Stitch’s Great Escape! Official!

MrNonacho

Premium Member
As a certain governor-elect once said, "STOP WHINING!" No amount of it will save AE, and besides, whining on an Internet forum is never going to be as effective as writing good, old-fashioned letters to the people in charge.

As far as the story goes, we don't even know it yet! We know the gist of it, but we have absolutely no clue whatsoever about its details. Think about it: Imagine that you went back in time to before AE was finished. All you knew is that the attraction is about seeing a demonstration of teleportation technology (gone wrong, with an alien) in a convention center. You'd probably wonder why the heck you'd be restrained there, wouldn't you? It isn't until you learn more of the details that you find that they are "analysis modules." I guarantee that they will explain the story while you are experiencing it.

Regarding the animatronics, I just hope Stitch will be better than an alien that spins back and forth and is only visible for about 15 seconds.

I realize that some people would prefer that AE stay, and I respect their opinion. However, whining the day before it will close seems like a waste of time to me. I just say, wait and see.

Sorry if I offended anyone.
 

Legacy

Well-Known Member
Originally Posted By MKCustodial-
I mean, Stitch wasn't "playfull" in the beginning of the movie he was EVIL, so they're toning him down for the attraction and, therefore, screwing up continuity.
I never really got the impression that Stitch was 'Evil' per say in any of the five or six times I have seen the movie. I really think 'playfully disobediant' is about as good a description that you can get of Stitch. Imagine taking a spoiled child, giving him the power to do anything, and then letting him do it. The destruction factor (from the film) really only came into play at the beginning of the movie when Stich was trying to escape. I see nothing wrong with Stitch's motives there. Yeah, he hit dogs and such, but so do spoiled children.

Originally Posted By AndyMagic-
Yeah I don't know why you guys that hated AE are happy we are getting Stitch. It is exactly the same attraction except all the best characters are being thrown in the trash and replaced by a character from a semi-hit Disney film that wasn't even all that good in the first place. The clever story about XS-Tech will be lost and replaced by "security guards" that are STRAPPED INTO SEATS?? Wow, if you ever want to capture a bad guy... be sure to strap the security guards down into a chair!! The story makes zero sense. Also, AE already HAD incredibly sophisticated AA. It burns me to think they are wasting money upgrading some of the best AA on property while Snow White still has cardboard flats. Why not put the money where it is needed? UGH!!! Mark my words... this will become the new Journey into Imagination. A travesty beyond all words that Disney will have to sink MORE money into to fix their shoddy work the first time around.
Wow man, you are really disgruntled about this change aren't you? Okay, I will agree that the story doesn't make since. I will agree that AE already had incredibly sophisticated AudioA's. And yeah, AE had a pretty clever story. But... Stitch wasn't just a semi-hit film; it has probably the best marketing license to grace Disney's coffers since the Lion King. You say it wasn't that good in the first place, I say that is a matter of opinion. I personally love the movie and think it is the best thing since the Lion King. That is what Disney is catering to. Regular guest (ie, not us) don't care about continuity. Parents don't care about anything at the park but their kids. The KIDS (that's the key here) care about Stitch in any way shape or form. That is what Disney is counting on and that is what they are delivering. AE got a lot of complaints becasue kids would come out crying; that ain't going to happen anymore (as much of a shame it is). I will be sad to say farewell to Fluffy and SIR, and sure even Chairman Clench (mostly Fluffy); but I am stoked to be able to see a life-sized 626 in a glass tube (even more so to see him get out).

RIP AE
 

CTXRover

Well-Known Member
Originally posted by MrNonacho

Regarding the animatronics, I just hope Stitch will be better than an alien that spins back and forth and is only visible for about 15 seconds.

This is where I think, and hope, that SGE really outshines AE. Right now the "actual show" is just a few glimpses of an animatronic with VERY limited movement capabilities that we hardly see between the fact that most of the attraction is in the dark and the chamber fills with fog a lot (although I really like that animatronic and if Disney wants, I'll buy it ;) :lol: ). It sounds like in SGE we will actually be entertained by the Stitch animatronic vs just being terrorized in the dark with loud sounds and some restraint movement on your shoulder, so you better believe its going to be one of Disney's "most advanced".

