Difference between pages "Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room" and "The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror"

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{{Template:Infobox Disney ride
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{{Template:Infobox Disney ride |
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| image=TikiRoomBuilding.jpg
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| land=[[Sunset Boulevard]]
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| caption='''The outside of the Enchanted Tiki Room'''
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| image=Towerofterror.jpg
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| land=[[Adventureland]]
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| smaller=true
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| opened=October 1, 1971
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| caption='''The Hollywood Tower Hotel'''  
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| park=Magic Kingdom
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| park=Hollywood Studios
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| closed=September 1, 1997
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| opened=July 22, 1994
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| custom_label_1= Reopened
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| height_requirement=40
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| custom_value_1= August 15, 2011
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| based_on=The Twilight Zone
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| type = Musical Show
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| host= Rod Serling
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| theme = Polynesia
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| custom_label_1= Disney Genie +
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| audio-animatronics=150
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| custom_value_1= Yes
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| duration=15:36
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| host= Jose, Michael, Fritz, Pierre
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|custom_label_2= Previous Attraction
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|custom_value_2= The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management)
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}}
 
}}
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Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room is an attraction located in [[Adventureland]].
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The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is an attraction located on [[Sunset Boulevard]] in [[Disney's Hollywood Studios]].
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==Attraction History==
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The concept of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror actually began in Euro Disney <ref name= "tower"> https://web.archive.org/web/20120106171353/http://www.towerofterror.org/history/origin </ref>. In the late 1980's, Disney wanted to build a new attraction known as Geyser Mountain <ref name= "tower"/>. The attraction would have ended with a jet of water pushing the ride vehicle up and down a drop shaft <ref name= "tower"/>. Although the attraction was never built, the drop shaft concept was one that stuck in Imagineers mind.  
  
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==Attraction History==     
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While work on Euro Disney continued, Disney was also planning a massive expansion for Disney-MGM Studios. The new area would be known as [[Sunset Boulevard]], and it would feature new restaurants, stores and hopefully a new "E Ticket" attraction. Although initially Disney Imagineers pitched attractions such as Dick Tracy's Crime Stoppers and Toontown Trolley for Sunset Boulevard, none of the projects were green lit <ref name= "tower"/>. Then, in the fall of 1989, director and producer Mel Brooks met with Disney Imagineering. Disney CEO Michael Eisner wanted Mel to produce his films at the Disney MGM Studios. Furthermore, creating a new attraction with the producer was something that appealed to both Imagineers and Brooks <ref name= "studios"> http://www.studioscentral.com/early-development-tower-terror </ref>. The original idea that Imagineers came up with was called "Castle Young Frankenstein" <ref name= "studios"/>. The proposed attraction would have featured a village with winding streets, all of which led to a castle. As Imagineers continued to brainstorm however, the attraction was changed to "Mel Brooks' Hollywood Hotel"<ref name= "studios"/>.
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Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room is musical revue with a Polynesian theme and is  set in the  mystical  “Enchanted Tiki Room.” The attraction originally opened with  the [[Magic Kingdom]] in 1971 and is located in Adventureland within the Sunshine Pavillion. Originally named the Tropical Serenade, the Walt  Disney World version of the show was a carbon copy of the Disneyland attraction, The Enchanted Tiki Room. The show is hosted by four macaws of differing nationalities – Jose (Mexican),Michael (Irish),Pierre (French), and Fritz (German)who lead over 200 birds, flowers and Tikis in musical numbers.
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[[Image:TOTCOncept.jpg|thumb|350px|Early Tower of Terror concept art]]
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The idea of a Hollywood hotel was one that had actually originated right around the time that the Studios opened <ref name= "studios"/>. Disney Imagineer Bob Weiss wanted to create a resort hotel that was based on the art deco Hollywood hotels of the 1930s<ref name= "studios"/>. Imagineer C. McNair Wilson then suggested that the hotel be the scene of a murder mystery, which guests could solve by investigating clues hidden around the hotel<ref name= "studios"/>. The hotel cast members, would be able to give guests small hints that would lead them to clues. If guests solved the case, they would be given a certificate for their efforts<ref name= "studios"/>. Eventually, the idea of the murder mystery in the hotel led Imagineers to consider re-theming half of the hotel as the Hollywood Horror Hotel<ref name= "studios"/>.
  
