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What could be more terrifying than falling 13 stories
faster than the force of gravity? FALLING THREE TIMES!
Travel to the height of fright in a haunted freight
elevator for a gut-wrenching, faster-than-gravity free fall. Then
rocket back to the top of the shaft and do it all again! It's three
times the fright of the original "Twilight Zone Tower of Terror"!
You are touring the hotel, and enter a service elevator.
But when you reach the fifth floor you enter the Twilight Zone,
then at the 13th floor, the cable snaps & you plummet to the
ground.
Set in the era of the rise of Hollywood circa 1917,
the story behind the hotel's elevators entices visitors into the
elegant and intricately decorated lobby. Leather furniture, rich
woods, and deeply colored tapestries give an authentic feel to the
lobby, as do the Cast Members dressed in classic bell-hop attire
emblazoned with the "HTH" logo of the hotel. An "out of order" sign
stands in front of collapsed mesh lift doors, further drawing hotel
guests into the secrets of the disaster that once occurred on a
stormy night long ago...
Everything in the hotel's library remains exactly
as it did in 1917 when the Hollywood Tower Hotel was a thriving
Mecca for Hollywood's young and elite. Books, pipes, cut glass figures,
porcelain vases, and antique lamps adorn tables and shelves. Suddenly,
the lights in the library shut off, shrouding the audience in darkness
as the television flickers on and Serling introduces the story behind
those broken lift doors.
One stormy night, an elegant honeymoon couple, the
bellman, a child actress, and her nanny entered the main elevators
of the Hollywood Tower Hotel during the thick of a dazzling and
haunting electrical lightning storm. As the group made their ascent
toward their rooms, lightning struck the lift shaft on the outside
of the building. The lift itself plummeted to the ground floor -
yet the bodies of the victims were never found, and are said to
still roam the hotel, inviting unsuspecting visitors to enter the
fifth dimension and learn the secret of that fateful night. The
service in all the main elevators was lost that night, all apart
from one service elevator that still works.
Upon leaving the library, you enter the hotel's boiler
room in the basement. Winding through he boiler room in a second
queue until you reach the elevator.
Guests are seated in three rows split by a center
aisle. The lap bar descends over the laps of guests, or now, should
we say, travelers to another dimension. There's no turning back
now. The lights in the shaft dim and the car ascends to the third
floor.
The doors in front of the lift open onto a view of
the hallway. "Do not disturb" signs hang on some of the hotel room
doors and used dishes from private dining, indications that other
guests are enjoying a normal stay at the hotel, wait outside in
the hall to be collected by housekeeping...and plush carpet lines
the hallway itself.
Suddenly, a flash of light! And then the ghostly images
of those five victims, the crackle of electricity weaving around
their bodies, beckon guests further into the hotel. They disappear
and the hallway moves into the fifth dimension. The window at the
far end of the hall appears to wander towards the lift ca and shatter
as piercing stars the riders. The lift doors close and the car shoots
up the shaft to the fifth floor.
Again, the lift doors open. This time, the car edges
out into the hallway - within the fifth dimension itself. Shocking
images of clocks and the guests and employees of the hotel twist
and surround the visitors in black, blue, green, and purple lights.
An eye reflects the guests seated in the service lift, seeming to
look at them and contain them at the same time. Lights swirl in
front of the car before the very 'elevator doors of the fifth dimension'
- piercing beams of light that separate as would lift doors - open
in front of the car and lead them into the main shaft.
The elevator climbs up to the very top of the hotel.
Doors open in front of the car, exposing guests to the back of the
"Hollywood Tower Hotel" sign on the outside of the building and
to the world below. Suspended there for a brief instant, people
inside the car may view the heights to which they have climbed.
Then, suddenly, you drop, but relief - it's only a small drop -
then whoosh, you drop right down to the bottom, and back up and
down again, it's over before you even realize it's begun.
From December, '02 - New random ride and drop
sequences make the attraction faster and add more drops than ever
before. In addition, visual, audio and olfactory special effects
have been added, making Tower of Terror one of the most advanced
multi-sensory attractions anywhere in the world. Ghostly apparitions,
rocketing new ascents, more “air time,” and cannon blasts of chilling
air are just a few of the new surprises in store for brave Walt
Disney World guests.
