The Evolution of The Tower of Terror

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

Because in tonight's Halloween episode, we'll be discovering just how the attraction came to be built at Hollywood Studios over 25 years ago. Discussing where the original idea stemmed from, which Imagineers contributed to the project, and also how it evolved into the version of the ride we know today.

CHAPTERS:
Intro - 0:00
Disney-MGM Studios Opening - 1:50
Sunset Boulevard Expansion - 2:56
Early Attraction Ideas - 5:23
The Twilight Zone - 8:31
Tower of Terror Development - 10:23
Ride System - 13:08
Designing the Facade - 14:57
Final Touches / Fabrications - 16:35
Construction and Opening - 20:30
Outro - 22:30

MUSIC USED:
If you have any questions about what clip was used at a certain point in the video just leave a comment, message or email me and I can help you out. Same for images and music too.

VIDEOS USED:

And The Twilight Zone episodes that were shown:
One More Pallbearer
A Thing About Machines
Nick of Time
Five Characters in Search of an Exit
Eye of the Beholder
The Dummy
The Masks

Thanks for watching (and waiting, again...)

[gargantuaism]

Thanks for the mention! I was truly obsessed with Disney and Twilight Zone growing up and getting to narrate a classic Disney ride based on my favorite TV show was a crazy fantasy come true.

[rodakscreens]

Tower of Terror is my absolute favorite of all the horror themed attractions. No need for jumpscares, copious amounts of gore, or hammed up overacting. Just pure spooky atmosphere.

[majura]

I can’t get over how incredible the concept art at 5:42 is. Idk why but I really like that piece a whole lot. With the sunset against the shadowed palm tress and the moon in the clouds, and the bent over telephone poles, and the 40s era cars. There seems to be just enough lights on that it seems like someone is there, but dark enough to seem eerily abandoned too. It’s a shame the real thing couldn’t look like that.

[aortaplatinum]

Every time you bring up The Great Movie Ride, my heart breaks into even more pieces.

[Anynom]

Still remember this opening in 1994, unlike anything else WDW was doing then and so damn wild.

[jeyDsixx]

My favorite part of the ride besides the obv drop, is the pre ride show in the library where u see the backstory video, a nod to the haunted mansion…I know other rides do this but it’s not as well done as the haunted mansion and ToT, they actually ramp up the anticipation for the ride perfectly

[brerkris]

I love the Tower of Terror and Hollywood Boulevard area music! You just brought me back to downloading the music in like 2001 and listening to it all the time! Thanks! ❤

[davidcross]

@22:19 "The end result is undenieably spectacular on every level" <---PUN INTENEDED

[ilovemyoppa]

Missing your videos bro, I've been rewatching them all the time

[edvaira]

Hard to believe this is originally going to be a Mel Brooks themed ride! Just kind of wonder what that would’ve been, though…wouldn’t you?!

[JosephDavies]

Excellent video!

I still deeply miss this ride, and think it was a huge mistake to remove it. It was the ride that saved DCA from being a complete laughing stock, was the first part that truly fit the eventual re-theme (until they wrecked it), and now doesn't fit in the land in which it resides at all. It was such a beautiful building, inside and out.

[FaeDruid]

Just want to echo what others have said that we miss you and hope you come back with a new video soon. I’m always keeping a lookout for your new content. Definitely one of my favorites on YouTube.

[Unownshipper]

This is perhaps the finest, most in-depth look on the history/narrative of the Tower of Terror I've ever seen and I'm so pleased to have come across it. I especially love all the images, video clips, and other media you found (several of which I've never seen before). I find it so interesting how at 19:33 the bellhop's uniform is light blue in the making-of clip while the cast members wear burgundy uniforms at the ride. This was no doubt done so they could control what shade it would look like in black and white. How on earth did you find this?

[emoranger]

Happy to have you back, always enjoyed your narration and scripting!!!

[OnlyOneKenobi]

U ALWAYS rated your channel. In fact, you were probably THE FIRST theme park essay channel I found.

This video is no exception from the usual quality you produce.... in fact, it's best so far!

Why you're not on 100k is beyond me!

Great work! 🥰 O.O.K 👌🏼💙

[mdamdtraveldoc]

So great to have you back. Made my month.

[RankingTheMouse]

Hes back, better than ever!! Fantastic Halloween special 👏👏

[yotsubafanfan]

I love Tower of Terror. The last time I went I rode it during a Thunderstorm. I almost lost my poncho but it was well worth it!

[SpaceBronanas]

I really like the evolution of series as a whole. The longer videos with more detail are excellent to watch or to have on as background noise. I can tune in at any point and learn something interesting

[ZNC]

Fantastic video. I love this ride so much and love watching deep dives into its history!!