Difference between pages "Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover" and "The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror"

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The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover is an attraction located in [[Tomorrowland]].
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{{Template:Infobox Disney ride |
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{{Infobox Disney ride |
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| land=[[Sunset Boulevard]]
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| image=TTAspeedway.jpg
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| image=Towerofterror.jpg
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| caption='''The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover above the Tomorrowland Speedway.'''
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| smaller=true
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| opened=July 1, 1975
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| caption='''The Hollywood Tower Hotel'''  
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| duration=10.06
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| park=Hollywood Studios
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| land=Tomorrowland
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| opened=July 22, 1994
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| length=5280
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| height_requirement=40
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| guests_per_vehicle= 20
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| based_on=The Twilight Zone
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| cars_per_vehicle= 5
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| host= Rod Serling
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| guests_per_car= 4
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| custom_label_1= Disney Genie +
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| park= Magic Kingdom
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| custom_value_1= Yes
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| vehicle_type=PeopleMover
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| host=Mike Brassel
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|custom_label_2= FastPass +
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|custom_value_2= No
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}}
 
}}
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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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==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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[[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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=== Original Concept===
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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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Like many early Walt Disney World attractions, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover was based on a Disneyland attraction (simply known as the PeopleMover), which took guests on a leisurely tour around Tomorrowland. When Walt Disney and his Imagineers originally created the concept for the PeopleMover, they saw it as the transportation of the future. Walt thought that one day, PeopleMover would be the easiest and cleanest method of urban transportation. If fact, traveling by PeopleMover was going to be one of the main modes of transportation in his [[Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow]].The trains that guests sit in on the attraction follow a guided track, and are made up of five cars, which each hold four passengers. Disneyland’s PeopleMover also used Goodyear tires, with their own motors to propel the trains along the tracks.  
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Although the technology never became as widespread as Walt might have hoped, in 1967 the WEDWay PeopleMover opened as an attraction in Disneyland. The attraction consisted of 62 trains which took guests on an elevated tour around Tomorrowland. Since the trains never stopped, guests stepped on a moving platform to align themselves with, and board the trains. Although the track was not covered, each of the individual cars were. Each of cars also had their own speakers, from which they could hear the rides narration. The attraction was often billed as the "Future of transportation, here today!"
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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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===Creation in Walt Disney World===
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[[Image:RodSerling.jpg|thumb|300px|Rod Serling, the host of the Twilight Zone.]]
  
