The most terrifying attraction to ever be constructed at the Disney Parks, and perhaps the most controversial, was the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter. Replacing Mission to Mars at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Alien Encounter had a soft opening in December 1994 and officially opened in June 1995. For the next 8 years, Alien Encounter grew a cult following with many Disney fans, especially those who loved sci-fi horror, but its terrifying and violent sequences targeting a more mature audience was inevitably not the right fit for Tomorrowland. Inevitably, the attraction closed in 2003 and was replaced by Stitch’s Great Escape, which in many ways was simply a [very] toned down, kid-friendly version of the attraction.
In today’s episode we’ll explore the history of Disney’s Alien Encounter, including how George Lucas was brought to the table to consult on the project. We’ll also discuss some of the details of the attraction for those who were not able to experience it, and I’ll take you with me for a truly terrifying visit back to the Tomorrowland Interplanetary Convention Center for this X-S Tech demonstration.
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