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The Canceled Disney Alien Vs. Predator Land: What Could Have Been

Alien fighting the Predator inside of Walt Disney World Resort while Minnie Mouse watches on in horror.
Credit: Disney Fanatic

Disney almost brought an Alien vs. Predator land to life but ultimately scrapped the entire project. But not before concept artwork was released detailing what could have been for this now-dead experience.

disney alien children's book

Credit: Marvel

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The Concept of the Now-Canceled Disney Alien vs. Predator Land

The concept of an Alien vs. Predator land set the stage for what could have been a groundbreaking departure from Disney’s traditional, family-friendly offerings. The idea of creating a fully immersive experience based on the dark and intense Alien and Predator franchises captured the imagination of sci-fi fans around the globe. This ambitious project marked a bold shift for Disney, as it planned to explore edgier, more mature themes within its theme parks.

This potential new land was part of Disney’s strategy to diversify its appeal by tapping into an adult audience. The project was slated to be a key feature of 20th Century Fox World in Malaysia, a theme park that would have leveraged the vast content library acquired when Disney purchased 20th Century Fox in 2019. However, despite the excitement and anticipation surrounding it, legal battles and internal company restructuring ultimately halted the realization of this vision.

Highlights of the AvP: Descent Into Darkness Ride

At the center of the proposed Alien vs. Predator land was its most anticipated attraction, AvP: Descent Into Darkness. This ride was set to revolutionize theme park experiences by blending high-octane thrills with immersive storytelling, creating a fully sensory adventure for fans of the franchise.

Two sci-fi creature figures face each other in the foreground with a Disney amusement park in the background. The scene combines fantasy elements with a well-known tourist attraction, creating a surreal and imaginative setting.

Credit: Disney Fanatic

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Guests would have entered a Weyland-Yutani mining facility on a distant, desolate planet, where they would encounter an array of ominous environments hinting at lurking dangers. The narrative would have guided them through narrow passageways and eerie settings before leading to the climactic discovery of a Predator pyramid. Along the way, riders would face Xenomorphs and Predators, heightening the tension with every twist and turn.

What set this ride apart was its cutting-edge technology. The Tumble Table and Tilt ‘n’ Drop elements were designed to surprise riders with rapid changes in speed and direction, keeping them on edge throughout the experience. A combination of practical effects and high-resolution screens would have made guests feel as if they were truly in the middle of a sci-fi horror film.

The Alternate Attractions in the Proposed Disney Land

The attention to detail and commitment to integrating these advanced elements promised to create a one-of-a-kind attraction. Beyond Descent Into Darkness, the Alien vs. Predator land was planned to offer an array of additional attractions, each steeped in the lore of the franchises. These included the Terraform Tower Challenge, a drop ride inspired by the Colonial Marines, and other interactive experiences designed to bring the gritty world of Alien and Predator to life.

A complex roller coaster track layout featuring multiple loops, twists, and turns. The track intersects several times, with marked areas for loading, unloading, launching, and side slides. Blue lines indicate the path of the coaster.

Credit: AVPGalaxy.net

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Unfortunately, after Disney took over the project, many of these attractions underwent significant changes. The darker, more frightening elements that initially defined the concept were dialed back or removed entirely. Terraform Tower Challenge, for instance, was transformed into a more generic thrill ride before opening to the public, stripping away much of its connection to the Alien universe while maintaining some of the mechanical components.

Similarly, the hands-on workshops and interactive areas originally planned to immerse guests in the rich worlds of the Alien and Predator franchises were either heavily reimagined or scrapped altogether. This shift towards more conventional attractions dampened much of the original excitement that had surrounded the project.

The Legacy of the Canceled AvP Disney Land

Despite its cancellation, the Alien vs. Predator land left a lasting legacy in the theme park world. Fans were excited about the prospect of seeing more mature and intense narratives brought to life within a traditionally family-oriented park, and the disappointment that followed the project’s demise was palpable.

Futuristic scene of a dark, cavernous room with a glowing figure floating above metallic pods. Blue light illuminates the setting, highlighting the eerie and mysterious atmosphere at a Disney park.

Credit: AVPGalaxy.net

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This cancellation, however, did not extinguish fan interest. Enthusiasts of both franchises continue to discuss what could have been, often sharing speculative artwork and fan theories online. The lasting conversation around the project underscores the power of these beloved sci-fi properties and their potential in a theme park setting.

Interestingly, certain remnants of the Alien vs. Predator land can still be seen in other theme park attractions. Some of the technology and design elements initially developed for the project have found their way into newer rides, subtly paying homage to what might have been. The inspiration drawn from this ambitious idea continues to influence Disney’s approach to creating immersive and narrative-driven attractions.

Though the Alien vs. Predator land never came to fruition, its brief existence in the planning stages offered a glimpse of what a more diverse, genre-blending theme park experience might look like. It remains a fascinating chapter in the history of theme park design, reminding fans and industry insiders alike of the power that iconic stories hold when they intersect with cutting-edge entertainment.

About Emmanuel Detres

Since first stepping inside the Magic Kingdom at nine years old, I knew I was destined to be a theme Park enthusiast. Although I consider myself a theme Park junkie, I still have much to learn and discover about Disney. Universal Orlando Resort has my heart; being an Annual Passholder means visiting my favorite places on Earth when possible! When I’m not writing about Disney, Universal, or entertainment news, you’ll find me cruising on my motorcycle, hiking throughout my local metro parks, or spending quality time with my girlfriend, family, or friends.

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