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Although the PeopleMover was opening day attraction, there were quickly plans to add the attraction to Disney World’s Tomorrowland. When the park opened in 1971, Tomorrowland was not yet complete, and as such there was a scarcity of attractions. To help finish the land, a version of the PeopleMover was constructed along with [[Space Mountain]]. The Disney World version of the attraction was named the WEDWay PeopleMover, and it opened on July 1, 1975. Instead of using GM tires as the Disneyland attraction did, the Walt Disney World version used linear induction motors (which were magnetically powered, and thus pollution free). Because the attraction no longer used GM tires however, General Motors decided not to sponsor the Florida version of the attraction. The WEDWay PeopleMover was instead sponsored by the Edison Electric Institute. Another difference between the two attractions was that while the Disneyland PeopleMover featured ''covered cars with and uncovered track'', the Walt Disney World, WEDWay PeopleMover featured a ''covered track with uncovered cars''.  
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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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The WEDWay PeopleMover, like its Disneyland counterpart, took guests on a tour around Tomorrowland. The original version of the attraction was narrated by Disney voice artist, Jack Wagner, who pointed out the various Tomorrowland attractions to guests. When it opened, the WEDWay PeopleMover originally passed through, or by: The Carousel of Progress, If You Had Winds, the Circle-Vision 360 Theater, Flight to the Moon, and Space Mountain. The attraction also drove over the Tomorrowland Speedway and under the Star Jets, where the loading and unloading station was located.
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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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===Changes Since 1975===
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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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Although the track and basic premise of the WEDWay PeopleMover have remained pretty much the same, the narration and the attraction name have changed quite frequently throughout its history. The original Jack Wagner narration was used from 1975 until 1985. During this time the only major change to the narration came when America the Beautiful closed, and Magic Carpet Around the World replaced it. In 1985, the rides narrator was changed to, ORAC-1 "The Commuter Computer". The new narration stuck mostly to the same script; however it was lighter in tone. While ORAC-1 was the narrator, Delta Dreamflight replaced If You Had Wings. Due to this change, the windows that once looked into If You Had Winds, no longer lined up with the attractions scenes. Because of this, the first window was replaced with panels depicting the attractions barnstormer scene. The second window which looked into Delta Dreamflight's  Parisian Excursion scene, however the angle ruined the forced perspective that the attraction used. The third window (the left one) would have had guests looking directly into a bright light, so it was covered with black fabric which blocked guests view. The only other major change to happen during ORAC-1's narration was the removal of the Magic Carpet Around the World in the Circle-Vision 360 Theater, and the addition of its replacement American Journeys.
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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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In 1995, in order to correspond with the opening of the New Tomorrowland, the WEDWay PeopleMover went under a significant refurbishment. The original track which was white and very smooth looking was replaced with a darker, metallic looking track. A new narration was also added to the attraction, this time done by Pete Renaday. The new narration focused on Tomorrowland's new backstory, and made references to the fact that Tomorrowland was an intergalactic meeting place. Additions and changes during Pete Renaday's time as the narrator include:
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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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[[Image:Epcotmodel.jpg|thumb|A model of Walt Disney's EPCOT can be seen on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover.]]
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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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* The Carousel of Progress being renamed Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress.  
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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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* The addition of the Timekeeper narration in 1994. This narration was subsequently removed when the Timekeeper closed in 2006.
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* A change in the narration so that the ride vehicle was referred to as the TTA Metroliner.
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* A change in the narration when Delta Dreamflight became Take Flight! in 1996.
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* The addition of Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. With this addition, the window that once looked into Delta Dreamflight was covered with a diorama of an intergalactic hair salon.
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* The addition of a diorama depicting the fiction Red and Green lines. This diorama is located across from Progress City.
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* A change in the narration so that Federal Express was removed as the sponsor of Space Mountain in 2004.
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In 2009 in conjunction with the Space Mountain refurbishment, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority was once again closed for refurbishment. Disney said that it was necessary to close the attraction, so that maintenance workers could work on Space Mountain. When the attractions reopened, the word PeopleMover was added to the end of Tomorrowland Transit Authority. Besides just getting a name change, the attraction also received a new narration. The narration eliminated the New Tomorrowland backstory, and many of the in-jokes and references that came with it. New attractions such as [[Stitch's Great Escape!]] and the [[Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor]] were added to the narration. The narration is now done by Mike Brassell, who narrates the attraction in a much quieter and emotionless way. During the time that Mike Brassell has narrated the attraction; the only major change has been the re-addition of the famous Tom Morrow line. Following the 2009 refurbishment of the attraction, almost all of the unique and creative lines from the narration were removed. After receiving many complaints the reference to Tom Morrow was added back inside [[Space Mountain]]. In the new narration the ride vehicle is referred to as Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover instead of the TTA Metroliner.
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==Attraction Plot==
 
