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Five simple words -- one chilling thought: the tower is
in control.
While “sequels” sometimes don’t measure up to their
originals, the newest version of The Twilight Zone™
Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios multiplies the thrills
inside the 13-story haunted hotel with technology that
actually places the attraction in control of each ride
experience.
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 were added, making
Tower of Terror one of the most advanced multi-sensory
attractions anywhere in the world. Ghostly apparitions,
rocketing 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-MGM
Studios cast members who operate the attraction) know which
specific 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.
“The newest transformation of Tower of Terror affects
every one of the senses, leaving you feeling as if you have
really been in your own episode of The Twilight Zone,”
says Theron Skees, show producer for Walt Disney Imagineering.
“A team of Walt Disney Imagineers worked very hard to break
the barrier and truly immerse guests in the experience. Adding
new sound technology, scent, and visual effects is only part
of the way we achieved this. We wanted the guest to feel
completely out of control -- not knowing what to expect next,
and giving the die-hard fans a lot more to talk about.”
Tower of Terror has thrilled Disney-MGM Studios guests
since it opened in 1994. This is the fourth time the
attraction has reopened with a new ride sequence, each time
with new thrills and special effects.
In fact, changing the ride experience has always been part
of the plan to put “terror” into the Tower. Thanks to the
storyline, technology and ride engineering designed by Walt
Disney Imagineering, Tower of Terror has the ability to be
transformed into a number of completely new ride experiences.
“Tower of Terror affords us the technological opportunity
to be extremely flexible by way of its design,” Skees says.
“We can add effects, change timing sequences and completely
alter the way it moves. This ability, combined with a unique
storyline that is equally flexible, enables us to reinvent the
ride experience as often as we want. No other theme park
attraction that I know of allows us to continually morph and
improve the guest experience in the same way.”
The ride’s fright-filled ascent begins when visitors
board a decrepit hotel freight elevator that passes through
mysterious hotel passageways where ghostly images of lost
guests seem to appear and disappear at will. As the journey
progresses, the elevator-cage hurtles through the “fifth
dimension” in a pitch-black shaft, as guests embark on a
not-to-be-forgotten journey.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror features Disney’s
FASTPASS -- offered at no charge to park guests -- designed to
reduce waiting times at popular attractions in all four Walt
Disney World theme parks.
Story Source: Walt Disney
World Public Relations
Photo Source: Aronda Parks Private Collection
One of
my favorite shots encompassing portions of both Rock 'n'
Roller Coaster
Starring Aerosmith and the Twilight Zone Tower
of Terror.
The
Tower looms ominously above the roofline of Oscar's.
This
window dressing appears outside once you "drop in"
to the gift shop.
Here's
a side view of the Tower.
I
liked the look of the Tower behind the tops of the trees.
Another
frontal shot of the Tower.
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