13 little-known facts about Disney World’s Tower of Terror
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is one of the most iconic and thrilling attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World.
The captivating and eerie ride, based on the popular television series “The Twilight Zone,” has been a staple of the park since its opening on July 22, 1994. The attraction combines elements of suspense, storytelling, and cutting-edge technology to transport visitors into the world of the supernatural and the unknown.
The imposing Hollywood Tower Hotel stands as a haunting monument to the golden age of Hollywood. The hotel’s mysterious backstory, involving a catastrophic event that occurred during a violent thunderstorm, sets the stage for the thrilling adventure that awaits visitors as they enter the dilapidated lobby. The ride itself is a masterful combination of a dark and eerie narrative, breathtaking special effects, and a free-fall drop sequence that keeps guests on the edge of their seats.
Here’s a look at 13 little-known facts about Disney World’s Tower of Terror:
1. Halloween plays a pivotal role in the Tower’s story. It was Oct. 31, 1939, when the weather too a sinister turn with thunder and lightning storm clouds menacingly shrouding the Hollywood Hills. Amidst this ominous backdrop, The Hollywood Tower Hotel beckoned to the city’s film industry elite. Seeking refuge from the pouring rain, they had gathered with a dual purpose in mind – to partake in the exclusive performances of the Tip Top Club and revel in the festivities of a Halloween Ball hosted in the opulent Sunset Room.
2. The five key figures we see enter the elevator are the illustrious Gilbert London, star Carolyn Crosson, child-prodigy Sally Shine, her nanny Emeline Partridge and bellman Dewey Todd.
3. Keep an eye open at the front desk. Next to the U.S. Postal Service Letter Box, you’ll find a clock that stopped exactly at 8:05 because it was at 8:05 the paranormal twist of events took pace. Lightning struck the hotel elevator towers and vanished, along with the five unfortunate souls who were inside. In fact, all clocks and watches in the hotel have stopped at 8:05.
4. When you are on the ride and see the five passengers in the elevator before they disappear take a look at Sally and the Mickey Plush she is clutching.
5. Meauring 199 feet tall, Tower of Terror is one of the tallest attractions at Walt Disney World.
6 The building features 27,000 roof tiles.
7. Upon entering the hotel, the grand lobby is covered in a thick blanket of dust and cobwebs and appears that luggage, table settings and activities were suddenly abandoned in 1939. Hidden in plain sight at the bottom of the Directory board, you will find fallen letters warning the guests to “TAKE THE STAIRS.”
8. As soon as you walk in look the right and you will see a AAA plaque revealing the Hollywood Tower Hotel received a coveted 13 diamonds from AAA. (The highest AAA rating is 5 diamonds, and yes, this is legit AAA did present the the hotel with the 13 diamonds).
9. As you enter the library and the boiler room beyond, something seems pull you toward the maintenance service elevator that is waiting for you. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled on the wall in the Boiler Room, where there is a Hidden Mickey.
10. In the library, under a trumpet there is a piece of sheet music for a song titled “What! No Mickey Mouse? What Kind of Party Is This?” that was written in 1932.
11. Caesar, the ventriloquist doll, featured in The Twilight Zone episode, “The Dummy,” can be fond in the basement of the elevator shaft.
12. As you exit the elevator and enter the lobby, to the left of the concierge desk you’ll see the poster card announcing that Anthony Fremont and his orchestra were performing that night at the Tip Top Club.
before you leave! He lives in the basement of the Hollywood Tower Hotel and would love to see you…
13. As you exit the elevator and enter the lobby, just before entering the shop, look to your right and you will find the Sunset Room and the to the right of that the final menu on Oct. 31, 1939.