All of the new ride sequences are unique and random, so not even
the droll hotel “bellhops” (costumed Disney's Hollywood Studios cast members
who operate the attraction) will know which sequence guests are
queued to ride. It’s the first Disney attraction in the world to
offer random experiences and the first where the attraction actually
determines the ride sequence.
Type - thrill ride
When to go - Visit as soon as the park opens,
or in the evening.
Where to sit - For the best view when the doors
open, get a seat on the front row.
The seat in the middle of the back row doesn't have a lap bar, just
a seat belt.
Fastpass
Duration - Continuous 10 minute hotel stays
Restrictions
Must be at least 40 inches tall to ride.
Guests should be in good health and free from motion sickness, back
or neck problems, heart problems, or other conditions that could
be aggravated by this adventure; expectant mothers should not ride.
Guests must be able to transfer from wheelchairs to board the attraction.
Facts/History
As the story goes, on the night of October 31, 1939, there was a
thunder storm in Hollywood Hills, and the elite of the film industry
sheltered in the Hollywood Tower Hotel's lobby. A child actress
& her governess, a young couple & an over-worked bellman
were among those in the lobby that night, & they were last seen
heading for the elevator. After they stepped into the elevator,
it vanished, along with the passengers & several sections of
the upper hotel.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is 199 feet tall, if it was just
one foot taller it would have to have a warning light on top.
Click here for more facts.
Hidden Mickeys
In the pre-show film, the little girl is holding a familiar friend.
In the library, look closely at the sheet music.
In the boiler room, look for a water stain on the wall, just after
the queue splits.
And at the doors to the final drop, look closely at the swirl of
stars.
At the entrance, check out the main balcony just before you go inside.
Tips
Follow the left queue from the basement, it's shorter.
When you enter the library, walk over to the far corner (diagonal
from the door), you will then be first through the door for the
ride.
Baby swap available.
A photo is taken of you during the ride, and is available for purchase
at the end.
Script
You unlock this door with the key of imagination,
beyond it is another dimension. A dimension of sound, a dimension
of sight, a dimension of mind. You're moving into a land of both
shadow and substance, of things and ideas. You've just crossed over
into... The Twilight Zone.
Hollywood, 1939. Amidst the glitz and the glitter
of a bustling young movie talent at the height of its golden age,
the Hollywood Tower Hotel was a star in its own right. A beacon
for the show business elite. Now, something is about to happen that
will change all that.
The time is now, on an evening very much like the
one we have just witnessed. Tonight's story on The Twilight Zone
is somewhat unique and calls for a different kind of introduction.
This, as you may recognize, is a maintenance service elevator, still
in operation, waiting for you. We invite you, if you dare, to step
aboard because in tonight's episode you are the star. And this elevator
travels directly to...The Twilight Zone."
(exit to the boiler room)
(inside the elevator)
You are the passengers on a most uncommon elevator about to ascend
into your very own episode of The Twilight Zone.
One stormy night long ago, five people stepped in
the door of an elevator and into a nightmare. That door is opening
once again and this time, it's opening for you.
You are about to discover what lies beyond the fifth
dimension, beyond the deepest, darkest corner of the imagination...
in the Tower of Terror."
(after the drops)
A warm welcome back to those of you who made it, and a friendly
word of warning, something you won't find in any guidebook: the
next time you check into a deserted hotel on the dark side of Hollywood,
make sure you know just what kind of vacancy you're filling, or
you may find yourself a permanent resident...of The Twilight Zone.
Reviews
"The Twilight Zone Was Great! It was one of the
best rides at MGM. We rode the ride five times. Each time it was
better and even more thrilling. the last time we rode it was the
scariest because the riders before us had stopped just before the
second drop because of a storm that was passing through. So we were
a little scared but we rode it anyway and had no problems. All in
all it was a really fun ride! For the Best view of MGM sit in the
Front row." Max
"When I went on Tower Of terror I LOVED it! It
was the greatest! My Friend and I went on it together. He was a
cast member who worked in the tower of terror and he told me while
we were waiting in line that he knew how to take the seat belt off
during the ride. I thought he was joking. But unfortunetly I got
the seat with the seat belt! While we were watchiing the video (on
the elevator) he kept reaching over and tugging on my seat belt!