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The Tropical Serenade operated from 1971 until 1997 when the attraction was re-themed and given the name The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management). The new show featured Zazu from Disney's The Lion King and Iago from Disney's Aladdin. The change in the attraction was done to give the show a more modern feel. Besides just the addition of new characters, new songs were added to make the show more “hip”.  
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Although these ideas proved to be the most influential, Imagineers also came up with other ideas for the Hollywood Hotel. One idea would have featured Vincent Price narrating the attraction as guests took a "ghost tour" <ref name= "TOT"/>. Another suggestion was to create a comedic version of the [[Haunted Mansion]] featuring Mel Brooks and Young Frankenstein <ref name= "studios"/>. Finally, Imagineers Steve and Tim Kirk suggested a hotel/attraction hybrid that would have had guests being driven from the Orlando International Airport in a 1930s station wagon <ref name= "studios"/>. Eventually, however Imagineers proposed working the theme of the Disney-MGM Studios into the attraction. They came up with a story that would feature a murder mystery and a dead director. It would be up to the guests (who were playing extras) to try and figure out who committed the crime.
  
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In 2011 a small fire broke out in  the Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management). It was rumored that one of  the Iago Audio Anamatronics was damaged. Although these rumors were never substantiated the attraction was closed on January 11, 2011. The show was then changed back to the original format (albeit with some minor changes) and was renamed Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room.
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Although the murder angle of the story was eventually dropped, Imagineers liked the idea of guests trying to solve a mystery within the haunted hotel <ref name= "TOT"> https://web.archive.org/web/20120106171335/http://www.towerofterror.org/history/design </ref>. Disney decided that to enhance the attraction, it needed some kind of movie tie-in. Imagineers eventually agreed on the idea of theming the attraction after the Twilight Zone. The initial concept of the attraction, called for cast members who would dress up like various employees of the hotel. Each employee would seem a little unstable, (such as a bell boy who walked through the line asking if guests wanted to check any luggage) <ref name= "terror"> https://web.archive.org/web/20120106172759/http://www.towerofterror.org/history/early-development </ref>. Other enhancements to the queue, including an old man who would "come to life" and interact with guests, and an Audio Animatronic elevator repair man were eventually discarded <ref name= "terror"/>. Disney decided that the cast members would slow down the line too much, and park Operations was hesitant to assign more cast members to the attraction then was absolutely necessary <ref name= "terror"/>.  
  
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==The Tropical Serenade==
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[[Image:RodSerling.jpg|thumb|300px|Rod Serling, the host of the Twilight Zone.]]
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The Tropical Serenade operated from 1971 until 1997 in the Sunshine Pavilion.  
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===Tropical Serenade Plot===
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The Tropical Serenade really began in the pre-show. Outside of the Enchanted Tiki Room was Clyde and Claude who told the audience how they found the Enchanted Tiki Room. They would then precede to tell guests about the show and try to get them to enter the Tiki Room.  
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After deciding on the basic concept of the attraction, Imagineers began working on the plot. In order to tie in the attraction with the rest of the studios, it was decided that guests would be filming a "lost episode" of the Twilight Zone <ref name= "TOT"/>. Although Rod Serling (the host of the Twilight Zone) had passed away in 1975, Disney Imagineer's still wanted to include him in the attraction. To do this, Mark Silverman recorded an impersonation of Rod, which was synced with the introduction of a 1961 episode titled "It's a Good Life" <ref name= "secret"> http://towersecrets.com/tower-of-terror-rod-serling-intro-video/ </ref>. The background image was then replaced with images of the Tower of Terror, thus giving the attraction an "authentic" Twilight Zone introduction.  
  
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Once inside, guests would find that Tiki Room birds were asleep! A cast member would have to wake up Jose (either by hitting him with a stick, or having the audience wake him up) who would then wake his co-hosts Pierre, Fritz and Michael. Once the four hosts were up it was time to “wake up the glee club”. The birds would then sing the attractions official song “[[The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room]]”. The song welcomed guests to the Tiki Room and gave them a picture of what was in store. According to the song in the Tiki Room the “Birds sing words, and the flowers croon”. Various birds from around the room were also featured in “the Tiki Tiki Tiki Room” including  macaws, toucans and the bird of paradise.
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As far as the layout of the attraction was concerned, it was decided that guests would enter the attraction on foot. Here, they would discover an abandoned hotel lobby, setting the mystery into motion <ref name= "Martin"> http://www.martinsvids.net/?s=Tower+of+Terror </ref>. Guests would then watch a preshow video, which would tell them the attraction's backstory <ref name= "Martin"/>. The attraction would then conclude with guests going into the haunted elevator (the drop shaft) and discovering what really happened in the hotel<ref name= "Martin"/>.  
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After the opening number was over, the birds would begin to whistle "Barcarolle” from the opera “The Tales of Hoffman” by Jacques Offenbach. After the “Barcarolle” number the four hosts would “introduce the girls” who were perched on the Enchanted Fountain. The girls would lead  the Tiki Room in the song, “Lets All Sing Like the Birdies Sing”. The song would show the different vocal styles of the host birds. Jose croons like Bing Crosby, Michael sings like Louis Armstrong and Pierre sings like Maurice Chavieller. During the song the Tiki Room birds would invite guests whistle along before the song ended.  
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After “Lets All Sing Like the Birdies Sing” Jose introduced the orchids who along with the flowers on the wall sang “The Hawaiian War Chant”. In the middle of the song the flowers were  interrupted by the Tiki Statues who began to chant faster and faster before making it thunderstorm. Michael informs the room that the Gods have been angered by all the celebrating, and the birds decide it's time for the show to end -but not  before a recap song! On the way out, the Tiki Room birds sang a version of Heigh-Ho to exiting guests.
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One problem that Imagineers had to overcome when designing the Tower of Terror was the fact that most drop rides usually involved guests laying on their backs. Disney felt that this was not family friendly, and they attempted to find a new ride method<ref name= "Martin"/>. Partially based on the ride mechanism that was designed for Geyser Mountain, Disney developed a way to use multiple ride vehicles that would be able to both travel horizontally, and then drop vertically<ref name= "Martin"/>. The addition of multiple shafts also let Imagineers increase the capacity of the attraction<ref name= "Martin"/>.  
  
