In June 1995, Disney World debuted a new theater-in-the-round attraction inside the Tomorrowland section dubbed “ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter.” Inspired by the first Alien movie, the attraction was relatively short-lived, but like many old things, it’s being revived. The twist? Said return is being led by non-profit organization Trepany House, which is turning “Alien Encounter” into a stage play.
Per Variety, Trepany will run its parody version of “Alien” every weekend through the month of October at the Titmouse Warehouse over in Hollywood. If you remember the official “Alien Encounter” attraction, you know that it was pretty bloody for its time, and so will the play. Its press release emphasizes attendees “will be covered in blood” and should “dress accordingly.” (So, something you don’t mind getting extremely dirty, and probably not white?)
The attraction’s Alien influences were so deep, it was originally titled Nostromo and would’ve used the Xenomorph as the central creature. Since it was R-rated, Disney nixed that, so the connections were taken out, and it was reworked to put the audience in the same room as an alien that’s just broken out of containment. Audiences initially took to “Alien Encounter” and the binaural sound and 4D effects used to simulate the alien breathing on their necks and blood sprays. But over time, they got vocal about its violence and scary nature, which impacted its popularity, so Disney fully shut it down in 2003 to be replaced by a Lilo & Stitch-themed ride.
Co-creator Amit Itelman told Variety the play would similary make audiences “experience 25 minutes of being face to face with a ferocious flesh-eating extra-terrestrial whose only instinct is to release carnage upon this planet Earth.” But he and Franklin intend to kick things up a notch with a new script and live actors for a “total retelling of the concept.” Fellow creator Adam Franklin’s “vivid memories” of the attraction spurred the desire to revive it for the stage, along with their love of “the insanity Disney attempted. It was so totally inappropriate for Disney Parks, but so very appropriate for Trepany House.”
If all that sounds like your cup of bloody tea, tickets for the “Alien Encounter” play can be purchased here. While most showings will be on Fridays and Saturdays, the show will close out in full on Wednesday, October 30, and Thursday on Halloween itself.
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