In late 1993, Magic Kingdom announced that ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter would be coming to the park.[3]
The attraction opened briefly for previews on December 16, 1994, on the site of the former Mission to Mars attraction. It was widely lambasted for its violence, confusing storyline and comedic tone of the pre-show in comparison to the dark tone of the actual attraction. Guests were also screaming longer than expected, making important dialogue and plot points impossible to understand.[4] On January 12, 1995, the attraction was closed for retooling by then-Disney CEO Michael Eisner, who deemed it was not intense enough.[5] Disney recalled the original version of the second pre-show and main show and spent an extra $10 million for improvements. The second pre-show was reworked to make it more sinister. Imagineers repaced the show for guests reactions and reprogrammed every computer system with each show element being resequenced.[6] ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter officially opened on June 20, 1995, as part of the Magic Kingdom's New Tomorrowland renovation.
Upon its opening, some Disney fans praised ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter for its darker tone in contrast to other attractions at Magic Kingdom. However, the attraction was met with largely negative reception from guests, as it was too scary for younger kids. Officials posted warning signs to ban children under the age of 12 from experiencing it, but to no avail. The popularity of the attraction started to dwindle and it was becoming very obsolete.[7]
On September 21, 2003, Magic Kingdom announced that ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter would be closing. It was set to be replaced by a new attraction based on Lilo & Stitch.[2] The attraction would frighten its last tourists on October 12, 2003. The attraction was replaced by Stitch's Great Escape!, which opened on November 16, 2004 and operated until January 6, 2018, using much of the same technology and set pieces from its predecessor.[8]
The attraction opened briefly for previews on December 16, 1994, on the site of the former Mission to Mars attraction. It was widely lambasted for its violence, confusing storyline and comedic tone of the pre-show in comparison to the dark tone of the actual attraction. Guests were also screaming longer than expected, making important dialogue and plot points impossible to understand.[4] On January 12, 1995, the attraction was closed for retooling by then-Disney CEO Michael Eisner, who deemed it was not intense enough.[5] Disney recalled the original version of the second pre-show and main show and spent an extra $10 million for improvements. The second pre-show was reworked to make it more sinister. Imagineers repaced the show for guests reactions and reprogrammed every computer system with each show element being resequenced.[6] ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter officially opened on June 20, 1995, as part of the Magic Kingdom's New Tomorrowland renovation.
Upon its opening, some Disney fans praised ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter for its darker tone in contrast to other attractions at Magic Kingdom. However, the attraction was met with largely negative reception from guests, as it was too scary for younger kids. Officials posted warning signs to ban children under the age of 12 from experiencing it, but to no avail. The popularity of the attraction started to dwindle and it was becoming very obsolete.[7]
On September 21, 2003, Magic Kingdom announced that ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter would be closing. It was set to be replaced by a new attraction based on Lilo & Stitch.[2] The attraction would frighten its last tourists on October 12, 2003. The attraction was replaced by Stitch's Great Escape!, which opened on November 16, 2004 and operated until January 6, 2018, using much of the same technology and set pieces from its predecessor.[8]
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