The Tower of Terror, also known as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, was an iconic attraction at various Disney theme parks, including Disneyland California Adventure. This accelerated drop tower dark ride, inspired by Rod Serling’s anthology television series, The Twilight Zone, was a fan favorite due to its thrilling drops and immersive storytelling. However, the Tower of Terror at Disneyland California Adventure was closed in 2017 and rethemed to Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!.
The Tower of Terror at Disneyland California Adventure was closed in 2017 due to a decision to retheme the attraction. It was transformed into “Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!”, a ride based on the “Guardians of the Galaxy” Marvel film franchise. Despite the initial negative reaction, the closure didn’t lead to a significant long-term backlash. The original Tower of Terror continues to operate at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.
The Origins and Storyline of the Tower of Terror
The original Tower of Terror first opened on July 22, 1994, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (formerly known as MGM Studios) in Florida. The ride was based on a “lost” episode of “The Twilight Zone,” set in the fictional Hollywood Tower Hotel in Hollywood, California. The story of the ride is set on a stormy night in 1939 when a lightning bolt strikes the hotel, causing five people to vanish while riding the hotel’s elevator. The hotel is then abandoned and later reopens, allowing new guests to experience the haunting events.
The Tower of Terror Experience
The Tower of Terror was unique due to its combination of dark-ride storytelling, immersive theming, and thrilling drop sequences. The ride’s engineering was groundbreaking, featuring Autonomous Guided Vehicles that followed wires in the floor to move from one elevator shaft to another. The Tower of Terror used computer-randomized drop sequences, ensuring that guests would have a different experience each time they rode it.
The Closure of the Tower of Terror
The decision to close the Tower of Terror at Disneyland California Adventure was made in 2016, and the ride’s final day of operation was January 2, 2017. The closure was due to the retheming of the attraction around the “Guardians of the Galaxy” Marvel film franchise. The new ride, “Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!”, was set to open in summer 2017, coinciding with the release of the film.
The Public Reaction to the Closure
The public reaction to the closure of the Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure was somewhat negative, as the ride was a fan favorite and many people were unhappy with the decision to retheme it. Despite the initial negative reaction, the closure and retheming of the Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure did not lead to a significant long-term backlash.
The Legacy of the Tower of Terror
The Tower of Terror is remembered by Disneyland guests as an iconic and thrilling attraction that has been entertaining visitors for over 25 years. The ride is known for its immersive atmosphere, attention to detail, and unique drop sequences that keep guests coming back for more. The Tower of Terror has a dedicated fan base and has become a symbol of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Conclusion
The Tower of Terror at Disneyland California Adventure may be gone, but it certainly has not been forgotten. It remains an iconic part of Disney’s history and continues to thrill guests at other Disney parks. While the Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! has taken its place in California, the original Tower of Terror continues to operate at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida, continuing the legacy of this beloved attraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other Disney parks have the Tower of Terror?
Apart from Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida, the Tower of Terror is also present at Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris, and Tokyo DisneySea in Japan. Each version of the ride has its unique storyline and theming, but all retain the thrilling drop sequences that the attraction is known for.
Are there any differences between the original Tower of Terror and Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!?
Yes, there are several differences. While the ride system remains the same, the theming and storyline have changed. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! features characters, music, and visuals from the Guardians of the Galaxy films. The ride’s storyline involves helping the Guardians escape from The Collector’s fortress, which has replaced the Hollywood Tower Hotel theme.
Why was the Tower of Terror rethemed to Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!?
The decision to retheme the Tower of Terror was mainly driven by Disney’s desire to incorporate more Marvel content into its theme parks. As Disney had acquired Marvel in 2009, it made sense to bring these popular characters and stories into the parks. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! was the first Marvel-themed ride at Disneyland California Adventure.
Are there any plans to close or retheme the Tower of Terror at other parks?
As of now, there have been no official announcements from Disney regarding plans to close or retheme the Tower of Terror attractions at other parks. The ride continues to be a popular attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney Studios Park, and Tokyo DisneySea.
