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Tower of Terror - The differences

What makes the Disney World version supposedly the best one?

From Caroline Davis
Posted April 21, 2011 at 5:09 PM
I keep reading that the Walt Disney World version of Tower of Terror is superior to the other versions around the world.

Last time I went on the WDW version was too long ago to remember. I have been on the Walt Disney Studios (Paris) and the California Adventure versions in the last 6 months. I find it difficult to compare them because I don't understand French and also I am so scared of the ride it is unbelievable so I can't actually concentrate that much on the actual ride.

Wanted to know what the differences are between the rides. I know the exterior of the one at Disney Sea looks different. What makes the Disney World version the best one? Is it just because it's the original? Or are there differences I can't remember because of time/how scared I am?


Comments in chronological order. Most recent at the bottom. Scroll down to respond.

From Andy Milio
Posted April 21, 2011 at 5:14 PM
I don't know about the other one, but the WDW version is computerized to randomize each ride, so you never get the same ride twice.

From Ben James
Posted April 21, 2011 at 10:52 PM
The WDW allows the car to roam the floors (i.e. exits the elevator shaft) the others do not actually exit the elevator shafts.

From Ashleigh Noad
Posted April 22, 2011 at 1:54 AM
I think some people would argue that the DisneySea is the best one, but apparently that is just down to the unique storyline.

Like a poster above says, it is that roaming aspect that makes it truly great. I think Paris and Florida have pretty much the same storyline, not sure about California though. I think Paris is a tad smaller? Again not 100%.

From M. Ryan Traylor
Posted April 22, 2011 at 12:12 PM
The WDW and CA Adv TOTs are randomize. You should never have the same rise & fall sequence twice.

The main difference is at CA Adv, the car is loaded with passengers, is pulled back into the drop tower and continues with the show. After the sequence is over, the car pushes forward into the load station to unload passengers. There are a total of 3 drop towers with 6 load positions, 3 upper and 3 lower.

At WDW, I believe there are 2 drop towers, with 5 load positions. Passengers load, the car rises to part 1 of the sequence, then travels forward through the hotel or twilight zone to the drop tower. After the sequence the passengers are unloading in a different station.

From Ali Salem
Posted April 22, 2011 at 2:10 PM
I've rode all except the Tokyo version and the one in Hollywood Studios (Florida) is no doubt the best. The overall atmosphere and buildup before the ride is superior. The theming is no doubt better in Florida (in Paris and California you cross a hallway when the elevators door open...not very good show!). As for the actual ride, the experience in DHS is much longer and feels like an actual dark ride not just a drop tower. The only aspects which are better in Paris and California are the faster loading times and cool photo effect. Otherwise, Disney cut corners and they are easily visible to those who have ridden the original!

From Anthony Murphy
Posted April 22, 2011 at 8:35 PM
DHS's has the best timing of the attraction because, like most WDW rides, they have pretty awesome lines. ToT is no exception.

Also, I find DHS's more about the story than the thrills. A big example is when the elevator car creeps out of the shaft into the Twilight Zone. DCA's starts the ride with leaving a shaft.

So, to make a short story long :), DHS's version has a better timing, but they still a very similar attractions.

From Nick Markham
Posted April 23, 2011 at 7:46 AM
Yeah, DHS has the win here, as it is better themed (though I will admit I prefer the queue right after the pre-show in DCA more), it is the original, and nobody has mentioned that it is actually 197 ft tall in comparison to DCA's 130 ft.!

From Michael Owen
Posted April 24, 2011 at 5:26 AM
If I'm right there's a total of four different drop sequences at DHS, which the computer randomly choses, as opposed to their being a plethora of completely random sequences.

I actually like the DCA/WDSP drop sequence more than the sequences at DHS, it really is excellent. I also prefer the mirror scene to the outdated Fifth Dimension.

Both Towers have their pro's and con's. I suppose it's just a case of personal opinion.

From Reid Loveland
Posted April 26, 2011 at 12:22 PM
DHS has 4 lift shafts and two drop shafts. Each pair of lift shafts share on drop shaft, of course merging in the 5th Dimension portion of the ride as the vehicles move horizontally. There is a "5th" elevator at load but that is the "Chicken Elevator" allowing people and Cast Members to enter/exit the load area down to the unload area.

From Thomas Caselli
Posted April 26, 2011 at 4:01 PM
As far as I know, the one in WDW is the only one in the world with a random drop sequence.

From Glendon Ho
Posted April 27, 2011 at 11:17 AM
After being on all of them but WDS. I have to say tokyo's is the best BY FAR.

I feel the land it's located it in is the better themed over the Hollywood themed lands the others are in.

The story is also way better, and the pre show is a lot more engaging even though I don't speak Japanese!

Also like in california when you stop at the mirror.... This ride goes one step further and has the evil idol featured there making that sequence ACTUALLY scary... You'd have to watch a YouTube video to understand.

As well the loading area is much better executed. They made it an articfact/collection room! There you can see all the items Harrison Hightower(looks like Joe Rhodes. Seriously. Google him.) collected *cough* stole *cough*.

One of my favorite effects isn't even in the ride. When watching the tower, Harrison Hightowers penthouse will shoot green lightning st the next shaft to drop. Its such a cool effect! Please YouTube this one too.

If I get time I'll post videos.
Search YouTube videos of the queue and ride experience. Seriously my description does not do it justice. Trust me I LOVE holloywood studios one to death. But the Tokyo one was on a whole different level of immersement.

Should I do a Tokyo Disney trip report for you guys?

From Caroline Davis
Posted April 27, 2011 at 11:43 AM
I'd love to read a Disneyland Tokyo report.

Thanks for all the information, I kept reading about the differences but didn't know about them.

I'm going to look up the Tokyo Disney Sea version now. :)

From Glendon Ho
Posted April 27, 2011 at 3:23 PM
I'll start on that now! :D

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