==Attraction Plot==
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The plot of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority revolves around guests taking a tour of Tomorrowland. Originally, this involved pointing out the various attractions located in the land. With the creation of the New Tomorrowland in 1994, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority also told the backstory of “New Tomorrowland” and the narration became more creative. Since the 2009 refurbishment the attraction has gone back to being a simple tour of Tomorrowland.
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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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===WEDWay PeopleMover Plot (1975-1994)===
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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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On the WEDWay PeopleMover, guests would board their trains from the moving platform. The narrator would then welcome guests, on behalf of the Edison Electric Institute.  After leaving the loading area, the PeopleMover would head towards [[Mission to Mars]]. The narrator would point out the attraction, and also mention that across the way, guests could see [[America the Beautiful]]. This part of the attraction was changed when America the Beautiful became [[Magic Carpet Around the World]] and then again when American Journey's replaced that. After passing Mission to Mars, the trains would enter a tunnel, where guests could see the model for [[Progress City]]. The narrator would tell guests that this was a preview of the future, in the City of Tomorrow. After exiting the tunnel, the PeopleMover passed over the [[Grand Prix Raceway]]. After pointing the attraction out, the narrator would also tell guests that [[Space Mountain]] was ahead. After the train went into Space Mountain, the narrator drew guest’s attention to RCA's Home of Future Living, which was located in the post-show, as PeopleMover riders could get an excellent view of some of Space Mountain’s post-show scenes. The narrator would also remind guests that they did not have to ride Space Mountain to see the Home of Future Living.  
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[[Image:ttaposter.jpg|thumb|The original WEDWay PeopleMover poster.]]
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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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As the trains left Space Mountain, the narrator pointed out the [[Skyway]] which hung above guests. He also informed them that there were "no moving parts in (the PeopleMover's) clean, quiet motor". The narrator also told guests that across the way, they could see the Contemporary Resort, and the monorail that ran through it. After seeing the hotel, riders would move past the [[Carousel of Progress]]. As they did, the narrator would inform them about some of the history behind the attraction, including its introduction at the 1964 World's Fair. As the PeopleMover continued on, it would enter a tunnel which ran alongside [[If You Had Wings]]. Originally, when passing through this tunnel guests could look down into the attraction, through three windows. The first window showed the Trinidad scene, the second window the Jamaica scene, and the third window the Mexico scene. As the PeopleMover went through the tunnel, the If You Had Wings theme song would play. After If You Had Wings was replaced by Delta Dreamflight, the left window was covered, leaving only the two right windows.  
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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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After exiting the tunnel, the narrator would tell guests that in the distance, they could see Cinderella's Castle. He would also mention that they could dine at King Stefan's Banquet Hall, which was located inside the castle. After this, the PeopleMover would arrive back at the loading station and the narrator would then thank guests saying:
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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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{{Quotation “Now as we approach the PeopleMover station, our Grand Circle tour of Tomorrowland is coming to an end, but not to a stop, aboard this transportation system that never stops. On behalf of the Edison Electric Institute for your electric company, we hope you've enjoyed your trip aboard this electric transportation system of tomorrow, here today."}}
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[[Image:Towerghosts.jpg|330px|thumb|The ghosts of the doomed guests from 1939.]]
  
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If you want to read the script for the WEDWay PeopleMover check out: http://waltdatedworld.bravepages.com/id219.htm
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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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===The Tomorrowland Transit Authority (1994-2009)===
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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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The WEDWay PeopleMover was refurbished in 1994, as part of the New Tomorrowland. When the attraction re-opened it was renamed the Tomorrowland Transit Authority, and Pete Renaday took over as the narrator. The attraction now focused on the New Tomorrowland backstory, and included a much more creative narration.  
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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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Beginning in 1994, The Tomorrowland Transit Authorities’ vehicles were called Metroliners, and the attraction was narrated by an announcer in TTA Central. In conjunction with the New Tomorrowland backstory, the Metroliners were referred to as one of the many possible methods of transportation in Tomorrowland. According to the backstory there were also three different "lines" of Metroliners, which were:
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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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*The Blue Line, which was what guests were currently riding on. The line was an elevated train system that ran throughout Tomorrowland.
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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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*The Red Line, which was the transportation system that would take riders "off planet". This was the line that Tomorrowland residents could take to anywhere in the galaxy.  
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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 Green Line, which was a line that would take guests to the "Hover-Burbs", Tomorrowland's suburbs.
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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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Although the Red and Green lines were referenced, guests could only see glimpses of the two rides. Inside the Interplanetary Convention Center, the three lines would intersect and guests could see stationary dioramas of both the Red and Green Lines.
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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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[[Image:Redline.jpg|thumb|A glimpse of the Red Line could be seen inside the Interplanetary Convention Center.]]
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http://www.towerofterror.org/secrets/twilight-zone-references
  
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Although the Blue Line narration referenced many stations, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority consisted of a round-trip ride to Rockettower Plaza. Guest's boarded the attraction underneath the Astro Orbiter, and the TTA announcer welcomed them to the TTA Blue line. He then explained to guests that they were about to take a round-trip tour to Rockettower Plaza, aboard "Tomorrowland's Super Skyway!".
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==Cast==
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'''Rod Serling'''- Himself (Mark Silverman impersonated him for additional dialogue.) <ref name= "pal"/>
  
