 After the release of the first Men in Black ( MIB ) film in 1997 , Universal Creative , the research and development division of Universal Parks & Resorts , set about developing a MIB @-@ themed shooting dark ride for Universal Studios Florida . After the ride system was finalised in mid @-@ 1998 , construction began on the ride 's large show building . By late 1998 , sources speculated that a Men in Black @-@ themed attraction would be built . Planning documents filed with Orlando City Hall in March 1999 , described an alien @-@ themed laser tag ride , supporting previous rumors . After an official announcement of the $ 70 million attraction in October 1999 @,@  
