Do You Remember Alien Encounter?
ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter we hardly knew ye…
Aliens are all the rage these days. In fact, several high ranking [usually former] governmental officials worldwide are opening up about what they deem to be the truth that is “out there.”
Creepy.
I mean, the theories themselves are out there; really out there. But back in the day, Disney was all about promoting their new attraction, Alien Encounter.
And their own documentary about aliens was pretty wild, too.
Of “The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter” attraction, LRM.com’s Tim Nardelli posted:
The attraction officially opened back on June 20, 1995. What is particularly unique with this ride is back in its early days of development, it was a collaboration. Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm put its visitors in the heart of a “situation gone wrong scenario.” Before the ride, there was a time when the attraction itself was going to feature The Xenomorph from the Alien film franchise. The Xenomorph would terrorize visitors on the attraction. In addition to the iconic film creature, the ride was also going to also include The Weyland Yutani Corp. Fans will know that the corporation featured in the Alien film series as well.
Wait, wait, wait. Xenomorph? ALIEN?
Yep.
Now, why exactly didn’t THAT happen?
There is certainly production value towards Disney having a high-profile franchise within the attraction. However, this particular concept never fully accumulated. George Lucas was, in fact, involved with the development of the attraction. But, he was opposed to having The Xenomorphs present at a Disney Park. As a result, the idea was scrapped entirely. The reasoning behind Lucas’ decision was because he had allegedly thought the acid-spitting had no place on a Disney ride.
Fair enough, but, as Nardelli said, there was already an acid-spitting Xenomorph in Walt Disney World – in “The Great Movie Ride.”


Photo: Flickr.com/Havoc315
Too Scary For Tomorrowland?
That said, the Alien in the ride was still scary. However, according to LRMonline.com, it might have been too scary.


Photo: Central Florida Sites and Sounds/Youtube
The ride was officially shut down back on October 12, 2003. This came due to complaints regarding the ride being “too scary” for a Disney ride. Of course, this may be true, having been on the ride multiple times during its years of activity.
I don’t remember THIS version of the “ride.” I do remember Mission to Mars – which I loved. And I remember Stitch’s Great Escape. I think I went on it once.
However, I am intrigued by this former attraction’s history. And, if you are too, be sure to check out the entire article.
And be sure to give us your opinion of the ride down in the comments.