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Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Sunset Boulevard Disney's Hollywood Studios |
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TOURING AT
A GLANCE...
HOLLYWOOD
BLVD. SUNSET
BLVD.
STREETS OF AMERICA Coming
January 2009: PIXAR
PLACE ANIMATION
COURTYARD ECHO
LAKE ENTERTAINMENT SPECIAL
EVENTS ARCHIVES
OTHER
THEME PARKS
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INTRODUCTION
Looming ominously at the end of Sunset Boulevard is the rundown Hollywood Tower Hotel, home to one of the premiere thrill rides at Disney's Hollywood Studios - The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Enhanced recently, the Tower of Terror now sends guests plummeting again and again and again -- a far cry from the ride that debuted in July 1994 with only one big drop. This exhilarating ride lives up to its name, as well as its new slogan: Fear every drop! Pre-Show
- After queuing through the lobby of the dusty old Hollywood Tower
Hotel, guests are directed into the Library to view a short film
hosted by Rod Serling, creator of the old Twilight Zone
television series. At the conclusion of his story, which sets the
stage for the upcoming ride, you are plunged into momentary darkness,
then guided into the Hotel's boiler room, where you await your "elevator"
to the 13th floor. Mini-Review: The Tower of Terror was revamped with random drop sequences and other special effects, making it worthy of its slogan: "Fear Every Drop!" Because you never know what to expect, this ride deserves many repeat visits! This attraction is a must for thrill-seekers! The
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is a FastPass
attraction. Queues at this attraction continue to be long
during busy periods, even though the newer, nearby Rock'N'Roller
Coaster has relieved that somewhat. If you obtain a Fastpass at
the Tower, you can then easily walk over to ride the coaster, while
awaiting your Fastpass window to open. This ride is part of the Extra Magic Hour program at the park, which allows resort guests entrance to the park one hour earlier or up to three hours later than normal operating hours on designated days. Just before you board the elevator for the ride, there is an exit for those who change their minds at the last minute. Be sure to let the Cast Member know if you wish to exit at this point. If you've
ever seen a commercial advertising this ride, you probably think you
stand during it. In actuality, you're seated and restrained by
a seat belt. This is a very dark ride and may be too intense for many young children (not to mention some adults!). In fact, one little guy we know who was taken in as far as the Library at age 2 1/2 while his parents did the "child swap" claims he will never enter the "scary building" ever again -- and he's now 10! There are no characters associated with this attraction. There are many Character Meet and Greet opportunities elsewhere in the Studios, however. Check your daily Times Guide for times and locations. Disney's Hollywood
Studios Characters At A Glance There is no place to dine in the immediate vicinity of the Tower of Terror. However, before reaching the attraction, on Sunset Boulevard, there are several fast-food establishments.
The Tower Shops, featuring Tower of Terror-specific merchandise, are located at the exit of this attraction. There is also a photograph taken during one of the drop sequences that is available for purchase at the ride exit. The cost is $16.95 for one 8"x10", or one 5"x7" with four wallet-sized photos. Often, you will be given a $4 coupon toward the purchase of the Rock'n'Roller Coaster photograph when you purchase a photo here. Packages, including purchased photos, may be sent back to your room from this location if you are a guest at a Disney resort (this includes the Swan and Dolphin resorts) or to the front of the park so you don't have to tote the photo around with you. Engineers
are able to reprogram new drop sequences in the ride due to the advanced
technology it employs. Riders are currently launched to the top of the
tower at breathtaking speed, then dropped faster-than-free-fall to the
bottom again and again. On December 31, 2002, the Tower of Terror debuted a new drop sequence. This was the fourth show enhancement and placed the computers in control of the ride making each sequence unique and random. If you
have comments or tips to share with others about touring Disney's Hollywood
Studios' Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, please
email us. Thank you.
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