Disney to Use Popular Show to Lift Attendance

In another effort to boost sluggish attendance at its newest theme park, Walt Disney Co. is turning to its popular ABC television game show, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.”

Disney’s California Adventure is creating an attraction that will allow guests to experience the game Disney-style--on a replica of the famous high-tech TV set replete with lighting, music and a “hot seat” for qualifying contestants.

Instead of money, however, visitors will play for points, winning prizes such as Disney collectible pins, shirts and hats. The reward for scoring 1 million points is a trip to New York City to view a taping of the real show.

The attraction, to open in August, is the second attempt to draw more visitors since the 55-acre park opened in February. Though the park can handle more than 30,000 patrons, it is drawing far fewer than half that number on a daily basis, analysts say.

Last month, officials said they would resurrect Disney’s well-known Electrical Parade, which was retired from Disneyland’s Main Street in 1996.

“They’re doing anything to pull people over there right now,” said Al Lutz, editor of MousePlanet.com, a Web site devoted to unofficial Disney news and advice. “The numbers are down, way down.”

The “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” studio will be built on a vacant lot in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot area and hold 638 visitors per show, officials said. Each show will last about 25 minutes.