If nobody minds, I would like to create a hypothetical situation :D :lol: Let's say we had SGE first, with a great animatronic you actually saw during the show and were entertained by (ala the great animatronic shows at Epcot and TCBJ). Then AE replaced it with its very limited visibility of an animatronic. Instead, we were placed into the room that is dark for most of the show. I can bet there would be people who would complain that stitch was removed for a "cheaper animatronic and a show that relied on cheap scare tactics". I know that doesn't help true AE fans, but just take a minute and think of it from that point of view ;)
 

dxwwf3

Well-Known Member
Originally posted by MrNonacho
As a certain governor-elect once said, "STOP WHINING!" No amount of it will save AE, and besides, whining on an Internet forum is never going to be as effective as writing good, old-fashioned letters to the people in charge.

As far as the story goes, we don't even know it yet! We know the gist of it, but we have absolutely no clue whatsoever about its details. Think about it: Imagine that you went back in time to before AE was finished. All you knew is that the attraction is about seeing a demonstration of teleportation technology (gone wrong, with an alien) in a convention center. You'd probably wonder why the heck you'd be restrained there, wouldn't you? It isn't until you learn more of the details that you find that they are "analysis modules." I guarantee that they will explain the story while you are experiencing it.

Regarding the animatronics, I just hope Stitch will be better than an alien that spins back and forth and is only visible for about 15 seconds.

I realize that some people would prefer that AE stay, and I respect their opinion. However, whining the day before it will close seems like a waste of time to me. I just say, wait and see.

Sorry if I offended anyone.

You could be right on the story expanding suring the preshows. But I don't think you should tell us to stop whining. I mean you have been pretty adamant on wanting AE gone and you have sort of rubbed it in our face (not in a mean way but rubbing it in nonetheless :lol: ). I think your avatar says it all :lol: . If you can can tell us how glad you to see AE go we should be able to whine just a little.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

All kidding aside you could be right. We'll have to wait and see.
 

Wilt Dasney

Well-Known Member
First of all, for those who say that the Stitch theme doesn't fit into Tomorrowland...that ship has sailed. Buzz Lightyear doesn't exactly offer a vision of the future, either, but the space travel theme is there. That's what Tomorrowland essentially stands for now: space travel, weird aliens, and anything else that can fit into that general theme, so I don't think Stitch will stand out like a sore thumb.

As for AE: Not gonna miss it. I just don't get off on being strapped down in the dark and being breathed and spit on. I'm probably more suggestible to the "mindf***" element than some, because at age 20, I was pretty damn creeped out there (and not in a fun way). I just kept thinking, "Yeah, I know it's fake, but what if a real flesh-eating alien got in here while the show was going on? Would they know?" :eek: :lookaroun

For an average child, the fright factor must have been gargantuan...and I don't think they ever did a good job of communicating just how intense that attraction was to parents.

So bring on Stitch, I say.
 

Wilt Dasney

Well-Known Member
Originally posted by Kicker
AE got a lot of complaints becasue kids would come out crying; that ain't going to happen anymore (as much of a shame it is

Yeah, that's the bottom line for me. I saw kids absolutely scared out of their minds by that thing; in my opinion, no amount of originality or edginess is worth that, in a place that's supposed to cater to families, and kids, in particular.

I remember being absolutely terrified by Snow White's Scary Adventures when I was a tyke (way before the "toning down" rehab). It's silly to me now, but kids see things differently, and even though I don't find the attraction remotely scary anymore, I can still remember the absolute terror I felt from that ride at age 22. I don't think that's the type of thing Disney should be offering (not at MK, anyway, the most kid-friendly park), and if there are certain attractions that tend to inspire that reaction from youngsters, they should do a better job of communicating that to parents. I have a few ideas about how they could do better in that regard, but that's another discussion...
 

MrNonacho

Premium Member
Originally posted by dxwwf3
I mean you have been pretty adamant on wanting AE gone

It's not that I want it gone, it's just that I don't mind it leaving. :) I enjoy the show and will be there tomorrow (if I can shake this cold), but I think there's just as good a chance that SGE will be better as it will be worse. I would really like to see them wow us with the new show. I guess I'm just trying to look on the bright side. It's often hard to see an attraction go, but with the recent long stretch of the parks getting hardly anything, I try to embrace any new thing on the drawing boards.
 