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[[Image:Jose.jpg|thumb|Jose, one of the hosts of the Enchanted Tiki Room]]
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With both the attraction plot and the ride mechanisms complete, construction on the Tower of Terror began in 1992<ref name= "Martin"/>. Imagineers soon ran into trouble however, when it was discovered that the initial site of the Tower actually sat on sinkhole<ref name= "Martin"/>. This setback required Disney to move the location of the attraction, albeit slightly. Finally, on July 22, 1994 the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror opened to guests <ref> http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/mgm/st-tower.htm </ref>.
  
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===Tropical Serenade Cast===
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Since its opening in 1994, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror has seen a significant amount of changes. In May of 1996, a second drop was added to the attraction <ref name= "Martin"/>. Besides the original thirteen-story drop, guests now also fell eight stories. During this refurbishment, the first photo that was taken of guests was also removed <ref name= "Martin"/>. The photo was originally taken early on in the attraction, and then later used in the 5th Dimension scene <ref name= "Martin"/>. The idea was that guests would be able to see themselves in their ride vehicle as they entered the 5th Dimension <ref name= "Martin"/>. Unfortunately, the process was unreliable and in 1996 the effect was removed <ref name= "Martin"/>.
  
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'''Thurl Ravenscroft'''-Fritz
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Further additions came to the Tower in 1999, when a third drop was added to the attraction <ref name= "wdwmagic"> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/the-twilight-zone-tower-of-terror/news/25feb1999-tower-of-terror-fear-every-drop-profile-announced.htm </ref>. The update was known as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: Fear Every Drop! At this time, new lighting effects and music were added, and the lightning effect was updated <ref name= "wdwmagic"/>.
  
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'''Wally Boag'''-Jose
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The most recent change to the Tower of Terror came in 2002, when the drop sequences became randomized by a computer <ref name= "Martin"/>. This allowed every ride on the Tower of Terror to be different and unique, meaning that guests could never be sure when they were going to drop<ref name= "Martin"/>.
  
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'''Fulton Burley'''-Michael
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==Attraction Plot==
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===Queue===
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The queue for the Tower of Terror begins as guests enter the hotel's gate. Inside the grounds, guests wind through the overgrown gardens of the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Along the way, they pass by signs (which point to the stables, tennis courts and swimming pools), crumbling statues, and overgrown shrubbery.
  
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'''Ernie Newton'''-Pierre
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After reaching the entrance to the hotel, guests enter a decaying lobby. The lobby is seemingly preserved, as guests can see a table set with tableware, food, a copy of the Los Angeles Examiner (dated October 31, 1939), abandoned suitcases near the front desk, and an unfinished game of mahjong. The centerpiece of the lobby is an owl sculpture which is surrounded by a circle of dead flowers. Behind the front desk in the lobby, guests can see an elevator with broken doors that is out of order. After being informed that their rooms are not ready yet, guests are ushered into the library.
  
