‘Alien Encounter’ immersive show in Los Angeles paying tribute to Magic Kingdom attraction is a bloody good time
In the heart of Hollywood, Calif. sits an unassuming warehouse where an experiment is happening. Inside, an alien is being teleported. But not everything goes as planned and the observers in attendance are not safe. This storyline might sound familiar if you remember the Magic Kingdom attraction ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter.
One of the most infamous Disney attractions ever created lived in Tomorrowland at Walt Disney World from 1995-2003. It was a time when then-CEO Michael Eisner was trying to get more thrilling attractions into the parks. But many considered ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter too frightening for the family fun park, as chronicled in the Orlando Sentinel.
The now-defunct attraction certainly left an impression on those who experienced it, including a young Adam Franklin. Now many years later, Franklin and creative partner Amit Itelman have lovingly “recreated” their version of the polarizing Magic Kingdom attraction in a live stage show.
“Alien Encounter” is an immersive experience showcasing some mix between a love letter and parody of the original attraction. In the process, Franklin and Itelman have created something like you’ve never experienced before.
Even before the show officially began, I could tell it was created by some die-hard Disney parks fans. If you’ve ever visited a Disney theme park, there’s a good chance you’ve come across a member of the custodial team using the pavement as their canvas to “paint” a detailed drawing of Mickey Mouse, or other beloved Disney character, with simply their broom and water.
The “Alien Encounter” experience begins with a deadpan actor portraying a custodial Disney cast member as they lamely attempt to draw three basic circles in the shape of Mickey. From the moment the actor dipped her broom into a puddle of water, I knew what she was going to do, and it immediately brought a smile to my face. From that moment on, I had a grin from ear to ear literally causing my face to be in pain by the end of the approximately 25-minute experience.
To get to our seats for the show, audience members needed to weave between the lines of a convoluted queue. But don’t even think about taking the more direct shortcut or a “cast member” will immediately correct your path. With “Alien Encounter,” you’re getting the whole Disney parks experience — perhaps even the parts we’d like to forget.
When I first entered the seated area, I immediately noticed two things. The first was the detailed set (including a hidden Mickey) and lighting design, which did a great job recreating the mood and feel of the attraction. The second was how everything was covered in plastic.
Audience members are warned when purchasing a ticket as well as before entering the venue that they will be covered in blood by the end of the experience. When they say “covered,” they’re not kidding. I was absolutely drenched.
With that in mind, I was sure to wear sandals instead of shoes, and had a change of clothes as well as a beach towel in the car waiting for me afterward. It might not be a bad idea to come dressed in a bathing suit. I’m not kidding. This isn’t a situation where you’ll be splashed by water like in a theme park attraction. You will have buckets dumped on you along with other surprises.
And the simulated blood isn’t just water. I later discovered it’s dyed red once I looked in the mirror. I’m happy to report it easily washed off my skin in the shower and came out of my clothes in the wash.
The cast of this show is all around stellar. They do a great job leaning into the absurdity of it all. There are even some moments I won’t spoil here that had me completely fooled. They all seemed to be having a great time in this fast-paced, high-energy production.
I recently interviewed the show’s creators on an episode of my podcast, Dizney Coast to Coast. You can hear the full conversation below.
Whether you’re a fan of the original attraction and want to relive it in a way, or you never got to experience it, a visit to “Alien Encounter” is one that will leave you with a smile on your face … and wet. The show is currently scheduled to run through Jan. 31, 2025. Buy $35 tickets and stay informed about this production by visiting TrepanyHouse.org.
Jeff DePaoli is an event producer and host living in Los Angeles. He graduated from Emerson College where he received a BFA in Theatre. He can be heard as the voice of Disney Trivia on Alexa as well as the host of “Dizney Coast to Coast” podcast, where he and his special guests share honest opinions on all things Disney. DePaoli’s opinions are his own and do not necessarily represent Attractions Magazine.
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