Disney once nearly created an Alien vs. Predator land at one of its parks but decided to cancel everything.
Luckily, some concept artwork was released before the considerable decision was made.
Related: Forecasters Issue 48-Hour Warning to All Disney World Guests
Overview of the Canceled Alien vs. Predator Disney Theme Park Land
The proposed Alien vs. Predator land was an ambitious project that promised to immerse fans in the dark and thrilling worlds of two iconic sci-fi franchises. Originally conceived as part of 20th Century Fox World in Malaysia, this land would have allowed visitors to step into the terrifying universes of both the Alien and Predator films. The project was a bold move, blending horror elements with cutting-edge theme park attractions, and offered an immersive experience unlike anything Disney had attempted before.
Concept and Vision for the Land
The central concept behind Alien vs. Predator land was to create a fully immersive environment that would bring the tension, excitement, and terror of the films to life. Disney aimed to appeal to an older, more mature audience by offering a departure from its traditional family-friendly content. This thematic shift reflected the growing popularity of sci-fi horror and the potential for these darker, more intense stories to find a home within the theme park industry.
Location and Initial Plans
Alien vs. Predator land was originally set to be the highlight of 20th Century Fox World in Malaysia, a theme park dedicated to bringing various film franchises to life. Following Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019, however, the project faced significant changes. Legal disputes and Disney’s focus on rebranding the park for a broader audience led to the cancellation of the original plans.
Related: Health Concerns Rise at Disney: Visitors Claim to Catch ‘Worst Illness You Can Imagine’
Transition from 20th Century Fox World to Genting SkyWorlds
In the wake of Disney’s acquisition, 20th Century Fox World underwent a complete rebranding, eventually reopening as Genting SkyWorlds in 2022. With this transformation, many of the darker, more intense attractions tied to the Alien vs. Predator universe were either canceled or reimagined to fit a more family-friendly narrative. Fans of the original concept were left disappointed, as the rich storytelling potential of these franchises was lost in the transition.
The Central Ride: AvP: Descent Into Darkness
The centerpiece of the canceled Alien vs. Predator land was the ride AvP: Descent Into Darkness. This attraction was designed to blend high-speed thrills with an immersive, narrative-driven experience. Riders would have entered a Weyland-Yutani mining facility on a remote planet, only to find themselves plunged into a battle between Aliens and Predators.
Featuring state-of-the-art technology, the ride was set to include intense elements like the Tumble Table, Tilt ‘n’ Drop, and Side Slide, designed to keep riders on the edge of their seats. Guests would navigate the harrowing environments of an alien-infested facility, with stunning practical effects and immersive screen technology creating the illusion of being inside a sci-fi horror film.
Related: Thousands of Disney World Vacations Threatened: 72-Hour Rescheduling Deadline Approaching
Additional Attractions and Themes Disney Almost Made
Beyond AvP: Descent Into Darkness, the land would have featured several other attractions rooted in the lore of the Alien and Predator franchises. These included a drop ride called Terraform Tower Challenge, inspired by the Colonial Marines‘ battles with extraterrestrial creatures. Other planned experiences would have focused on survival scenarios and combat training, offering guests a chance to engage with the thrilling, action-packed universe.
The Planned Immersive Restaurant
Adding to the immersive atmosphere was a restaurant concept designed after the spaceship Nostromo, the setting of the original Alien film. This dining experience would have allowed guests to enjoy sci-fi-inspired meals while surrounded by sets that recreated the eerie, claustrophobic environment of the movie. The idea was to create a gathering space where fans could further immerse themselves in the Alien universe and reflect on their park experiences.
Narrative and Setting of the Ride
The storyline of AvP: Descent Into Darkness followed guests as they explored a Weyland-Yutani mining facility. What began as a routine mission to uncover valuable resources quickly devolved into a nightmarish encounter with both Aliens and Predators. This thrilling narrative was designed to put guests at the center of the action, making them feel like they were part of an epic sci-fi adventure.
Related: America’s Sweetheart Dolly Parton Announces Presidential Run Against Donald Trump
Unique Ride Features and Technologies Disney Wanted
The ride was set to introduce groundbreaking technology to enhance the guest experience. Features like the Tumble Table, Tilt ‘n’ Drop, and Side Slide would have combined fast-paced movements with special effects, creating an experience that went beyond traditional roller coasters. This fusion of practical set design and screen technology aimed to fully immerse riders in the terrifying world of Aliens and Predators.
Themed Queue Experience
Even the queue for AvP: Descent Into Darkness was designed to be part of the story. Guests would have walked through a realistic mining facility, transitioning from industrial workspaces to labs filled with Alien specimens. This carefully curated atmosphere set the stage for the ride, immersing guests in the eerie world long before they boarded the ride vehicles.
Challenges and Aftermath of the Cancellation
Disney’s Acquisition and Impact
Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox fundamentally altered the fate of the Alien vs. Predator land. Legal complications and Disney’s commitment to a family-friendly image ultimately led to the project’s cancellation. The potential for a dark, immersive sci-fi horror experience clashed with Disney’s broader corporate priorities, resulting in the abandonment of the original vision.
Rebranding and Retheming of the Disney Attractions
Many of the planned attractions were rebranded to fit the new, family-friendly vision for Genting SkyWorlds. Terraform Tower Challenge, for example, was stripped of its ties to the Alien franchise and reimagined as a more generic drop ride. While the mechanical elements of the rides remained, much of the rich narrative context that fans had anticipated was lost.
Legacy and Nostalgia Among Fans
Despite the cancellation, the concept of an Alien vs. Predator land continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans. Concept art and early plans for the project still circulate in fan communities, fueling discussions about what could have been. The ambitious vision behind the land has sparked nostalgia and curiosity, with fans dreaming of a theme park experience that might have brought their favorite sci-fi worlds to life.
Though the Alien vs. Predator land never came to fruition, the project serves as a reminder of the potential for more mature, narrative-driven experiences in theme parks. The love for the Alien and Predator franchises endures, and fans continue to hope for future attractions that embrace the darker, more intense storytelling of these iconic films.