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The first sight that the TTA passed was the Interplanetary Convention Center. On their left, guests could see the model of Progress City. The narrator informed guest's that the model was sponsored by the Tomorrowland Metro Retro Historical Society. On the rider’s right, they could see a scene that depicted both the Red and Green lines. As the Metroliner continued on, it would pass through a tunnel which overlooked Mickey's Star Traders. Here the narration told guests that "For your convenience, the ground crew will be glad to rocket 'ship' you to any planet in the galaxy".  After emerging from the tunnel guests would pass over the Tomorrowland Speedway. Here Mr. Johnson gave the Tomorrowland traffic report. He would always remark that, "As usual the traffic was always perfect on Tomorrowland super-highways".
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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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The narrator would then announce that the Metroliner was approaching Space Mountain. As the Metroliner entered the building, the narrator informed them that Space Mountain was Tomorrowland's gateway to the galaxy (from 1994-2004, he would also mention that it was sponsored by Federal Express). Inside Space Mountain, guests could look down into the pre and post show scenes. It was also possible to see the Space Mountain trains fly by, in the dark. A dispatcher from Space Mountain would announce:
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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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{{Quotation| "Greetings from Space Mountain dispatch. High-speed rockets are now boarding to blast off to all intergalactic destinations. Departures out of space every few seconds from all launch areas"}}
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'''Nanny'''- Charlotte Helms  <ref name= "pal"/>
  
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After exiting Space Mountain the narrator would say, "As you can see, Space Mountain makes ordinary space travel an adventure. Another fine service provided by the Tomorrowland Transit Authority.". While riding on the track, just outside of Space Mountain, riders would often pass other Metroliners going into the attraction. The trains would run within an arm's length of each other. A female would then begin talking, saying "All visitors from Galaxy M31, please keep forward facing tentacles clear of oncoming Metroliner vehicles (a tongue-in-cheek safety announcement).  
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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.
  
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As the TTA moved forward, guests could see the Astro Orbiter in the distance. The Narrator would then inform guests that:  
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{{#ev:youtube|c2gufzmIPrg|420}}
  
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{{Quotation|"The center of piece of Rockettower Plaza is the League of Planets Astro Orbiter. This symbol of universal harmony and inter-planetary fellowship provides all beings with an exhilarating spin around the planets."}}
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==Fun Facts and Trivia==
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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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The female voice then reminded guests that the "TTA services all of Tomorrowland's outlying areas, including the personal rocket ship docking lot, and of course Perfect Park Acres, the latest in Hover-Burb Communities". She would then utter the attractions signature line:
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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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{{Quotation|"Paging Mr. Morrow, Mr. Tom Morrow, your party from Saturn has arrived.}}
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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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The Metroliner then reached the Carousel of Progress, which the narrator pointed out to guests. After passing the Carousel, the TTA drove through a tunnel which was located next to Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. Here, the narrator told guests that they could join Buzz and help stop the Evil Emperor Zurg. If guests looked to their right, they would see two windows. The first showed a diorama of the Inter Stellar Hair Salon. The second window allowed guests to look down into the Robot Attack scene of the attraction.
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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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[[Image:blueline.jpg|thumb|The Tomorrowland Transit Authority logo from 1994-2009.]]
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* By the concierge desk, there is a thirteen diamond award from AAA <ref name= "Jack"/>.  
  
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From 1994 until 2005, when the TTA came out of the tunnel the narrator would announce that the TTA was" Now Approaching Metropolis Science Center". He would then continue:
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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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{{Quotation|"Be here today at Metropolis Science Center is the greatest invention of all time. A Time Machine! Be sure and stop by to meet the inventor, the Timekeeper. He'd Love to take the time, to take you through time!"}}
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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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This announcement was a reference to the [[Timekeeper]] attraction, which operated in Tomorrowland from 1994 until 2004. Following this announcement The Metroliner would then come back around to Rockettower Plaza, where the narrator would give one final line:
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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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{{Quotation|"Welcome back to Rockettower Plaza at the heart of Tomorrowland. Come now, re-join us, and believe in the promise of tomorrow!"}}
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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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===The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover (2009-Present)===
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* 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 2009, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority was closed for renovations. Originally, it was stated that the ride was closing to facilitate the 2009 Space Mountain rehab. To the surprise of many however, when the TTA re-opened it had a brand new narration. This time the narrator was Mike Brassell, who delivered the narration in a much quieter and emotionless tone. The new narration eliminated all of the references to the New Tomorrowland and its backstory. Instead of having a plot, the attraction once again served as a simple tour around Tomorrowland, referencing all of the land's attractions as guests passed by. Attractions such as the [[Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor]] and [[Stitch's Great Escape]] which had not previously been mention on the TTA, were now included in the narration. Another new feature of the narration was the addition of characters. Buzz Lightyear, Stitch, Mickey, and Roz (from Monsters Inc.) now have speaking lines within the narration. During the renovation, the ride vehicle’s names were once gain changed and are now referred to as the PeopleMover (again) as opposed to the Metroliner.  When the attraction re-opened, it was also renamed the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover.  
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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"/>.
  
