Disneyland announces final date for Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

August 30, 2016, 11:28 AM · The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure is closing its lightning-struck doors for the final time on January 2, 2017, the Disneyland Resort announced today.

Disney will be retheming the ride to The Guardians of the Galaxy, recasting the iconic tower as The Collector's museum, from which the Guardians (and you) must break out. Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout debuts sometime next summer.

In the meantime, Disneyland is inviting fans to experience the Twilight Zone-themed version one last time, with a series of going-away events.

Starting Sept. 9, Disney will offer "Late Check-Out" on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror each evening after sunset — running the ride in complete darkness. During the day, the ride will operate normally, with special performances outside by the "Silver Lake Sisters," a trio who once performed in the Hollywood Tower's rooftop lounge, according to Disney's newly retcon-ed history of the hotel.

And, of course, Disney also will be offering a collection of special, commemorative merchandise for the ride's final months, which you can look for on eBay after a handful of Disneyland Annual Passholders wait out all night to buy the entire stock moments after it goes on sale.

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Replies (18)

August 30, 2016 at 11:36 AM · Dragging the passholders on eBay - so true!
August 30, 2016 at 1:30 PM · Robert, does this mean that Universal Studios (or Knott's Berry Farm) are now free to license Twilight Zone for California? How close could they copy the current attraction without getting sued?
August 30, 2016 at 2:05 PM · So I guess the ride was a mistake when Howey Mandel opened it
August 30, 2016 at 2:54 PM · How dark is darkness? Will the top door never open? Will they still have the projections on the door and the corridor special effects?
August 30, 2016 at 3:44 PM · I am guessing they mean the doors will not open.
August 30, 2016 at 5:13 PM · Perfect timing! I'll be making my final visit to the Disneyland Resort before my pass expires on September 9th, so I'll get to check this out. I'll be sure to post a report as to what exactly "Late Check-Out" entails.

It's going to be sad seeing Tower of Terror leave, but I must admit I've grown increasingly curious about the new attraction. I feel like a lot is hinging on the success of Mission: Breakout, particularly with regards to the future of Marvel in the theme parks.

August 30, 2016 at 6:21 PM · Replacing The Twlight Zone with Guardians of the Galexy is something I'd expect Universa to do, not Disney. Tower of Terror would remain a popular attraction for decades, but there's no way Gauridians will last more than 15 years. While Disney can't keep every attraction, it should only replace rides if they can replace it with a ride that will remain popular in the years to come. Of all the Marvel franchises to pick, they decided to use one few people had heard of before it became a movie. While I'm not against Marvel at DCA, this was the worst way possible to being it to the park. No matter how good this ride may be, it won't live up to its predecessor.
August 30, 2016 at 8:13 PM · I bet Thor was an operative of the Guardians of the Galaxy to strike the Hollywood Tower Hotel with lightning that fateful evening so they could take over the joint.
August 30, 2016 at 10:35 PM · I'm getting kind of stoked about the transformation as more details emerge. The latest "rumor/leak" is that they are going to enclose the Tower’s outside queue and the lobby and library are going to become the combined for the pre-show and the Collector’s exhibits will be in the boiler room. Supposedly the elevators are going to themed as escape space pods (?) with several different show scenarios each with different effects and drop sequences. This should make it even more repeatable. It sounds like this is not going to be a cheap overlay but a completely new attraction using the ToT ride system.
August 30, 2016 at 11:07 PM · This sucks, but at least we'll still have the original, and best tower in Orlando.
August 31, 2016 at 1:58 AM · ...Or it won't suck and Orlando will have the classic, but not as fun ride. Can't seriously judge a ride attraction before you've ridden let alone seen the what the finished product is going to be.
August 31, 2016 at 4:38 AM · is their plans to close orlando TOT i hope not. i love that ride
August 31, 2016 at 4:43 AM · This made the difference between me purchasing a 3 day vs 2 day hopper for my upcoming trip.

The ebay comment - still laughing :-)

August 31, 2016 at 7:31 AM · I hope they don't change Orlando's version. We (for once) have the best version of the ride and it is perfect!
August 31, 2016 at 8:36 AM · I know Orlando's is a bit better, but I still feel bad for the west coasters losing such a great ride for such a meh replacement.
August 31, 2016 at 3:15 PM · Work to save the Tower of terror. Their is a petition on change.org
August 31, 2016 at 10:34 PM · There is also a movement on MiceChat to rescue the theming of the Tower. The problem is that Disney can't really backpeddle on this one, because that whole area will become a new Marvel Land.
September 5, 2016 at 6:06 AM · Actually, the top doors need to open. That's what lets air in when the elevator drops, like a drinking straw. I think the ride would E stop if the doors did not open. Still looking forward to experiencing whatever change is being made for the " dark" version.

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