Today, we’re headed down memory lane to revisit what could be a very traumatizing experience for many… .
We’re talking about ExtraTerrorestrial Alien Encounter that once frightened guests in Tomorrowland in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The attraction first debuted in 1994 but was replaced in 2004 by Stitch’s Great Escape. The attraction didn’t last long, however, talk of how traumatizing the experience has lasted nearly 30 years. So, what went so horribly wrong with this attraction?
Some Background
This “theater-in-the-round” type of attraction was done in collaboration with Lucas Films and featured a “demonstration” of new technology from a fictional company called “X-S Tech.” After a pre-show, guests were secured in harnesses before they “teleported” to a meeting with L.C. Clench, the company chairman of X-S Tech.
However, things went awry when a carnivorous alien made its way into the teleportation tube and even mauled a maintenance man, which guests of all ages were forced to witness. Binaural audio effects featured screaming sounds, visitors’ seats rumbling, and liquid hitting visitors in the face as it blasted into the audience as the maintenance worker was being mauled.
This ride wasn’t very popular…to say the least. Why? Let’s talk about it!
TOO Scary.
Listen, sometimes some spooky-silly fun is necessary during a day at Disney World. Fan-favorite attractions like Haunted Mansion and Tower of Terror feature darker themes that still allow guests of all ages to have fun and even laugh throughout the experience. What makes this one any different?
Not only was this show graphic from beginning to end because of how life-like the Imagineers made it seem, but the special effects added a few touches that made the experience almost too scary — even for adults. The liquid that sprays in the faces of visitors combined with loud sounds, rumbling seats, and views of a carnivorous alien seems to be taking things a few steps further than Hitchhiking Ghosts and an abandoned elevator shaft in the Hollywood Tower Hotel.
Wrong Audience
It goes without saying that Magic Kingdom is an interesting choice of location for an attraction of this type. Out of all the Disney World parks, Magic Kingdom is the one that appeals most to younger children. Why, then, would Imagineers decide to put an attraction of this caliber in a children’s theme park?
We feel that his attraction would have made more sense if located somewhere like EPCOT, which features more futuristic theming and more adult rides rather than Magic Kingdom which majorly appeals to a very young audience. Better yet, we think that this attraction might have performed well if the concept was presented at a different theme park entirely, such as Universal Studios.
What do you think? Did you enjoy Alien Encounter or do you agree that it was a bit too much? Here at AllEars, we love to explore theme park attractions — both new and old — and their history, so make sure to follow along for more!
Looking for more Disney ride backgrounds? Click here to check out the background of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
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Did you love or hate Alien Encounter? Let us know in the comments!
I loved this and was so sad when they got rid of it. Magic Kingdom probably was not the right park for it though. Please bring it back to one of the other parks.
I went on this ride when I was 9 in 2001 still remember how much it terrified me 😂 The wicked parent in me wishes I could take my own kids on there hahaha
I loved it but it scared the hell out of my 6 yr old daughter and niece. They should put it at universal studios…i was the best ride ever but not for small lids
Oh man, do I remember this ride! We rode it when it first opened (I was 11) then again a few years later. Definitely NOT for 11 year old me. Y’all forgot it breathes on the back of your neck! That nearly sent me! I closed my eyes through the entire thing. 14 year old me handled it much better 🤣
Definitely not a magic kingdom type of vibe. Sheesh!
I remember it breathing on me so vividly, Michelle. That attraction was traumatic as a little kid! Hahaha
This ride will be in our family folklore for eternity. Unfortunately my brother didn’t realize it was pretend and kept asking my dad if it was a real or not. This made my dad start laughing uncontrollably which my brother thought was him sobbing as he too was being attacked! My brother laughs about it now… but there is probably some remaining trauma.
Oh no, Jessica! Your poor brother! Hahah
My family and I always enjoyed the original ride. Scary for adults? Here’s a secret…..it’s not real. I can see it being scary for children, but parents need to be responsible for what rides their kids can handle. Haunted Mansion can be really scary for children AND adults, but it’s very popular with both. Reopening with Stitch wasn’t great. We rode it one time and that was all we could handle.
I saw this when it started and it was TERRIFYING. However, it was one of the first attractions that I did with a friend I met in the International Programme. We went together on one of our days off and I nearly jumped into his lap once the horrible scary alien noises started. I barely knew the guy at the time but we are now married so we always remember this with fond memories. I never went again, though.
After reading your article, I agree with the writer. It was one of the scariest attractions I have ever been on. The very first time – I was terrified. It has place – somewhere! I went on it many times. These rides are exciting- and MK maybe was not the right fit. Absolutely made an impression on me, still talk about how scary that ride was!
I loved alien encounters and I loved the stitch version. Only problem I had was the part of the seat thats on your shoulders. It caused me pain when stitch would bounce off them.