Kevin Perger discusses the history of the now-defunct Disney attraction "Extraterrestrial Alien Encounter" which was located in the Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland from 1994 to 2003. The attraction was initially conceived as a tie-in with Ridley Scott's "Alien" but was eventually reworked into an original concept. The show featured a teleportation demonstration gone wrong, resulting in an alien being transported into the room and causing chaos. The attraction was known for its intense and frightening experience, with special effects including water misting to simulate the alien's saliva and surround sound speakers to enhance the atmosphere. The attraction was eventually replaced by "Stitch's Great Escape" in 2004, with reasons for its closure including guest complaints about its intensity and the arrest of actor Jeffrey Jones, who appeared in the attraction's footage, for child-related charges.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Michael Eisner became the CEO of Disney in 1984.
2. Eisner wanted to make Disney more appealing to teenagers.
3. A survey was conducted to determine why teenagers were not visiting Disney parks.
4. The survey found that Disney lacked thrill rides.
5. Instead of adding roller coasters, Eisner decided to add exciting and intense shows to the parks.
6. George Lucas collaborated with Eisner to add attractions like Star Tours and the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular.
7. Eisner wanted to incorporate Ridley Scott's Alien into the parks.
8. The idea for an Alien-themed ride was initially met with resistance from head imagineers.
9. A small group of young imagineers revived the idea and pitched it again.
10. The attraction Mission to Mars was retooled and became the basis for the new ride.
11. The new ride was called Extraterrestrial Alien Encounter.
12. The ride opened in 1994 in the Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland.
13. The ride was divided into three parts: a pre-show, a demo, and the main show.
14. The ride featured special effects, including surround sound speakers and water misting.
15. The ride's story involved an alien being transported into the room and causing chaos.
16. The ride was closed in 2003 and replaced by Stitch's Great Escape.
17. Stitch's Great Escape was a kid-friendly version of the Alien Encounter ride.
18. Jeffrey Jones, who starred in the Alien Encounter ride, was arrested in 2002 for child pornography and luring.
19. The arrest may have contributed to the closure of the Alien Encounter ride.