Meega Na La Kareesta
First of all, I am a huge Alien Encounter fanatic. I own every piece of merchandise associated with the attraction and it is one the things I miss most in life, such as Horizons and Dreamflight. I was saddened greatly by it's passing and went to one of the last shows where I gave a standing ovation. Having said that, myself and Djali999, of this same forum, attended previews for the first time 3 days ago. We both were very skeptical and afraid about what we would soon witness. We chanted, "Please don't let it suck" as we waited to go into the building.
The first preshow video did not help much as it contained some of the most ridiculous dialogue ever uttered in a Disney attraction. The animation also wasn't too impressive. We entered the second preshow and got our first look at Skippy and Sergeant Richard Kind. The whole preshow served no purpose and we were soon warned of the arrival of Stitch and herded into the main show room. At this point we had already had several moments where we turned to each other in utter disbelief of what was unfolding.
The main show was just as baffling, albeit eventful. However, the special effects immediately impressed both of us. The main show incorporated several effects that were attempted in AE but never worked until now. It is clear that the main show had a lot of money and thought put into it. When we exited, all we could agree on was that we just went on one of the most amazingly random attractions ever. Joining the ranks of The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in DL and Buzz Lightyear's AstroBlasters in TDL. We both immediately called friends and family to discuss the attraction and spent all of lunch, Mansion, and Pirates discussing it. It soon became apparent that we didn't know what to make of it but one thing was clear, we had to go on it again.
This second time through we found the first preshow hysterically entertaining. It is very brisk, easy for a two year old to understand, and accomplishes nothing except spouting dialogue and gags that produce a varied reaction in the audience. It is not entirely successful but it effectively lays the groundwork for the main show in a very short time period. It also establishes the silly and irreverent tone to follow.
Preshow number 2 is entirely different from its AE counterpart, tonally and technically. The Sarge is not merely S.I.R. with a new hat and pillow on his stomach. He far outpaces the (still impressive) S.I.R. animatronic in many respects. Skippy is mainly decoration, however even that figure has been spruced up and his noises are a pleasing reminder of AE. It's also nice to be able to admire him without afterward having to witness his murder. The other felon alien that occupies the second tube is amazingly expressive and fluid even in the short duration of his role.
Djali and myself believe that those who dislike the attraction came to that conclusion during this preshow, which is understandable, as it serves no apparent purpose. Many children who begin screaming on this attraction begin to do so at the conclusion of the preshow. There is a lot of panic, flashing lights, and loud shouting in the last few minutes of the preshow. Up to this point there has been absolutely no mention of Stitch other than the fact that a "level 3" prisoner is on the way. This worries many young children as they have no way of knowing that this "level 3" is in fact Stitch. Unlike AE, everything up to Stitch being teleported in is on a "timer" and the feel of being rushed is very effective. This is why children are frightened of this attraction going into the main show.
The main show is a textbook example of what imagineering can do given free reign and proper funding. It’s practically impossible for you to remember that you are watching an animatronic figure on the podium. Stitch is the BEST figure that imagineering has ever done, including Lucky the Dinosaur, Wicked Witch ala GMR, and Hopper from DCA. He moves every bit as fluidly as the figures in Sinbad at TDS. He is the pinnacle of imagineering art as it stands today. So are the plasma cannons. So are the lighting effects. So are the tactile effects. We would go as far to say that the main chamber of this attraction is as visually detailed, technically inventive, and genuinely delightful as the crown jewels of the imagineering enterprise; Pirates, Mansion, Indy, Tower, Splash. In fact it is so rich in visual effects that many fly by so quickly, they barely register the first several times. Djali and I agree that the attraction is so dense that there is no way that anyone can form a concrete opinion based one viewing alone.
It is understandable that people are reacting badly to this attraction. We reacted badly to it the first time as well. In fact several of these posts bring up valid points about the attraction. No, it does not go anywhere. Yes, it has no ending. Yes, it is difficult to latch on to the tone the first go through (something that imagineering usually excels at). But, the attraction deserves more serious consideration than many are going to give it. We cannot stop talking about this attraction. We also can’t stop riding it either. Collectively, we have ridden it 10 times in 2 days. We will frantically phone one another with any and all updates regarding its preview schedule in hopes of more rides.
We believe that the attraction is not centered around a main “forward thrust” but that its many delightful charms are in small moments and gags. The Sarge is so bored with his job that he talks to his wife on the phone and impatiently mimics the computer countdown to teleportation on his fingers. When notified of the incoming “level 3”, all three figures in the preshow momentarily flail about in panic. During a power failure, the plasma cannons droop limply, swinging back and forth (remember- these are huge and dangerous animated props that in several moments are only a few feet above guest’s heads. The view from below them is heart stopping).
Stitch cheerily waves good-bye as he is teleported away. His announcement of “Meega Na La Kreesta” early in the show is intentionally hilariously over the top, complete with flashing lights and rising smoke. We find that to be one of the highlights of the attraction. After Gantu leaves the guests alone with Stitch, you are witness to among the most beautiful three-dimensional character animation ever attempted as he taunts the plasma cannons.
We have other favorite moments as well but it would be frankly too exhaustive to list them all here. Stitch’s Great Escape, for the two of us, generates more genuine delight than many of the other attractions on property. Its re-watchability eclipses that of Mission Space.
It is true that you may not share our unique sense of humor and it is true that in many areas the attraction can be a bit rocky. The bouncing restraint effect is not as effectively used as it was in AE and the effect is somewhat botched as a result. The on screen animation can be awkward and it was foolish of Disney to not take this attraction into consideration when they dissolved the traditional animation department, but we are not going to open that can of worms. But, the attraction is wise in that it does not attempt to do what AE did so effectively. It’s a whole different bird. Or alien. Pun. It succeeds at what it set out to do, which is utter chaos. And it grows on you in kind of a funny way.
It is disconcerting that many people are calling this attraction out without having given it a fair chance. It is certainly not Alien Encounter and it is certainly not what many people probably expect, casual tourists and aficionados alike. It is a bold attraction in that it has enough faith in itself and it’s creators to not stop for a second as it rockets you through its illogical and insane universe. This can be viewed as a handicap but we view it as an unexpected but welcome surprise. At least in that way it is remarkably similar to Chris Sanders film on which it was based.
It does not dumb down nor take away the edge of what the space was designed to be used for. Neither does it go to the extreme of cuteness or “zaniness”. It’s just about right. As much as imagineering was touting a more friendly take on the attraction the simple fact remains that Disney attractions DO frighten children, HAVE frightened children, and will CONTINUE to frighten children. Everyone reacts to things differently, children included. Imagineering was in a no win situation short of gutting the building. Those children that react badly appear to be in the minority. We heard one young boy say “Stitch….” in total amazement when the figure appeared. Reactions like that remind us what Disney magic actually means. It must be noted that every time we went through the attraction the crowd reacted increasingly well suggesting repeat visitors.
It is way too early to close the book on this attraction. It deserves consideration and is not going anywhere anytime soon. With all the opinions being expressed on this board, Djali and I feel that, considering ourselves two hard won fans, we would simply like to make the other opinion known. You do not have to agree with us but we have been writing this thing for 90 minutes now so it’s evident that we feel strongly about this attraction. J And that my friends, is our defense!
Back and to the left. Back and to the left. Back and to the left. Back and to the left. Back and to the left.
