Disney’s Friday the 13th Twist: Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a unique “nightmare-ish” history especially crafted for Friday the 13th.
- The infamous drop tower dark ride opened on July 22, 1994, and instantly became a must-visit for thrill-seekers.
- Its spooky theme, inspired by Rod Serling’s legendary “The Twilight Zone,” adds an eerie touch to the attraction’s unforgettable moments.
- Upon entering the eerie Tower, guests are transported into a “Twilight Zone” episode titled “Time Element” that never officially aired.
- Every ride in the Tower of Terror is random, promising a different “frightening” experience every single time you brave the drop.
- The bellhops at the Tower of Terror are Disney Cast Members performing in-character all day. These hosts add a thrilling surprise element to the ride.
- The Tower reaches up to 199 feet, making it one of the tallest attractions in Walt Disney World Resort.
- Inspired by real Hollywood hotels like the Biltmore and the Mission Inn, the Tower of Terror echoes the ‘Old Hollywood’ glamour and spirit.
- Each bellhop’s attire takes around three hours to get worn and distressed to match the Tower’s aged aesthetic.
- In the ride, a single lightning bolt split the building, causing half the guests and workers to vanish and creating the creepy atmosphere the Tower is known for.
- The elevator cart in the ride, contrary to popular belief, doesn’t simply drop but is pulled downwards faster than gravity, enhancing the feeling of free-fall.
- The building, painstakingly detailed, has over 90000 square feet of hand-painted tiles to contribute to its timeless and spooky visage.
- The Tower of Terror currently exists in five Disney Parks worldwide – Paris, Tokyo, California, and two in Florida.
The Realist’s Take
So, the next time you decide to test your bravery on this classic Disney scream-maker, remember – it takes a certain blend of courage, madness, and love for Rod Serling to plunge down the Tower of Terror, especially on a Friday the 13th! Beyond the thrilling drop, it’s clear Disney works hard to build the bone-chilling aura of the place, from distressed bellhop uniforms to the one-bolt storyline. Let’s just hope they don’t start handing out umbrellas for a ‘Mary Poppins’ style descent!
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2023/10/13-facts-you-might-not-know-about-tower-of-terror-at-walt-disney-world/
