Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Taking it Back: Disney's ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter



Opened: June 20th, 1995
Closed: October 12th, 2003


If you visited Disney World's Magic Kingdom anywhere between 95' and 03' you might remember this ride. It was super frightening. I remember going on it when I was 9 or so and how I kept my eyes closed the entire ride and how now a days I am regretting it. I remember the ride being almost completely in darkness. An alien eating a soldier and getting sprayed with the infamous Disney spray machines to simulate a blood spray. You can watch a tribute to the ride in the video below which includes the original queue line areas and the ride itself. It's not the best quality but it's the only way you can experience this ride now. 

Reading up on this ride now, There was a sign in front of the attraction warning parents that the ride was not intended for children 12 and under. Apparently the ride was tested in place of the ride Mission to Mars which had been in the same building in 1994 but closed down shortly after for not being "intense enough". Some fun facts for y'all, Tyra Banks voiced the alien in the first queue area of the attraction. Tim Curry voiced the robot in the second queue room who shows how the transport system is possible. Phil Hartman was originally picked for the role and did the voice of the robot before it was reopened. It also features actors Jefferey Jones, Kathy Najimy and Kevin Pollack. 
The ride closed in 2003 to make way for Stitch's Great Escape! which is a dulled down version of this ride where Stitch gets loose and pesters guests.