I was so freaked out. But he didnt get it undone! hehe But n e ways
It was me first time riding so I had no idea at all that this ride
took you all the way to the top and droped you. My picture at the
end of the ride was me crouched all the way down to the floor! But
after that I loved it! Its now my favorite ride at disney! So if
your friend tells you that he is going to undo your seatbelt...
make sure you DO NOT sit in the seat belt seat... sit in the one
next to it and put him in the seat belt seat and then tug on his
during the ride. That way you get back at him for trying to scare
you! lol have a great time and make sure you ride....The Tower Of
Terror! Dont wear any hats or loose clothing...it might fly out
of the window when it opens I loved the whole ride but the two scariest
parts are when your on the elevator droping and you start to go
up and you come half way in between the window that opens.. and
the other scary( creepy) part is when your elevator is going all
the way down to exit the ride and when you see all of the antiques
you also see a dummy like the one simalar to the one based on R.L
Stine's Goosebumps. I still have nightmares about that doll!"
Alexis
"Although the fastpass system is awesome, I wouldn't
recommend using it on this attraction. The queuing is all part of
the ride! The cast members make it a great experience, and the queues
are so well decorated that it really builds up the excitement for
the actual ride. When I was ten, one of the cast members (acting
as a hotel employee) made a huge deal of me and said "We hardly
ever have celebrities staying here anymore!!" He asked me to sin
my autograph in a huge book. It was so fun, and a memory I'll never
forget! The queuing doesn't take too long, as there are many elevators
operating at the same time. This is an attraction not to miss, even
if you are scared!! Do not go as a single rider unless you are a
daredevil!! Singleriders get the single seat, which is unfortunately
slap bang in the middle of the cart, with no one in front. There's
not even a bar to hold on to, just a small strap belt keeping you
in! Also, don't wear hats or any loose clothing because it's quite
likely to fly off!!" Lisa
"The Tower of Terror was a complete blast to
ride. I think the adults had more fun on this ride then the kids
did. My first ride a few years ago was just as exciting as they
were 5 months ago when we went. A REAL BLAST and a must ride when
you visit MGM Studios.The front row seating on the ride provides
the best view when the elevator doors open to see out into the park.
Especially at night it's just a breathtaking view of the park."
Michelle
"What an AMAZING ride!! We rode it 3 times, using
FASTPASS each time and had minimal wait times. Each ride was different,
really andom with the drops and the times you shot up!! The pictures
takedn on the rides were hilarious... A MUST SEE. The picture is
taken the first time you shoot up to the very top..Have fun!"
ROMY
"Try this ride at night. You can practically
walk straight in and the views are amazing - all of the lights are
beautiful. a thrilling ride that will surprise you although, when
you start to feel the heat you know that you must be near the part
when the doors open and you... fall!!! Definitely gets the blood
pumping through your body." Lynda
"I used fastpass both times I went on it. I sat
in the seat with the seatbelt, so I felt kinda safe. I got so scared,
when I said it was so scary my dad said, this is the tower of TERROR,
not a dance with Bambi in Mickeys garden!!! The second time, I was
floating, because a large person made the bar go soooo high!!! I
went on it at night!!!!! But the thing is, that the sign for the
wait said 13 minutes(eerie!). Well anyway, I am now scarred emotionally
for life. I really liked the eye with the TV in it!" Chris
"In this attraction i used fastpass , because
of course it is almost impossible to go on it on the normal line
unless you go in the morning (right when the park opens).Well anyway
it is very well detailed and all but it is too real! i went on it
like three times in my life and i dont think i have the guts to
go again because the worst parts are that the freaky part when you
enter the "twilight zone"(that hall with those stars ,when you see
a window breaking and the clock etc..) that left a lasting impression
on me, the other part is after we got to the 13nth floor the thing
was like going "up down up down" like seven times or so. before
that though were two falls that were like "long" falls then we stop
and get a split se c ond viewing the whole area know as DISNEY WORLD!
