The Dark History Behind Disney World’s Most Controversial Ride

The Walt Disney Company has been embroiled in many controversies over the years. Whether it was changes to the theme parks, pushback on certain movies, or even decisions made at an executive level. But one of the most notorious controversies seems to surround the theme parks.

This is an exploration into one of the most controversial attractions Walt Disney Imagineering has ever produced. This is a journey into the darkness…literally….of…

The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter

Throughout the years, Disney attractions have been criticized for being dated, featuring stereotypes, and, more recently, for trying to correct those elements. But ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter was different. It didn’t have one controversial scene or an offensive joke.

It was an entire attraction that terrified a generation…placed in a theme park designed for young children. But how did it happen, and why? Good question.

The History

The attraction was in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort. It took the spot once occupied by the Mission to Mars attraction.

Mission to Mars operated from 1975 until 1993. The simulation ride took guests on a fictional journey to Mars, simulating a space launch and travel to the Red Planet. The attraction used a theater-in-the-round format with circular seating, and guests experienced the sensation of traveling through space.

Related: Controversial Viral Video Claims Disney World REMOVING All Queues from Rides

However, Disney decided to overhaul the Mission to Mars attraction and introduce a more thrilling and intense experience. The result was ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter.

Related: Top 13 Secrets About the Tower of Terror

The new attraction, which opened in 1995, shifted the theme from a space mission to a teleportation demonstration gone wrong. Imagineers were tasked to create a terrifying alien similar to the Xenomorph in the Alien movies.

Although Eisner wanted to incorporate elements of the Alien franchise into Disney Parks, the movies were considered too dark and rated-R, too controversial.

Related: The Nazi Donald Duck Cartoon That Was Banned in Russia

So, instead, the team created an original alien and a fictional company called X-S.

Hosted by the fictional X-S Tech Corporation, the attraction began with a pre-show featuring a robot known as Simulated Intelligence Robotics (SIR), which Tim Curry voiced.

Guests were introduced to the company’s teleportation technology, promising an out-of-this-world experience. The pre-show set the stage for what was to come, building anticipation and curiosity. It also featured a cute and cuddly alien named Skippy during a demonstration. Of course, things don’t end up well for Skippy as something goes wrong during the process.

Related: Insult Your Enemies…Disney Style

But X-S continues to demonstrate anyway and invites guests into the next room.

Once seated in the theater-in-the-round, the demonstration begins. The leader of X-S is testing the teleportation technology and is “beamed” into the room. However, along the way, the device picks up an alien – not the X-S host.

Related: You’ll Never Believe What This Horror Artist Did to Mickey Mouse…

The attraction employed advanced audio technology, including binaural sound, to create a realistic and immersive environment. Guests could feel the breath of the alien on the back of their necks, creating a sense of presence unparalleled in Disney attractions of the day.

The attraction contained simulated blood spatter, and guests sat locked in a dark room for a good portion of the experience as the alien ran amock through the chamber.

The Controversy

While ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter garnered a dedicated fan base who appreciated the attraction’s more intense and thrilling nature, it differed notably from the usual Disney fare. The departure from the typical family-friendly atmosphere raised eyebrows.

Despite its unique approach and technical achievements, ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter faced many challenges.

The main complaint was that some guests found the attraction too intense, particularly for younger audiences. The dark and suspenseful nature of the experience was a stark departure from the more whimsical and lighthearted tone typically associated with other Walt Disney World Resort attractions.

In fact, many millennials today who visited Magic Kingdom Park in the 90s and early 2000s remember the attraction. And many tell stories of how it terrified them, sent them crying, and even scarred them for life.

Parents and advocacy groups raised concerns about the appropriateness of such an intense experience in a theme park known for its family-friendly atmosphere.

The dark and suspenseful nature of ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter clashed with the Disney brand. The contrast was particularly stark, considering the attraction was housed in Tomorrowland across the way from the tame Carousel of Progress.

The controversy prompted discussions about where Disney should draw the line in terms of intensity and fear in its attractions. While some argued that Disney should evolve and offer experiences for a broader demographic, others contended that the core values of a Disney park should prioritize the comfort and enjoyment of all visitors, especially families with young children.

In response to the concerns and as part of a broader strategy to cater to a wider audience, ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter eventually closed in 2003 after an eight-year run.

The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter Fallout

The space that housed ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter didn’t stay dormant for long. It was repurposed into “Stitch’s Great Escape!” which opened in 2004. While still featuring an alien, this new attraction took a more comedic and family-friendly approach. The intensity was toned down, aligning more closely with the traditional Disney experience.

But Stitch’s Great Escape never managed to become a popular attraction either. Many felt the ride was too toned down.

It maintained a similar storyline and the circular theater setup.

Related: Hawaiian Locals Share a First Look at the ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Live-Action Remake Set

The experience begins with a pre-show where guests are briefed by various characters from the Lilo & Stitch universe, including Captain Gantu and the Grand Councilwoman.

The Galactic Federation replaced the company X-S, and the teleporting monster-like alien was replaced by Stitch himself.

But instead of scary, violent antics, Stitch escapes and causes mayhem throughout the theater. It maintained the same shoulder restraints from ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, the binaural sound, and various special effects.

Related: Will Live Action Stitch Be Stuff of Nightmares?

It also introduced guests to the unique experience of smelling a chili dog burp from Stitch – an element that disgusted many park guests.

Although Stitch’s Great Escape! represented Disney’s commitment to storytelling and innovation while maintaining a more family-friendly tone, it was far from successful.

Related: Blogger Visits All 12 Disney Parks in 3 Days

Some praised its comedic elements, the use of technology, and the integration of the popular character Stitch. Others, however, felt that it fell short of the captivating experience offered by its predecessor.

Final Comment

The controversy surrounding ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter became a notable chapter in Disney’s history, highlighting the delicate balance between innovation and the preservation of core values in the realm of theme park experiences.

Related: Stitch Causes Chaos at Disney Park, Innocent Cast Member Caught in the Middle

But despite the many controversies and traumatized children, it maintains a solid fan base in the Disney community today.

And whether people loved or hated it, those who experienced it will always have a strong opinion.