As a seasoned theme park enthusiast and horror aficionado who has braved the scariest corners of Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights and even attended the infamous Evil Dead: The Musical, I must say that Alien Encounter sounds like an electrifying, blood-curdling adventure tailor-made for thrill-seekers like myself. The idea of a play based on Disney World’s long-defunct Extra TERRORestrial Alien Encounter is not only intriguing but also utterly captivating.
Disney has produced films derived from theme park attractions, with only the Pirates of the Caribbean series achieving blockbuster status. Nevertheless, there are multiple upcoming movies based on Disney-themed rides in development. However, a new play inspired by one of Disney World’s most terrifying attractions, the long-gone Extra TERRORestrial Alien Encounter, promises to be quite distinctive.
Trepany House, an experimental theater group based in Los Angeles, is presenting a fresh production this month titled “Alien Encounter.” This performance, according to its creators, serves as a humorous take or mockery of the now-defunct Magic Kingdom attraction that was shut down because spectators found it overly intense. Co-creator Amit Itelman shares more about the show with Variety…
They’ll encounter a savage, meat-eating alien from outer space for a quarter of an hour, an entity driven solely by the urge to unleash destruction on our home planet, Earth.
Although it may not seem like something you’d expect at Disney World, it truly was that kind of experience. Originally intended to be part of the Alien series before being transformed into an original idea, Extra TERRORestrial immersed visitors in a round theater setting. In the center stood a glass tube, housing a colossal terrifying alien. When the lights dimmed, the alien would break free, creating quite a thrill.
Visitors would subsequently encounter an array of sensations in complete darkness, thanks to motion simulator-like chairs, directional sound systems, and additional techniques designed to create a sense that the alien presence was encompassing them, ready to strike at any instant.
When pondering theme parks and horror, many people immediately associate this with Universal parks and Halloween Horror Nights. In contrast to these events, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World is more of a festive celebration during the spooky season, as Disney content generally avoids being excessively frightening.
However, the Alien Encounter attraction managed to do just that – create quite a scare. To ensure visitors knew what to expect, a disclaimer was posted outside. Unfortunately, due to its intense fright factor, particularly for the younger audience, it operated for only about a decade before closing down.
Initially, Alien Encounter was changed to Stitch’s Great Escape. While the fundamental idea remained the same, the terror was exchanged for humor when Stitch started causing chaos in the dark. However, for many who experienced it, Stitch’s Great Escape felt just as frightening – not because it was scary, but because it was considered the least enjoyable attraction at Disney World until its closure.
Although Alien Encounter might have been overly intense for Disney World, Itelman indicates that it fits perfectly within the context of Trepany House’s performance.
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.
For those planning to see the new Alien Encounter play, be aware that by the end of the performance, you may find yourself splattered with blood. Having been to Evil Dead: The Musical, I can relate, but this event seems significantly more intense. The Alien Encounter runs every weekend until October 31st.
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2024-10-04 23:39