On September 21, 2003, Magic Kingdom announced that a new "Lilo & Stitch" themed attraction would be replacing ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter. On October 10, the park announced more details about the new attraction. It would be named Stitch's Great Escape! and would reuse the Alien Encounter technology. Because Alien Encounter was too scary and intense for kids, officials wanted to make the new attraction less scary and more family-friendly. Just two days later, Alien Encounter would close to the public on October 12 and the "Lilo & Stitch" remodel was underway.