As the American Idol Experience gets ready for its official launch on February 14 at Walt Disney World, the new attraction that simulates all aspects of the beloved reality show is currently in preview form at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And while the attraction is being fine-tuned, we at OrlandoFunTickets.com were able to check out the fun in a special sneak preview.

If you’re unfamiliar with the American Idol Experience, it’s a new attraction developed by Disney Imagineers in conjunction with the producers of the hit TV show American Idol. Perfectly in cue with Hollywood Studios, the Experience immerses guests in the authentic feel of a live Idol performance and results show.

Like the FOX show, The American Idol Experience takes everyday people visiting the park and gives them a chance at being a star through daily auditions. If Disney decides a guest has that special “star quality,” he or she goes on to perform at one of seven preliminary shows that day.

We were on hand for one of those shows in the park’s ABC Theater, which has been beautifully redesigned to look just like the American Idol stage, twirling neon signs and all. TV screens on the left and right provide close-ups of the happenings in the theater, a large screen at center provides unique footage during the show, and another screen behind the audience provides lyrics to the performers.

As the show begins, you’ll feel like you’re really on set for the taping of a live show; a friendly, energetic performer comes out at first to warm up the crowd and provide voting instructions. Meanwhile, camera operators weave seamlessly through the theater capturing different angles of the show. And, as things kicks off, three judges and a host (sorry ladies, it’s not Ryan Seacrest) come out to make the Experience complete.

The best part of the American Idol Experience and what makes it different from any other Disney attraction is the amount of guest involvement. In the Experience, Disney guests really are the star of the show; a fun or especially talented performer can capture the crowd and create Disney magic on stage. Similarly, the audience is heavily involved in all aspects of the show, and their enthusiasm (or lack of it) can make or break the Experience.

Overall, the American Idol Experience is cute, fun, and possesses nearly all the qualities of the TV show. Disney’s famous attention to detail is definitely present; for example, the judges table has three Coca Cola cups on it, just like in the show. And though the judges might not be as entertaining as Randy, Paula, and Simon, the involvement of some famous American Idols in the show mostly makes up for the trio’s absence.

If you plan to vie for stardom at the American Idol Experience, head to the park early and be ready to sing a 30-90 second snippet of a song. If Disney staff decides you have what it takes, you’ll audition again in front of a casting director. And if you make it past that, you’ll be taken to hair and makeup and receive a one-on-one session with a vocal coach before hitting the stage for a preliminary show. To audition, you must be age 14 or older. The performers with the most votes in each preliminary all go on to compete in the final performance of the day at 7 pm; the winner of that performance will receive the coveted Dream Ticket, which provides a skip in line and a guaranteed audition at an actual American Idol stadium audition (an American Idol audition FastPass; if you will).

To check out the American Idol Experience and be part of someone’s journey to stardom (or start your own!), don’t miss the attraction’s debut on February 14. Start preparing for your close-up now by getting your Walt Disney World tickets at OrlandoFunTickets.com.