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[[Image:TTAnewentrance.jpg|thumb|The entrance ramp to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, including the new entrance sign.]]
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* 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"/>.
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The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover begins with the narrator telling guests to sit back and relax. He tells them that they will see many of the attractions that they may want to visit later in the day. He also explains that the PeopleMover is the perfect vehicle to people watch from. After leaving the station, the train rolls above Stitch's Great Escape. Here, the narrator tells guests that they can report for duty for the Galactic Federation, to try to keep Stitch under control. Guests then here Stitch taunting them saying, "I don't think so!"
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After passing Stitch's Great Escape, guests enter the tunnel where Progress City is held. The narrator tells them that the model was inspired by Walt's ideas for the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. To their right, guests can still see the intersection of the Red and Green lines (from the old TTA backstory). This seems to simply be a remnant of the old TTA, as the lines are never mentioned in the new narration. After going past Progress City, the PeopleMover rolls through another tunnel, past Mickey's Star Traders. The narrator then tells guests that Mickey's Star Traders has the greatest goods in the galaxy. Mickey then agrees saying, "That's right it's out of this world!" As guests emerge from the tunnel, they can see the Tomorrowland Speedway below. The narrator invites guests to try the attraction and "race to the checkered flag".
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After passing the Speedway, the PeopleMover enters Space Mountain. Here, the narrator then tells guests:
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{{Quotation|"We're now entering one of the real wonders of our world: Space Mountain. Blast off on a high speed rocket adventure and convene to the cosmos."}}
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Inside Space Mountain also allows guests to hear a slightly altered version of the famous Tom Morrow line. A female voice now is heard saying,
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{{Quotation|"Paging Mr. Morrow, Mr. Tom Morrow, please contact Mr. Johnson in the control tower to confirm your [[Flight to the Moon]].}}
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Both Tom Morrow and Mr. Johnson are references to the defunct Tomorrowland attraction Flight to the Moon and its predecessor [[Mission to Mars]]. While inside Space Mountain, guests are also able to hear the attractions new soundtrack and see part of the new postshow. As they are exiting the tunnel, the narrator reminds them to, "Be sure to visit Space Mountain for an adventure that's out of this world!”  Continuing on, the PeopleMover once again travels over the Tomorrowland Speedway and guests are able to see the Astro Orbiter in the distance. The narrator informs them that, "For a different high-flying adventure take a spin around the Astro Orbiter".
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After passing the Astro Orbiter, the train runs alongside Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress. As the train moves by, the narrator explains the basic premise, and the history of the attraction. He tells guests that the show celebrates progress, and encourages guests to remember that there is always a "Great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every day." After leaving the Carousel, the PeopleMover arrives at Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. Once again, guests can look through the right windows to see both the Inter Stellar Hair Salon, and the attraction itself. As guests are looking down into the attraction, Buzz Lightyear can be head over the speakers, inviting them to report to their Space Cruiser, and help him stop the evil Emperor Zurg. The trains then pass by the final Tomorrowland attraction, the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. Here Roz tells them to "keep it moving.” The PeopleMover then arrives back at Rockettower Plaza where the narrator tells them that although this is then end of their tour, the PeopleMover itself never stops.
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==See the Attraction!==
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If you want to see the current version of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover check out:
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{{#ev:youtube|j6EnR8fxcs4|420}}
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==Cast==
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'''Narrator (1975-1985)'''- Jack Wagner
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'''Narrator (1985-1994)'''- ORAC-1 "The Commuter Computer"
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'''Narrator (1994-2009)'''- Pete Renaday
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'''Narrator (2009-Present)'''- Mike Brassell
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==Fun Facts and Trivia==
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* 20% of the magnets on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover can fail, and the attraction will still run properly.
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* The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover travels at a speed of about 10 feet per second.
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* In the loading and unloading area however the trains travel at 2.7 feet per second.
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* On the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, guests can hear the current voice of Mickey Mouse, Bret Iwan.
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==References==
 
==References==
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http://waltdatedworld.bravepages.com/id219.htm
 
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http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/tomorrowland-transit-authority/
 
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6EnR8fxcs4
 

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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