Tower of Terror opened in 1994 and won the inaugural Best Ride in America Tournament in 2008. It continues Disney's tradition of reimagining traditional amusement park ride systems as the basis for an immersive storytelling experience. (Other versions, with a different ride system, stand at Disney's California Adventure, Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris and Tokyo DisneySea. Only the California version includes the Twilight Zone theme, however.The Paris version has a different name and the Tokyo one a different theme, however.)
On Tower of Terror, a simple drop ride becomes the richly detailed Hollywood Tower Hotel, where on October 31, 1939, a bolt of lightning transported a wing of the hotel into The Twilight Zone.
(And by "Twilight Zone," we mean the classic 1960s television series, and not the realm of asexual teenage vampires.)
In a trick of creative video editing, Twilight Zone host Rod Serling sets up the story for us in the hotel's library, before we head into the hotel's boiler room, where we'll board the elevators that will take us to the site of the lightning strike... and perhaps, into The Twilight Zone itself.
The ride features multiple series of drops from the top, rewarding frequent riders with a fresh experience each time. With a variety of theatrical effects, copious visual references to various Twilight Zone episodes, and mix of light and dark drops, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror elevates (sorry, terrible pun, but I just couldn't resist) the simple amusement park drop ride into a true narrative experience.
That's why Tower of Terror is widely considered one of the best theme park attractions in the country. But is it the best? Tell us your thoughts about Tower of Terror, in the comments.
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What many people don't know is that the 'simple ride system' isn't actually simple at all. The system is a million miles away from traditional drop towers, instead the attraction goes faster-than-gravity and allows for the attraction to chose one of 5 different drop sequences.
Throw in some absolutely brilliant theming and you have the complete package - a true testament to what WDI can do.
It starts with the line you wait in, with the music, garden, and mist.
The ride itself, while over 10 years old, is still quite thrilling!
BTW, the Paris version is also a Twilight Zone Themed one (its actually a copy of the DCA version)
My most favorite attraction anywhere!
If I had a complaint, I would have to agree with the anonymous poster. The random drop sequences rarely pull a full 13-story drop, packing less of a punch than the classic ride, but it's still amazing.
As for your trick of creative video editing note, there is an excellent interview explaining how they pulled it off. Frankly, I consider it the best pre-show on any themed attraction.
I have to mention as a side note: I am completely scared of drop rides, and will not go on this ride. But I did go through the queue area with my wife a few times. The first time, after skipping the ride itself, I was ushered alone to an "exit elevator" by a fully-costumed cast member. He stared at me, and pushed buttons manically in the "exit elevator", and I was honestly pretty scared and about 70% convinced we were about to drop!! :-)
But now..............it's even better. The introduction of the various "drops" added more spice to an already hot dish.
Every element of ToT is superb. From the outside line all the way into the reception area and then through to the lifts themselves : each and every step of the way is excellently themed and presented.
Enough has been said about the ride itself. It's the best. End of.
But Paris' one is also Twilight Zone themed.
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