SNS

Active Member
Originally posted by MrNonacho
As a certain governor-elect once said, "STOP WHINING!" No amount of it will save AE, and besides, whining on an Internet forum is never going to be as effective as writing good, old-fashioned letters to the people in charge.

I doubt anyone thinks their complaining is going to do anything, they are simply voicing their disapproval.
 

AndyMagic

Well-Known Member
Originally posted by Wilt Dasney

As for AE: Not gonna miss it. I just don't get off on being strapped down in the dark and being breathed and spit on.

So bring on Stitch, I say. [/B]
lol... this makes no sense. If you didn't like AE, why are you saying, "bring on stitch?" You will still be in the dark with random effects being thrown at you. It'll be the same attraction pretty much. That's why I am so confused about this stitch redo. People who hate AE won't suddenly fall in love with Stitch and the AE fans are just going to be upset. :fork:
 

RogueHabit

Well-Known Member
Oh well, kinda sad, had really hoped to get one more Encounter in before it went but will miss it by a week. :(

But we must be positive. It will be something new that the kids can enjoy on our next trip.:)

I suppose we will have to actually watch Lilo and Stitch before our next trip then, but that won't be until July 2005 so we have plenty of time.

Yes, it is true, none of us in this household have seen the movie...:rolleyes:
 

meeko_33785

Well-Known Member
Originally posted by AndyMagic
lol... this makes no sense. If you didn't like AE, why are you saying, "bring on stitch?" You will still be in the dark with random effects being thrown at you. It'll be the same attraction pretty much. That's why I am so confused about this stitch redo. People who hate AE won't suddenly fall in love with Stitch and the AE fans are just going to be upset. :fork:

I'm hoping that adding Stitch into the show will actually help the show. Replacing the current version's sadistic and dark humor with Stitch's playful, mischevious humor will help the show greatly.
 

Wilt Dasney

Well-Known Member
Just to clarify my own quotes, I don't think Stitch's presence will suddenly make me like the effects any more, but the feel of AE combined with those effects is what I really didn't care for.

So to that end, I say "Bring on Stitch." I don't expect to fall in love with the new attraction, but I'll almost definitely enjoy it more than the current attraction, same effects or not.
 

MicBat

Well-Known Member
I have really high hopes for this attraction! After doing AE so many times, I've grown sort of tired of the whole thing! Any mention of an opening date?
 

CTXRover

Well-Known Member
Originally posted by AndyMagic
You will still be in the dark with random effects being thrown at you. It'll be the same attraction pretty much.

I don't think I would bet on that quite yet ;) The re-do is to make it "less scary" to the young'ins. I would NOT be surprised if this attraction will use the effects in a "new" way that will NOT require being in the dark for so long. Otherwise, how would just adding Stitch doing the same things as the alien help to make it less frightening for the kids? The complete darkness is what freaks a lot of people out. I imagine Stitch will not have these long periods of darkness. I'm hoping and thinking "the show" will require a lot more visibility of the Stitch animatronic than we ever get of the Alien, hence the quote that Imagineers are developing some of the most "advanced audio-animatronics" ever designed by Imagineering :)
 

Tower/of/Terror

Account Suspended
I just thought of something they might do with the "water" effect...


In the movie, Stitch is captured, then monitored by those red and white things hanging from the ceiling. So, he starts to play with his spit, drooling up and down and up and down. Then, he takes a huge spit at the wall and the monitors follow and fire their lasers at it.

I thought that would be a real cool idea for the ride, seing as how it happens in the movie and all. You know, he could be hanging their, looking like hes doing his spit thing, then "WHAM!" a big splat of "spit" in you face.. then the monitors go wild, reaking more havoc..

Sounds cool to me, I wonder if Disney thought the same? :veryconfu
 

Captain Cab

New Member
Originally posted by Wilt Dasney
Yeah, that's the bottom line for me. I saw kids absolutely scared out of their minds by that thing; in my opinion, no amount of originality or edginess is worth that, in a place that's supposed to cater to families, and kids, in particular.

A counter-point would be that Alien Encounter was never designed for kids. The Imagineers were told to make the ride scary, and that's exactly what they did. When Eisner previewed it and told them to make it even scarier, that's exactly what they did. This thing was made to scare adults, and they did a very good job at that.