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'''Puruis Pullen (aka Dr. Horatio D. Birdbath)'''- Background birds
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===Preshow===
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Inside the Library, lightning strikes the hotel, shutting off all of the power except for a television set which seems to be working by itself. As the TV turns on, the opening for the Twilight Zone begins to play. Rod Serling tells guests that in Hollywood 1939, the Hollywood Tower Hotel was a star in its own right. As glamorous people enter the elevator, the tower is struck by lightning, causing the guests to vanish. Rod Serling then shows guests the maintenance service elevator which is still working, and "waiting for you". He then informs guests that in tonight’s episode they are the stars of the Twilight Zone. Finally, the television turns off and guests are ushered into the boiler room, where they enter the service elevator.
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===Actual Ride===
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Once inside the elevator, Rod Serling tells guests:
  
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===Tropical Serenade Songs===
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{{Quotation| "You are the passengers on a most uncommon elevator about to ascend into your very own episode of The Twilight Zone."}}
  
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'''[[The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room]]'''- Written by Robert and Richard Sherman and performed by the Tiki Room birds.  
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The elevator then begins rising for a moment before coming to a stop.  Here, the doors open revealing a long corridor. At first, the only recognizable object in the corridor is a single window directly across from guests. Then, as a storm rages outside, the five ghosts of the dead 1939 guests (who were shown in the preshow) appear, inviting guests to come and join them, before disappearing in a wave of electricity.  After the ghosts vanish, the corridor fades away, turning into a field of stars (with the window still remaining). The window then morphs into a more ghastly looking window before shattering.  After the window shatters, the elevator doors close and guests begin ascending again. Rod Serling then informs guests:
  
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'''Lets All Sing Like the Birdies Sing'''- Written by Robert Hargreaves, Stanley J. Damerell and Tolchard Evans. Performed by the Birdmobile Chorous (the girls) Jose, Peirre, Fritz and Michael.
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[[Image:Towerghosts.jpg|330px|thumb|The ghosts of the doomed guests from 1939.]]
  
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'''"Barcarolle"'''-Composed by  Jacques Offenbach and whistled by the Tiki Room birds.  
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{{Quotation| "One stormy night long ago, five people stepped through the door of an elevator and into a nightmare. That door is opening once again, and this time, it's opening for you."}}
  
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'''Hawaiian War Chant'''-Composed by Prince Leleiohoku and performed by the orchids and the Tiki Statues.  
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As his narration ends, the elevator moves horizontally into the Fifth Dimension. Here, odd sights and sounds from the television show's opening can be seen. As guests travel through the Fifth Dimension, the Twilight Zone theme song plays. After guests reach the back of the scene, a star field opens in front of them (like an elevator door) as Serling warns guests:
  
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'''Finale (Farewell and Aloha)'''-Composed by unknown, performed by the Tiki Room Birds, orchids and Tiki Statues
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{{Quotation| "You are about to discover what lies beyond the Fifth Dimension, beyond the deepest, darkest corner of the imagination, in the Tower of Terror."}}
  
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'''Heigh Ho'''- Composed by Frank Churchill and Larry Morey (with special lyrics for the Tiki Room). Performed by the Tiki Birds.
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At this point, guests begin the drop sequence. Although the drops are now randomized, every ride includes one complete drop (from the top to the bottom of the tower) and one "fake drop". Also, at some point during the drop sequence, the elevator doors open in front of guests, allowing them to see the park from a height of 170 ft.  
  
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==Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room==
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After dropping, guests reach the basement of the Hollywood Tower Hotel, where they see a short clip which shows items from the show’s opening sequence, as well as Rod Serling and the 1939 elevator passengers falling into a vortex. Before they exit, Rod speaks to guests one more time:
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In January 2011 after a small fire broke out in the attic, the Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management) closed. Perhaps in conjunction with the Magic Kingdoms 40th anniversary, when the attraction reopened, it was renamed Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room. Although the name is different the show is very similar to the Tropical Serenade. The differences between the two shows are:
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* The third verse from the song "The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room" has been cut.The verse starts with "the show is delightful we hope you agree...".
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{{Quotation| "A warm welcome back to those of you who made it, and a friendly word of warning; something you won't find in any guidebook. The next time you check into a deserted hotel on the dark side of Hollywood, make sure you know just what kind of vacancy you're filling. Or you may find yourself a permanent resident of... the Twilight Zone."}}
  
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*The Barcarolle number is completely cut.
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===Exit Path and Gift Shop===
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After exiting the elevator, guests travel down a long hallway, eventually reaching what appears to be the "Lost and Found" of the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Here, they can purchase ride photos which were taken in the drop shaft when the elevator doors opened (revealing the park). After passing by the lost and found, guests pass by a decrepit fountain and then the dining room of the hotel; The Sunset Room. Outside of the dining room, a menu which is dated October 31, 1939 can be found. Guests then enter a gift shop which sells Twilight Zone and Hollywood Tower Hotel merchandise.
  
