Are you planning a trip to one of Disney’s amusement parks and curious about whether the Tower of Terror ride is worth your time? Fear not, I’ve got you covered!
In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at the thrill factor behind this Twilight Zone inspired adventure, as well as other important questions. I’ll answer questions like Is Tower of Terror scary?, How tall is it?, and more.
Overall, we’ll dive into this ride’s spooky secrets and arm you with all the information you need to decide if it’s worth adding to your vacation itinerary.
What is the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror?
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is a free fall ride that takes you through the eerie corridors of the Hollywood Tower Hotel, an abandoned Art Deco marvel that once hosted the elite of Tinseltown.
As you step inside the hotel’s dilapidated lobby, you’ll be transported to 1939, the fateful night when a storm struck the hotel, causing an elevator with five guests to plummet to the ground, causing them to pass.
These days, you’ll board an elevator, rise up 13 stories, and then face a series of terrifying drops and twists that will make your heart race.
NOTE: The Tower of Terror at DisneySea is not Twilight Zone® themed, but it still has a haunted house vibe!
Where is the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror located?
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as well as Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris and Tokyo DisneySea.
At Hollywood Studios, it is located at the end of Sunset Boulevard. At Walt Disney Studios Park, it is located on Hollywood Boulevard. And at Tokyo DisneySea it is located in the American Waterfront area.
The Tower of Terror at Tokyo DisneySea uses the same concept but isn’t Twilight Zone themed.
There used to be a fourth location at Disney California Adventure, but it closed in 2017. It was replaced by Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!, which is pretty much the same ride but with a Marvel theme and classic rock soundtrack.
When did the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror open?
The original Twilight Zone® Tower of Terror opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 22, 1994.
Since then, it has become one of the most beloved and iconic attractions in the park, and a must-ride for thrill-seekers of all ages.
The Tower of Terror at Tokyo DisneySea opened on September 4, 2006. While at Walt Disney Studios Park, the Tower of Terror opened on December 22, 2007.
How long is the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror?
The duration of the Twilight Zone® Tower of Terror ride at Hollywood Studios and Walt Disney Studios is 3 minutes and 34 seconds.
The Tower of Terror at Tokyo DisneySea is 2 minutes and 25 seconds – but still just as fun!
How tall is the Tower of Terror?
The Twilight Zone® Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios and Walt Disney Studios stands at a towering height of 199 feet. The height is no accident, as it allows the ride to reach an exhilarating top speed of 39 miles per hour.
The Tower of Terror at Tokyo DisneySea is slightly shorter at 183 feet and it tops out at 34 mph.
Is there a ride photo?
Yes, there is! The Tower of Terror offers an on-ride video, which captures your terrified facial expression as you plummet down the elevator shaft, screaming your lungs out.
If you ride at Hollywood Studios, the video comes free with Genie+, as well as the Memory Maker package.
Can I use Genie+ or Lightning Lane?
At Hollywood Studios, guests can select the Twilight Zone® Tower of Terror as part of Genie+. There isn’t an individual lightning lane.
Disneyland Paris and Tokyo DisneySea both use a Premier Pass system, of which Tower of Terror is an option.
Availability and prices may vary depending on the time of day and season at all 3 parks.
Is rider switch available?
Yes, rider switch is available for the Tower of Terror.
This feature allows guests with small children or any companion who cannot or does not want to ride the attraction to wait in a designated area while the rest of the group rides.
Then, they can switch places so that the waiting party can enjoy the attraction without waiting in line again.
Are there any accessibility features?
Video captioning is available for this ride – just ask a cast member for assistance.
In addition, guests in wheelchairs or ECVs must transfer to the ride on their own or with the help of their party. Cast members can’t help with this.
Lastly, service animals are not permitted on the ride, but can be placed in a safe area while you ride.
Are there any health or safety restrictions?
As with any thrill ride, the Twilight Zone® Tower of Terror has specific health and safety restrictions that guests must adhere to.
First, the ride’s minimum height requirement is 40 inches at all locations.
In addition, guests should be in good health with no pre-existing medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart, neck, or back problems, that could be aggravated by the ride’s sudden drops and movements.
Lastly, the attraction is not recommended for those who are pregnant or are prone to motion sickness, as well.
When is the best time to ride the Twilight Zone® Tower of Terror?
The best time to ride the Twilight Zone® Tower of Terror depends on your preferences and priorities.
During peak season, the ride tends to have longer wait times, sometimes exceeding 60 minutes or more.
Therefore, if you want to minimize your waiting time, you might consider riding during off-peak hours, such as early morning or during parades or shows, such as Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios.
However, keep in mind that the ride’s ambiance and atmosphere are particularly spooky at night, especially during Halloween season. So, if you want the full ghoulish experience, wait until after dark to ride!
Is the Tower of Terror scary?
Ah, the ultimate question! Is the Tower of Terror scary? Well, the answer is…it depends.
The Tower of Terror is undoubtedly a thrill ride that will make your heart race and your stomach drop.
The sudden drops, pitch-black darkness, and immersive haunted hotel theming can be quite intense and disorienting, especially for first-time riders.
After I rode it the first time, I swore up and down that I’d never go on it again. But of course, that was probably the adrenaline talking because I’ve been on it plenty of times since!
Some guests might find the ride more exhilarating than scary, as the element of surprise and unpredictability are part of the fun.
Ultimately, whether you find the Tower of Terror scary or enjoyable depends on your tolerance for thrill rides and your sense of adventure.
Are you ready to board Disney’s Tower of Terror ride?
Well friends, we’ve reached the end of our journey into all things Tower of Terror.
I hope this guide has provided you with all the information you need to decide whether you want to brave the ride or chicken out.
Remember, the Tower of Terror is just one of the many thrilling and immersive attractions at Disney parks around the world.
So, if you’re up for an adventure, strap on your seatbelt, and make your way to the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Who knows, maybe you’ll encounter some ghoulish residents on your way!
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About the author
Meg Frost is the creator of The Park Pixie, where she covers Disney World, Disney+, and Disney fandom.
She holds an M.A. in Journalism from Northeastern University and B.S. in Communication & American Studies from University of Miami.