As for the parents with the scared kids, that can mostly (not every exact case works out this way) be blamed on the parents. It's their responsibility to gather as much information about the attraction as possible before taking their kid through the experience. As for Alien Encounter, there are four main warning areas before the first preshow starts.

First, the name of the attraction is The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter. A name like that has to make you wonder about the attraction. Second, there are numerous warning signs in the line queue and at the entrance to the attraction. These signs all explain that the show is quite intense and may not be appropriate for small children. Kinda funny how you don't see those signs outside something like the Haunted Mansion (the kid friendly scary ride with a scary name). Third, while waiting outside the main doors outside the building a Cast Member explains on the loud speaker that the attraction is intense, takes place in periods of complete darkness, and may not be appropriate for small children. Finally, the actual cast members who know everything about the ride are standing right there at the entrance. If you have a question or any doubt about the attraction, just go ahead and talk to them! They're not going to lie to you! If parents still ignore those warnings then they cannot blame anybody but themselves if their kid has a bad time on the attraction.

As for making the rides even more kid friendly in the Magic Kingdom, that just doesn't make a whole lot of sense. No matter what kids will always want to go to Walt Disney World. They love the rides and will always want to come back for more. It's been that way ever since Disneyland opened its gates back in 1955, and it's not likely going to change anytime in our lifetimes. As long as they can meet and greet the characters and get on their favorite rides in Fantasyland and Adventureland, then for the most part they'll be happy. Sure they'd probably be happier with Stitch instead of Alien Encounter, but no matter what they'll be happy just for being in the Disney parks. How much more kid friendly is a park supposed to get after already adding rides such as Buzz Lightyear, Winnie the Pooh, and the Magic Carpets of Aladdin? The park was already neck deep in kid friendliness before those additions.

The question is, what's wrong with having a thrilling ride or two in the Magic Kingdom? Something besides a roller coaster-type ride. Disney already owns the market for children and families, so why not keep trying to attract more teens and young adults?

Sure Alien Encounter may be a bit outdated and no longer drawing the crowds like it used to, but all it probably needed was a minor update. Some added special effects or a minor change to the storyline or something. Not a total conversion with the cast from the Stitch movies. I know I'm speaking prematurely about the new ride, but it's just devestating to myself and the other fans that Disney is taking a piece of amusement park history and replacing it with a new attraction.


On a side note, if any of you still have one of those "Save Skippy" t-shirts now would be the time to wear it. It won't stop the ride from being removed, but it'll let the managers know how we feel about them replacing attractions (Mr. Toad, Horizons, World of Motion, 20,000 Leagues . . .).


MrNonacho -

You basically told us to "stop whining" because Alien Encounter is going away. It's obvious you aren't a fan of the ride, and frankly you could care less of our opinions and feelings. I'll try to be compassionate when one of your favorite attractions goes away, but I have to warn you that my memory isn't that good.

There is absolutely nothing that any of us could do that would keep Alien Encounter alive and running. Protesting outside the attraction won't work. Writing letters won't work. Making phone calls won't work. Boycotting the parks/company won't work. And finally complaining at City Hall won't work. Absolutely nothing short of Eisner himself will save Alien Encounter in the Magic Kingdom. A version of the ride may some day be resurrected in another Disney park across the globe, but chances are likely it'll never happen. After all, the ride has apparently already failed once, so why should they decide to build it again? The only thing we can do is protest enough so hopefully rides in the future won't meet the same fate as the others.

As for people complaining here in cyberspace, it's just a way of venting our anger and frustration with the company. It's human nature and perfectly normal. If you don't like it go look in another thread. Just don't tell us to "stop whining" when you apparently never gave a d*mn of the ride in the first place.

Sorry if I offended anyone.

Note - I'll be away for the weekend, so any responses will be delt with on Monday.
 

mickhyperion

Active Member
I think the Stitch makeover is a great idea. It brings a popular Disney character and Disney storyline into a Disney park. What a concept. (See Peter Pan, Snow White, Winnie the Pooh, etc). Its no more or less valid in Tomorrowland than the Carousel of Progress, Timekeeper, the Indy Speedway, or the Rocket Jets. It brings excitement and interest for a lot of people and will be popular with more than just the kids. I'm 36 with no kids and I think it will be great.

I thought AE was dumb beyond belief. Idiotic dialogue. Not scary in the least, nor entertaining. Good riddance.
 

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