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Disney’s Alien Encounter Returns After 21 Years: Everything You Need To Know

Aliens Encounter (L) and Cinderella Castle (R)
Credit: Inside the Magic

A revival of the classic Walt Disney World Resort attraction, ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, is underway, and audiences are warned that they will be covered in blood.

Cinderella Castle at night

Credit: Disney

The Classic ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter Attraction at Walt Disney World Resort

ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter was undoubtedly one of the boldest and most controversial attractions to ever land in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland. Debuting on June 20, 1995, this sci-fi thrill ride thrust guests into a world dominated by X-S Tech, a company set on showcasing its teleportation technology.

What began as an innovative, high-tech demonstration quickly spiraled into chaos as a terrifying alien creature was accidentally transported into the theater. Thanks to groundbreaking sensory effects that heightened the suspense to unprecedented levels in a Disney park, guests plunged into darkness and felt the alien moving around them.

Cinderella Castle Tomorrowland Dusk

Credit: Jeff Krause, Flickr

The attraction was designed by Walt Disney Imagineering with creative input from George Lucas (Indiana Jones, Star Wars). It blended cutting-edge sound design with horror elements that left audiences either exhilarated or downright terrified.

From the start, Alien Encounter polarized guests. While some praised the ride’s intense atmosphere and impressive special effects, many felt it was simply too terrifying, especially in a park known for its family-friendly experiences.

Parents voiced concerns that the attraction was unsuitable for young children, and over time, Disney recognized that it didn’t align with Magic Kingdom’s broader tone. After eight years of thrilling some and frightening others, the ride closed on October 12, 2003, replaced by the more family-friendly Stitch’s Great Escape.

Stitch trying to shoot a frog in 'Lilo & Stitch'

Credit: Disney

However, even Stitch couldn’t escape the attraction’s fate—closing in 2018, leaving the building vacant aside from occasional use for special events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Despite its short run, Alien Encounter has earned a cult following among Disney fans, many of whom still reminisce about the chilling experience it provided. In a park built on magic and whimsy, Alien Encounter proved that even the “Most Magical Place on Earth” could deliver a thrill that was deeply memorable—whether for better or worse.

Its legacy endures as a daring departure from the typical Disney formula, solidifying its place in the hearts of those who crave something beyond the usual fairytale fare.

And that legacy is about to be rejuvenated in a new Alien Encounter production from Trepany House.

Sign for "Alien Encounter"

Credit: Steven Miller, Flickr

Related: Disney Trauma? Guests Share Traumatic Childhood Memories About a Ride Geared Towards Younger Audiences

Features of the New Trepany House Production

The Trepany House’s adaptation aims to resurrect the attraction’s intense atmosphere. The production’s creators seek to evoke the original’s spirit while also amplifying the bizarre elements that made it memorable. The revival is not merely a nostalgic trip for those who experienced the original; it aims to draw in new audiences with its blend of horror and humor.

The new Alien Encounter show by Trepany House presents a parody that heightens various aspects of the original. Unlike the family-friendly ambiance often associated with Disney, this iteration leans heavily into gore and theatrics. The creators promise an intense 25-minute experience, complete with a ferocious, flesh-eating alien that terrorizes attendees. The show warns participants to prepare for a blood-splattered spectacle, urging them to dress accordingly.

A person wearing Minnie Mouse ears is drenched in a red blood The text reads "NEVER WISH UPON A STAR"

Credit: Trepany House

Creative Team Behind the Show

Central to the production are Adam Franklin and Amit Itelman, both recognized for their unique contributions to theater, especially in the realm of horror and immersive experiences. Between them, they possess a wealth of creative experience with an array of successful past projects. Their collaboration dates back over a decade, and they have consistently pushed the boundaries of performance art.

Both creators share a fascination with horror and dark themes, drawing inspiration from their formative experiences, including emotional responses to classic attractions at Disney parks. Their passion for the original Alien Encounter attraction led to the decision to mount this new interpretation.

Disney Magic Kingdom entrance

Credit: Theme Park Tourist, Flickr

“We just love the insanity of what Disney attempted, and their concept was so fun. It was so totally inappropriate for Disney Parks, but so very appropriate for Trepany House,” Itelman said per Variety. While Alien Encounter is in part a resurrection of the ExtraTERRORestrial Encounter from Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland, the Trepany House production is “an original production and a total retelling of the original concept.”

Related: Disney Finalizes Unusual Ride Upgrades Ahead of Magic Kingdom Anniversary

Audience Expectations and Experience

Attendees can expect a storyline that parodies the source material. The narrative revolves around an alien’s unexpected arrival in the theater, echoing the original attraction’s premise while also diverging into absurdity and humor.

The producers aim to offer not just a revival but a fresh perspective on the classic experience. As Trepany House continues to innovate, it becomes clear that the Alien Encounter offers an experience that invites both reverence for its origins and a radical new interpretation designed for modern audiences.

Alien Encounter runs on select nights from October 11 through October 31 at The Titmouse Warehouse in Los Angeles, California.

How do you feel about this cult classic Disney World attraction returning in a new form? Let Disney Fanatic know in the comments down below!

About Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

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