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*The Enchanted Fountain has been removed.
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==References to the Twilight Zone==
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Throughout the entire Tower of Terror attraction there are references, tie-ins and tributes to the television show The Twilight Zone. For the most complete list of these references check out:
  
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*The audience sing (and whistle) along portion of Lets All Sing Like the Birdies sing has been removed.
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http://www.towerofterror.org/secrets/twilight-zone-references
  
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==Watch The Show!==
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==Cast==
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The show starts about 57 seconds into the video
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'''Rod Serling'''- Himself (Mark Silverman impersonated him for additional dialogue.) <ref name= "pal"/>
  
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{{#ev:youtube|ZsFuZig_ii8|420}}
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'''Bellhop''' Parviz Perry Vessali <ref name= "pal"> http://www.disney-pal.com/California%20Adventure/twilight_zone_tower_of_terror_video_sound.htm AUTHORS NOTE: Although the credits are listed for the Disney's California Adventure version of the attraction, the same film is used in both attractions </ref>
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'''Child Star'''- Lindsay Ridgeway <ref> http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0725864/bio?ref_=nm_dyk_trv_sm#trivia </ref>
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'''Nanny'''- Charlotte Helms  <ref name= "pal"/>
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==Watch the Preshow==
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To see the short film shown before guests enter the service elevator, click play below.
 +
 
 +
{{#ev:youtube|c2gufzmIPrg|420}}
  
 
==Fun Facts and Trivia==
 
==Fun Facts and Trivia==
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* The original plan for the Enchanted Tiki Room was to have it as a Polynesian-style restaurant, and not an attraction.
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* According to a plaque on the outside of the hotel, the Hollywood Tour Hotel was founded in 1917 <ref name= "Jack"> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/02/twilight_zone_tower_of_terror.html </ref>.
  
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*Walt Disney was inspired to create the Enchanted Tiki Room attraction when he purchased an antique animated bird in a New Orleans shop.  
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* The corridor where guests see the 1938 ghosts holds rooms 414-426 <ref> http://www.hiddenmickeys.org/WDW/Studios/Secrets/TowerTerror.html </ref>.
  
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*When the “Tropical Serenade” in the “Sunshine Pavilion” opened on October 1, 1971, it was sponsored by and closely tied into the The Florida Citrus Growers.
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* The music played throughout the ride is taken from various episodes of The Twilight Zone TV show. The score was arranged by Richard Bellis <ref> http://www.richardbellis.com/filmography.html </ref>.
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[[Image:ElevatorCertificate.jpg|thumb|300px|The inspection certificate found inside the elevator.]]
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* The inspection certificate inside the elevator is dated October 31, 1939 and signed by Cadwallader. Cadwallader is a character from the Twilight Zone television show that ended up being the devil <ref name= "trivia"> http://towersecrets.com/twilight-zone-references-in-the-tower-of-terror/ </ref>.
  
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*A Barker Bird used to sit outside the attraction and invite guests into the Tiki Room.  
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* The elevator's certificate number is 10259 which is a reference to October 2, 1959 (the date that the Twilight Zone premiered) <ref name= "trivia"/>.
  
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*The Barker Bird used to stop traffic in Adventureland, with all the guests trying to get a good view of him.
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* By the concierge desk, there is a thirteen diamond award from AAA <ref name= "Jack"/>.  
  
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==References==
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* Imagineers set up the mahjong game in the lobby, in a way that allowed players of the game to see that it was authentic <ref name= "Jack"/>.
  
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http://www.tiki-talk.com/archives/walt-disneys-the-enchanted-tiki-room-now-open-at-walt-disney-worlds-magic-kingdom/
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* While Imagineers were looking through a furniture catalog from the 1930's, they decided to contact the company to see if they were still in business. The company was, and Disney used some of their furniture in the hotel <ref name= "Jack"/>.
  
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http://disneyshawn.blogspot.com/2009/06/tropical-serenade.html
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* The landscaping in the hotel's garden was influenced by the hills of Griffith and Elysian Parks in Los Angeles <ref name= "Jack"/>.  
  
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http://waltdatedworld.bravepages.com/id47.htm
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* Disney Imagineers watched every episode of the Twilight Zone at least twice in order to capture its essence for the attraction <ref name= "Jack"/>.  
  
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http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/05/enchanted-tiki-room-classic-attraction-transforms-this-summer/
+
* The clip of Rod Serling shown in the preshow was taken from an episode of the series titled "It's a Good Life" <ref name= "trivia"/>.  
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 +
* In the episode Serling says, "Tonight's story on The Twilight Zone is somewhat unique and calls for a different kind of introduction. This, as you may recognize, is a map of the United States”. Imagineers used the beginning of this phrase in the preshow <ref name= "trivia"/>.
 +
 
 +
* The Tower of Terror is 199 ft tall due to the fact that FCC regulations require a red flashing light to be placed on buildings that are at least 200 ft tall <ref name= "Jack"/>.
 +
 
 +
==References==

Latest revision as of 06:28, 19 April 2022

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Towerofterror.jpg
The Hollywood Tower Hotel
Hollywood Studios
Land Sunset Boulevard
Opening date July 22, 1994
Hosted by Rod Serling
Height requirements 40" (102 cm)
Disney Genie + Yes
Based on The Twilight Zone

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is an attraction located on Sunset Boulevard in Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Attraction History

The concept of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror actually began in Euro Disney [1]. In the late 1980's, Disney wanted to build a new attraction known as Geyser Mountain [1]. The attraction would have ended with a jet of water pushing the ride vehicle up and down a drop shaft [1]. Although the attraction was never built, the drop shaft concept was one that stuck in Imagineers mind.

