The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ Attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ Attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® was one of my absolute favorite rides growing up. Although it is warned that this attraction can be frightening to some Guests, even as a child I found it exciting, and has always remained one of my favorite thrills in the parks. This attraction is a free-fall drop ride that was inspired by the popular television series The Twilight Zone® on CBS that originally aired from 1959 to 1964. It's hard to imagine how you could create a ride out of a show like this, but if anyone can do it, Disney can! Fun fact? This attraction is so popular, you'll also find a version of it at Tokyo DisneySea and Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris, France. It was formerly located at Disney California Adventure Park in California as well but has since been reimagined there to  Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT! 

Here at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, you're immersed in the story of the Hollywood Tower Hotel that was struck by lightning on October 31, 1939. You learn that an entire section of the hotel, along with an elevator carrying five individuals, plunged and its occupants mysteriously disappeared. Upon first entering, Guests will make their way through a winding queue of overgrown gardens, vine-covered pavilions, and 1930's jazz music playing softly overhead. The front of the building is gravely burned from the lightning strike, and the dusty and spiderweb filled hotel lobby feels stuck in time! Guests eventually board a maintenance elevator for a trip into the Twilight Zone!

                  

I think the most unique aspect of this ride, is the fact that you don't just board the elevator and have a single long drop and it's over. At one moment during the approximately 15-minute ride, your elevator vehicle actually comes out of the shaft and through a ride scene! Then your drops begin, and you are being pulled down and back up again for more thrills! The pattern of drops are randomly selected as well, so you never know what to prepare for! 

The height requirement is 40" (102cm or taller) and children under 7 must be accompanied by someone age 14 or older. Accessibility: Must transfer from wheelchair or EVC to ride. This attraction does offer  

Disney FastPass+ service. WARNING! For safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back, or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride.

Check out this great video by SoCal Attractions 360 on YouTube for a virtual drop!