It’s October and I’m feeling Halloween-ish. Last week, I listed my favorite things about Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansion. This week, I feel it’s only fair to do the same for the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As it is most certainly one of my top three favorite attractions, I have plenty of love for every dark, spooky, incredible detail. Where to begin? That’s easy! The Tower of Terror’s draw begins long before guests step into the queue. Stroll down Sunset Boulevard and you’ll see (and hear) what I mean. The Tower’s exterior, complete with screaming faces in the upstairs window, is sure to capture your attention.
Tower of Terror – 10 Best Things
- The Grounds – This is one of the best, most detailed attraction exteriors ever created. Disney Imagineering at its very best. There’s mist, age, decay, overgrown landscaping – the story begins long before that first step inside the Hollywood Tower Hotel.
- The Lobby – If you could escape from a Doom-Buggy in Haunted Mansion, it might be a lot like exploring the Tower of Terror. Clearly, this was once a finely appointed, upscale establishment. It’s almost sad to see it in such a rundown state. Creepy yet lovely with a sense of foreboding. Exactly the right atmosphere for what happens next.
- The Bellhops – Seriously some of the best and most fun Cast Members in the World! They’re solemn (but still fun) and have awesome costumes.
- The Library – So much to see! Incredible details are everywhere even before the TV comes alive and Rod Serling (voiced by Mark Silverman) sets exactly the right mood! This attraction layers the buildup like none other – carefully crafting the story while maximizing anticipation and a bit of fear (in a good way). Watch carefully – the hidden details are part of the charm!
- The Sounds – The classic Twilight Zone theme song, the televised back story, the use of sound (and silence) from the library to the end of the ride…genius! “It’s raining it’s pouring…”
- The Basement – Amazingly detailed (like the grounds outside), the winding path between the library and the elevator takes guests into the dark, dingy hotel basement. Giant boilers, pipes, equipment, and Hidden Mickeys are all there to be explored.
- The Service Elevator – Could a ride vehicle look more daunting? I don’t think so. The elevator on the outside looks ramshackle and uninviting – once the doors open? It takes some serious bravery to step inside knowing that once those doors close, there’s no turning back.
- The Anticipation – First-timers worry about what’s going to happen next. Repeat guests DO know what’s in store and still…well, I know how hard my heart is pounding at this point and I’ve ridden dozens of times. That’s part of what keeps me coming back!
- The Thrill – As you can tell from outside this attraction, the Tower of Terror tends to make people scream. Me? Not so much – this ride makes me laugh hysterically. I can’t explain it, but the surprises on this ride seriously crack me up.
- The Pictures – Even before our Memory Maker package included video for the Tower of Terror and even with many strangers in every picture, I still count the ride photos among my most favorite. I guess it’s all the different expressions captured and the different way each person reacts to the ride’s random movements…makes me smile every time I see our pictures.
What about YOU? How do you feel about the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror? Do you love it? What’s your favorite detail about this attraction?