(duh) that also left a lasting impression on me because i remember
staring directly at Blizzard Beach and then i whispered to myseld
"blizzard beach" and the thing plummeted, when it finished i felt
so relieved i swore never to go on it again! BUt next summer im
going with two of my best friends , and i dont know if they'll "convince"
me or DRAG me in to it!!hahahaha it was really good though(despite
the freaky moments) I say that if you have th e guts DO IT! You'll
always remenber that fall! P.S on the day i went it was really rainy
so that gave the ride a even freakier effect." Carol
"At of all the things disney has to offer i must
say this is the best ....AND SCARIEST! if you are scared of heights
beware hehe ....but try it anyway bc it is an exciting thrill! that
no other theme park can offer,the atmosphere of the ride is wonderful
and full of detail and you do feel as if you are in an old scary
hotel. the feeling you get while dropping 13 stories is like nothing
you will feel again." Lag
"I have just one thing to say: OH. MY. GOD. This
ride is unbelievable!! I am a total thrill-ride fanatic, and I have
never been on anything this scary. First of all, the ENTIRE ride
is the best themed ride I have ever been on. The architecture of
the building, down to the most minute details, is just completely
freaky. Now, you may not want to read all of this if you don't like
spoilers, so if you want it to be a surprise, which, in my opinion,
adds to the thrill, stop reading here! With that said...
You approach the ride through a maze-like path through this foggy,
misty area crowded with trees. Very dark and spooky..this leads
to the entrance of the hotel, which is in total disrepair, all cobwebby
and dusty. There is this fantastic, 1920's music playing that reminded
me of flappers and vodka gimlets, and the outside was completely
deserted. You enter into the hotel lobby, which again, is perfectly
themed to enhance the whole visual-sensory experience. As the line
progresses, you end up in the hotel boiler room, very dank and brown
and kind of scary, where bellhops with deadened expressions wait
to place you on one of, I think, two elevators. THIS IS YOUR LAST
CHANCE TO CHICKEN OUT!! I had to hold my breath and force myself
to go, and mind you, I went on an early-opening day BY MYSELF because
my husband had just had back surgery. You load onto the elevator,
which takes you up and through some really amazing visual Twilight-Zone
type effects, and then the elevator ! sl-o-o-w-w-l-l-y-y-y lifts
you up (thirteen stories, I believe!) and all of a sudden, BOOM!
You're going down. Then it lifts you up again, and BOOM! Down! Then
it brings you up, and these elevator doors open, and for a split
second, you're looking at the park from this super-high tower, and
just when you think, Oh, wow, it's so pretty, BAM! Down again. And
up. Down. Up. Down. I kid you not, it completely takes you by surprise,
no matter how many times you ride it. It will knock the breath out
of you. You are truly in an anti-gravity situation. As we went down,
I was wearing a small backpack, and it was literally FLOATING above
my head. This ride is a MUST. MGM will never be the same for me.
I've heard that they drop you only about 15 feet or so, thanks to
hydraulics, but not sure if this is true. Also, I would NOT go on
this if you have a back injury, as the dropping may compress your
spine and could possibly cause further dislocation. Otherwise, GO
ON THIS ! RIDE. You've never been scared like this before!!!
Ps. They take a picture of you just before they drop you, which
you can buy on your way out. Trust me, take a look at these, at
the very least. It's like, ten dollars, and it can be HILARIOUS.
When I got back to the hotel and showed my husband (and realize,
I was on a complete adrenaline rush for HOURS after this!) he laughed
his rear off and noticed that of all the people on my elevator,
I was the only one who looked genuinely terrified. Everyone else
was laughing or smiling. We now have it on top of our television,
and everyone who sees it laughs.
Pps. I've also heard that they change the sequence periodically,
so the number and spacing of the drops may differ from those listed
above. Enjoy!!!
tips: If you can, go on early opening day to MGM and ride this.
The line is enormously long during the day, and when I went, it
was one hour after early park opening; the wait was approximately
twenty minutes. Or, if you want, make this the last thing you ride
for the day. I believe it is also a fast-pass ride, which I would
highly suggest. Honestly, if a ride is fast-pass, there's no logical
reason not to take advantage of it. You'll want to go on this one
twice!! Now, that early day, when I got on there was little-no wait,
but by the time our ride was completed and I left the little shop
with my photo, the line was already out the door. If this is a priority
for you, get there as early in the day as possible and head straight
for it. You may be able to ride, get in line,and ride again within
an hour or less.
JUST DO IT! I had to psych myself up about it, but it was absolutely
exhilerating and terrifying and I can't wait to bring my husband
with me in two weeks. He'll probably never forgive me. :>) "
Kristi Carmichael-White
"I first went on this ride in 1995(?) and I was
blown away! They have now changed it a little. You now drop more
times! I was so filled with anticipation for the next drop that
I forgot to count how many times!!!! Definitely not for the weak
stomach!!" Julie Shippee
What do you think about this attraction? Do you
have any tips or comments? Fill in the attraction
review form.
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