65 - ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter

Join AJ, Mike, and Chris, as we discuss Disney's ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter at Magic Kingdom. Learn about the attraction's history, including its terrifying effects and controversial nature, and how it was eventually retooled and replaced by Stitch's Great Escape. We highlight the initial endeavor to incorporate the Alien franchise, the involvement of key figures like Michael Eisner and George Lucas, its integration into the 1994 Tomorrowland overhaul, and the development challenges. The episode also notes the enduring influence of the attraction, with references in other Disney-related projects and the subsequent use of the attraction space. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 01:12 Halloween Vibes and Spooky Talk 01:39 Alien Encounter at Magic Kingdom 02:53 Nostalgia Trip to 1995 05:41 Michael Eisner's Disney Decade 09:51 Alien Franchise and Disney Parks 15:16 Tomorrowland's Evolution 16:00 Mission to Mars and Tomorrowland 2055 24:07 Disneyland's Abandoned Plans 27:24 Walt Disney World's New Tomorrowland 30:13 The Evolution of Tomorrowland 30:56 Extraterrestrial Alien Encounter: The Controversy 32:19 The Pre-Show Experience 33:09 Reworking the Attraction 34:18 The Creative Minds Behind the Changes 37:10 The New and Improved Show 45:38 The Storyline and Audience Experience 55:27 The Terrifying Alien Encounter 01:03:59 The Alien Encounter Finale 01:04:43 Technical Marvels and Effects 01:07:53 The Cast and Characters 01:09:39 The Attraction's Demise 01:11:21 Stitch's Great Escape 01:13:36 Future of the Attraction Space 01:15:45 Nostalgia and Fun Facts 01:26:18 Listener Comments and Wrap-Up