Originally posted by Captain Cab
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.
). If SGE doesn't have much re-rideablilty for kids it will fail. It's going to be interesting to see how this attraction works. They could very well have a new Buzz Lightyear (over time now. we all know it will be huge the first year or so) or it could be the next JIYI. We'll just have to wait and see.
