Armageddon: Les Effets Speciaux

  • May frighten some
View on Land Map

  • Indoor special effects sequence in the hub of a space station film set.

  • Opening Date

    16th March 2002

  • Attraction Type

    Special effects show

  • Location

    Backlot,
    Walt Disney Studios Park

  • Duration

    15 minutes (pre-show),
    5 minutes (main show)

  • Capacity

    200 Extras per shoot

  • Who's it good for?
  • Children 3-7
  • Children 8-12
  • Teens / Young Adults
  • Adults
  • Seniors

Overview

Danger: Hot Set!

Discover the fascinating history of special effects before putting yourself in the picture, as you step onto the intricate film set of an orbiting space station, to film an explosive new effects scene.

As the meteorite shower makes impact, the space station begins to fall apart all around you — the ceiling collapses, the floor creaks, a broken door pulls a vacuum on the room and a series of intense fiery blasts take you closer to Armageddon than you’d ever thought possible.

Trivia & Fun Facts

  • The 'space vacuum' effect sucks sparks, liquid nitrogen and steam through one of the corridor scenes to create the effect of a breach in the space station's hull. The effect, overseen by Imagineer Paul Baily, is entirely unique to this attraction, actually pulling a true vacuum on the entire room through the hatch.
  • Propane gas is used for the fire effects in the attraction, similar to the Catastrophe Canyon and Reign of Fire sets at Studio Tram Tour: Behind the Magic. Armageddon: Les Effets Speciaux has guests getting closer than in any other Disney attraction to these explosive effects. But don't worry — the Imagineers want to frighten you, not fry you!
  • The pre-show features a video introduction by Michael Clark Duncan, who played the role of Jayotis 'Bear' Kurleenbear in the film.
  • The 'Russian Space Station' was recreated by Disney Imagineers for the attraction using not only images from the 1998 Armageddon movie, but also real documentation retrieved from the American Space Agency. As with the real Russian space station, the attraction's film set recreation features bilingual signage in English and Russian.
  • The props on display in the pre-show area are those used in Armageddon, including a space shuttle module and a small space capsule. Outside the attraction, the huge Armadillo drilling machine can be seen. Despite the power of CGI, large scale models such as this are still often used for greater flexibility and realism.
  • Armageddon: Les Effets Speciaux
  • Armageddon: Les Effets Speciaux

Helpful Tips

  • For the most intense special effects, you should stand around the central shaft or at one of the two safety hatches. The first is on your right just as you step into the room and features the closest, most intense fire effects. The second is located to the left of the exit door (which is directly opposite the entrance door), and features the vacuum effect. If you're visiting with young children, however, it's best to avoid these areas.
  • You might also like: Star Tours, Moteurs... Action! Stunt Show Spectacular

Important Advice

  • Features scenes and special effects which may frighten some very young children.
  • Not recommended for children under 3 years old.

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