While work on Euro Disney continued, Disney was also planning a massive expansion for Disney-MGM Studios. The new area would be known as Sunset Boulevard, and it would feature new restaurants, stores and hopefully a new "E Ticket" attraction. Although initially Disney Imagineers pitched attractions such as Dick Tracy's Crime Stoppers and Toontown Trolley for Sunset Boulevard, none of the projects were green lit [1]. Then, in the fall of 1989, director and producer Mel Brooks met with Disney Imagineering. Disney CEO Michael Eisner wanted Mel to produce his films at the Disney MGM Studios. Furthermore, creating a new attraction with the producer was something that appealed to both Imagineers and Brooks [2]. The original idea that Imagineers came up with was called "Castle Young Frankenstein" [2]. The proposed attraction would have featured a village with winding streets, all of which led to a castle. As Imagineers continued to brainstorm however, the attraction was changed to "Mel Brooks' Hollywood Hotel"[2].

Early Tower of Terror concept art

The idea of a Hollywood hotel was one that had actually originated right around the time that the Studios opened [2]. Disney Imagineer Bob Weiss wanted to create a resort hotel that was based on the art deco Hollywood hotels of the 1930s[2]. Imagineer C. McNair Wilson then suggested that the hotel be the scene of a murder mystery, which guests could solve by investigating clues hidden around the hotel[2]. The hotel cast members, would be able to give guests small hints that would lead them to clues. If guests solved the case, they would be given a certificate for their efforts[2]. Eventually, the idea of the murder mystery in the hotel led Imagineers to consider re-theming half of the hotel as the Hollywood Horror Hotel[2].

Although these ideas proved to be the most influential, Imagineers also came up with other ideas for the Hollywood Hotel. One idea would have featured Vincent Price narrating the attraction as guests took a "ghost tour" [3]. Another suggestion was to create a comedic version of the Haunted Mansion featuring Mel Brooks and Young Frankenstein [2]. Finally, Imagineers Steve and Tim Kirk suggested a hotel/attraction hybrid that would have had guests being driven from the Orlando International Airport in a 1930s station wagon [2]. Eventually, however Imagineers proposed working the theme of the Disney-MGM Studios into the attraction. They came up with a story that would feature a murder mystery and a dead director. It would be up to the guests (who were playing extras) to try and figure out who committed the crime.

Although the murder angle of the story was eventually dropped, Imagineers liked the idea of guests trying to solve a mystery within the haunted hotel [3]. Disney decided that to enhance the attraction, it needed some kind of movie tie-in. Imagineers eventually agreed on the idea of theming the attraction after the Twilight Zone. The initial concept of the attraction, called for cast members who would dress up like various employees of the hotel. Each employee would seem a little unstable, (such as a bell boy who walked through the line asking if guests wanted to check any luggage) [4]. Other enhancements to the queue, including an old man who would "come to life" and interact with guests, and an Audio Animatronic elevator repair man were eventually discarded [4]. Disney decided that the cast members would slow down the line too much, and park Operations was hesitant to assign more cast members to the attraction then was absolutely necessary [4].

Rod Serling, the host of the Twilight Zone.

After deciding on the basic concept of the attraction, Imagineers began working on the plot. In order to tie in the attraction with the rest of the studios, it was decided that guests would be filming a "lost episode" of the Twilight Zone [3]. Although Rod Serling (the host of the Twilight Zone) had passed away in 1975, Disney Imagineer's still wanted to include him in the attraction. To do this, Mark Silverman recorded an impersonation of Rod, which was synced with the introduction of a 1961 episode titled "It's a Good Life" [5]. The background image was then replaced with images of the Tower of Terror, thus giving the attraction an "authentic" Twilight Zone introduction.

As far as the layout of the attraction was concerned, it was decided that guests would enter the attraction on foot. Here, they would discover an abandoned hotel lobby, setting the mystery into motion [6]. Guests would then watch a preshow video, which would tell them the attraction's backstory [6]. The attraction would then conclude with guests going into the haunted elevator (the drop shaft) and discovering what really happened in the hotel[6].

