9 Frightfully Delightful Facts About Disney’s Tower of Terror
This week marks the 25th Anniversary of one of Disney’s most thrilling theme park attractions- the Tower of Terror. Not only has this drop ride been bringing the screams for the last two decades and a half, but it is also one of the theme parks’ most expertly conceived attractions showcasing Disney Imagineering at it’s best! To help you mark this frightfully delightful occasion we thought we’d share some of our favorite Tower of Terror fun facts!
Imagineers Watched 156 Episodes of the Twilight Zone Twice For Research
How’s this for a day at the office? To accurately create that feeling of journeying into the Twilight Zone, Imagineers really familiarized themselves with the source material. Some episodes were even screened three or four times as the Imagineers were looking for props, guests stars, settings, music and more. Rod Serling’s opening and closing pre-show credits were also studied at least 10 times to determine the most representative quotes and phrases used by the host.
Journey To the Fifth Dimension
One key concept of the Twilight Zone episodes that stood out to engineers was that every week Rod Serling reminded viewers that with the key of imagination one unlocks the door to another dimension – the Fifth Dimension. The creative time decided that that would be the focus of the attraction – to truly take theme park guests there!
Inspirational Episodes
Some of the episodes in the Twilight Zone were more influential than others in helping shape the ride we know today as Tower of Terror. For example, the episode “Little Girl Lost” inspired the Imagineers to include the Fifth Dimension in the attraction. You can also physically watch part of a Twilight Zone episode during Rod Serling’s intro to the attraction. The footage was taken from the episode “It’s a Good Life” but was transformed making riders the main character.
Riders are Meant to Feel Part of a “Lost Episode”
Though the inspiration for the ride was drawn from several Twilight Zone episodes you won’t find an episode with the same plot. Imagineers didn’t want to recreate a classic episode of the show but rather make a brand new experience for guests to enjoy!
Be On the Lookout for Easter Eggs
What’s a classic Disney attraction without Easter eggs? Visitors should pay attention to the hotel’s Library—especially if you’re a Twilight Zone fan. While the hotel is full of intriguing pieces—apparently collected by its globetrotting owner—some of the artefacts look strangely familiar, from a small metal spaceman suit and a nickel fortune-telling machine to a pair of cracked reading glasses and a cookbook ominously titled “To Serve Man.”
There’s Even Hidden Mickey’s
Like most of the other rides and attractions, you’ll find at Disney, Mickey Mouse makes cameo appearances, his most famous being the Mickey Mouse doll held by the child star in imagery throughout the attraction. The Library already has a wealth of Twilight Zone Easter eggs as well, but Disney fans should search for sheet music for the song that asks the age-old question, “What! No Mickey Mouse? (What Kind of Party is This?)”
Architecture Inspired by Vintage Los Angeles
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is inspired by the “Hollywood that never was—and always will be,” but The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror draws inspiration from certain key landmarks that lend an air of authenticity to the once-glittering hotel in the heart of Tinseltown. Taking visual cues from the revival styles that swept California in the early 20th century, The Hollywood Tower Hotel echoes famous buildings such as the Mission Inn and the Biltmore Hotel. Emotionally, it recalls the legend and lore of the historic Chateau Marmont. It’s landscaping—now abandoned and overgrown, but once an extravagant masterpiece—was inspired by the chaparral-covered hills of L.A.’s Griffith Park and Elysian Park.
A Tip of the Hat to Walt
Besides references to classic The Twilight Zone episodes, there’s another special shout-out to a certain famous American. “Four Pages of Hilarious Star Caricatures by Walt Disney” is featured in the Photoplaymagazine on the Concierge Desk. See if you can find it!
A Worldwide Phenomenon
Travelling to a Disney park in France or Tokyo? Make sure to “drop-in” on the unique version of Tower of Terror that each park features. Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris features a similar adventure to that of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but over in Tokyo, you can stop by the Hightower Hotel for a very different story. Tokyo DisneySea features a unique spin on the Tower of Terror attraction, where you can investigate Harrison Hightower III’s mysterious disappearance thanks to a mysterious idol. Will you follow his fate? Whichever version of the experience is your favorite, one thing’s for sure—you’re going down for a great time!
Thinking about a visit to Disney? Getting started is easy! Simply fill out our form below to get your FREE, no-obligation quote from MickeyTravels.
Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to assist you with everything from finding your perfect package to helping you plan lots of special touches to make your visit truly magical. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook
