she was just 14 years old--too young to actually use the ticket for the real AI. So she held on to it until this year, where she wowed judges with her rendition of Adam Levine's "Sunday Morning."

You might be wondering about now, What does this have to do with Thursday's Tip? OK, I admit it's a stretch, but here it is: Visiting Walt Disney World is not a spectator sport. Become a part of the magic! No, that doesn't mean everyone should audition for the American Idol Experience. (There are those who have good pitch and those who don't. Know who you are and be that.) But there are dozens of ways to get involved beyond simply riding Space Mountain or watching Fantasmic! from the bleachers. Some require being at the right place at the right time. But mostly, Cast Members are looking for energetic, willing participants. Here are some of the ways you can "join the show" at WDW (I've put an * beside those that a member of our family has been fortunate enough to try):

• Audition for the American Idol Experience (DHS)*


• Get a bit wet as you star in the pre-show at the Backlot Tour (DHS)*


• Be an "extra" in the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular (DHS)


• Open the doors to The Voyage of the Little Mermaid (DHS)*


• Be a part of the Streetosphere entertainment (DHS)*


• Be the Rebel Spy on Star Tours (DHS)*


• Be a Jedi in training (DHS)


• Get chosen as That Guy at the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor (MK)


• Dance, dance, dance at the "Move it! Shake it! Celebrate it! Street Party" (MK)*


• Be serenaded by the Dapper Dans (MK)*


• Sing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" with Casey (MK)*


• (Military only) Participate in Flag Retreat (MK)


• Learn how to be a pirate from Jack Sparrow (MK)


• Hold up some cash for the exotic birds at Flights of Wonder (AK)


• Join the parade and play percussion at The Festival of the Lion King (AK)*


• Talk to Crush (Epcot)


• Explore all sorts of science at Innoventions (Epcot)


• Help Kim Possible save the world (Epcot)

There are dozens more, I'm sure. If you have a unique way that you or a family member was able to become part of the magic, let me know in the comments!