One problem that Imagineers had to overcome when designing the Tower of Terror was the fact that most drop rides usually involved guests laying on their backs. Disney felt that this was not family friendly, and they attempted to find a new ride method[6]. Partially based on the ride mechanism that was designed for Geyser Mountain, Disney developed a way to use multiple ride vehicles that would be able to both travel horizontally, and then drop vertically[6]. The addition of multiple shafts also let Imagineers increase the capacity of the attraction[6].

With both the attraction plot and the ride mechanisms complete, construction on the Tower of Terror began in 1992[6]. Imagineers soon ran into trouble however, when it was discovered that the initial site of the Tower actually sat on sinkhole[6]. This setback required Disney to move the location of the attraction, albeit slightly. Finally, on July 22, 1994 the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror opened to guests [7].

Since its opening in 1994, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror has seen a significant amount of changes. In May of 1996, a second drop was added to the attraction [6]. Besides the original thirteen-story drop, guests now also fell eight stories. During this refurbishment, the first photo that was taken of guests was also removed [6]. The photo was originally taken early on in the attraction, and then later used in the 5th Dimension scene [6]. The idea was that guests would be able to see themselves in their ride vehicle as they entered the 5th Dimension [6]. Unfortunately, the process was unreliable and in 1996 the effect was removed [6].

Further additions came to the Tower in 1999, when a third drop was added to the attraction [8]. The update was known as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: Fear Every Drop! At this time, new lighting effects and music were added, and the lightning effect was updated [8].

The most recent change to the Tower of Terror came in 2002, when the drop sequences became randomized by a computer [6]. This allowed every ride on the Tower of Terror to be different and unique, meaning that guests could never be sure when they were going to drop[6].

Attraction Plot

Queue

The queue for the Tower of Terror begins as guests enter the hotel's gate. Inside the grounds, guests wind through the overgrown gardens of the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Along the way, they pass by signs (which point to the stables, tennis courts and swimming pools), crumbling statues, and overgrown shrubbery.

After reaching the entrance to the hotel, guests enter a decaying lobby. The lobby is seemingly preserved, as guests can see a table set with tableware, food, a copy of the Los Angeles Examiner (dated October 31, 1939), abandoned suitcases near the front desk, and an unfinished game of mahjong. The centerpiece of the lobby is an owl sculpture which is surrounded by a circle of dead flowers. Behind the front desk in the lobby, guests can see an elevator with broken doors that is out of order. After being informed that their rooms are not ready yet, guests are ushered into the library.

Preshow

Inside the Library, lightning strikes the hotel, shutting off all of the power except for a television set which seems to be working by itself. As the TV turns on, the opening for the Twilight Zone begins to play. Rod Serling tells guests that in Hollywood 1939, the Hollywood Tower Hotel was a star in its own right. As glamorous people enter the elevator, the tower is struck by lightning, causing the guests to vanish. Rod Serling then shows guests the maintenance service elevator which is still working, and "waiting for you". He then informs guests that in tonight’s episode they are the stars of the Twilight Zone. Finally, the television turns off and guests are ushered into the boiler room, where they enter the service elevator.

Actual Ride

Once inside the elevator, Rod Serling tells guests:

"You are the passengers on a most uncommon elevator about to ascend into your very own episode of The Twilight Zone."

The elevator then begins rising for a moment before coming to a stop. Here, the doors open revealing a long corridor. At first, the only recognizable object in the corridor is a single window directly across from guests. Then, as a storm rages outside, the five ghosts of the dead 1939 guests (who were shown in the preshow) appear, inviting guests to come and join them, before disappearing in a wave of electricity. After the ghosts vanish, the corridor fades away, turning into a field of stars (with the window still remaining). The window then morphs into a more ghastly looking window before shattering. After the window shatters, the elevator doors close and guests begin ascending again. Rod Serling then informs guests:

The ghosts of the doomed guests from 1939.
"One stormy night long ago, five people stepped through the door of an elevator and into a nightmare. That door is opening once again, and this time, it's opening for you."

As his narration ends, the elevator moves horizontally into the Fifth Dimension. Here, odd sights and sounds from the television show's opening can be seen. As guests travel through the Fifth Dimension, the Twilight Zone theme song plays. After guests reach the back of the scene, a star field opens in front of them (like an elevator door) as Serling warns guests:

"You are about to discover what lies beyond the Fifth Dimension, beyond the deepest, darkest corner of the imagination, in the Tower of Terror."

At this point, guests begin the drop sequence. Although the drops are now randomized, every ride includes one complete drop (from the top to the bottom of the tower) and one "fake drop". Also, at some point during the drop sequence, the elevator doors open in front of guests, allowing them to see the park from a height of 170 ft.

After dropping, guests reach the basement of the Hollywood Tower Hotel, where they see a short clip which shows items from the show’s opening sequence, as well as Rod Serling and the 1939 elevator passengers falling into a vortex. Before they exit, Rod speaks to guests one more time:

"A warm welcome back to those of you who made it, and a friendly word of warning; something you won't find in any guidebook. The next time you check into a deserted hotel on the dark side of Hollywood, make sure you know just what kind of vacancy you're filling. Or you may find yourself a permanent resident of... the Twilight Zone."

Exit Path and Gift Shop

After exiting the elevator, guests travel down a long hallway, eventually reaching what appears to be the "Lost and Found" of the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Here, they can purchase ride photos which were taken in the drop shaft when the elevator doors opened (revealing the park). After passing by the lost and found, guests pass by a decrepit fountain and then the dining room of the hotel; The Sunset Room. Outside of the dining room, a menu which is dated October 31, 1939 can be found. Guests then enter a gift shop which sells Twilight Zone and Hollywood Tower Hotel merchandise.

References to the Twilight Zone

Throughout the entire Tower of Terror attraction there are references, tie-ins and tributes to the television show The Twilight Zone. For the most complete list of these references check out:

http://www.towerofterror.org/secrets/twilight-zone-references

Cast

Rod Serling- Himself (Mark Silverman impersonated him for additional dialogue.) [9]

Bellhop Parviz Perry Vessali [9]

Child Star- Lindsay Ridgeway [10]

Nanny- Charlotte Helms [9]

Watch the Preshow

To see the short film shown before guests enter the service elevator, click play below.

Fun Facts and Trivia

  • According to a plaque on the outside of the hotel, the Hollywood Tour Hotel was founded in 1917 [11].
  • The corridor where guests see the 1938 ghosts holds rooms 414-426 [12].
  • The music played throughout the ride is taken from various episodes of The Twilight Zone TV show. The score was arranged by Richard Bellis [13].
The inspection certificate found inside the elevator.
  • The inspection certificate inside the elevator is dated October 31, 1939 and signed by Cadwallader. Cadwallader is a character from the Twilight Zone television show that ended up being the devil [14].
  • The elevator's certificate number is 10259 which is a reference to October 2, 1959 (the date that the Twilight Zone premiered) [14].
  • By the concierge desk, there is a thirteen diamond award from AAA [11].
  • Imagineers set up the mahjong game in the lobby, in a way that allowed players of the game to see that it was authentic [11].
  • While Imagineers were looking through a furniture catalog from the 1930's, they decided to contact the company to see if they were still in business. The company was, and Disney used some of their furniture in the hotel [11].
  • The landscaping in the hotel's garden was influenced by the hills of Griffith and Elysian Parks in Los Angeles [11].
  • Disney Imagineers watched every episode of the Twilight Zone at least twice in order to capture its essence for the attraction [11].
  • The clip of Rod Serling shown in the preshow was taken from an episode of the series titled "It's a Good Life" [14].
  • In the episode Serling says, "Tonight's story on The Twilight Zone is somewhat unique and calls for a different kind of introduction. This, as you may recognize, is a map of the United States”. Imagineers used the beginning of this phrase in the preshow [14].
  • The Tower of Terror is 199 ft tall due to the fact that FCC regulations require a red flashing light to be placed on buildings that are at least 200 ft tall [11].

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 https://web.archive.org/web/20120106171353/http://www.towerofterror.org/history/origin
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 http://www.studioscentral.com/early-development-tower-terror
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 https://web.archive.org/web/20120106171335/http://www.towerofterror.org/history/design
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 https://web.archive.org/web/20120106172759/http://www.towerofterror.org/history/early-development
  5. ↑ http://towersecrets.com/tower-of-terror-rod-serling-intro-video/
  6. ↑ 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.13 6.14 http://www.martinsvids.net/?s=Tower+of+Terror
  7. ↑ http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/mgm/st-tower.htm
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/the-twilight-zone-tower-of-terror/news/25feb1999-tower-of-terror-fear-every-drop-profile-announced.htm
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 http://www.disney-pal.com/California%20Adventure/twilight_zone_tower_of_terror_video_sound.htm AUTHORS NOTE: Although the credits are listed for the Disney's California Adventure version of the attraction, the same film is used in both attractions
  10. ↑ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0725864/bio?ref_=nm_dyk_trv_sm#trivia
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6 http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/02/twilight_zone_tower_of_terror.html
  12. ↑ http://www.hiddenmickeys.org/WDW/Studios/Secrets/TowerTerror.html
  13. ↑ http://www.richardbellis.com/filmography.html
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 http://towersecrets.com/twilight-zone-references-in-the-tower-of-terror/
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