Peter H
1 Jul 08, 06:45 PM
I wrote this for my work in house magazine. I couldn't think where else to put it. Hope everyone likes it
The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror
Disneyland Resort Paris
The Tower of Terror is becoming a Disney signature ride, with versions already in Florida, California, and Tokyo. There had been a lot fuss over the Paris opening, and what with all the posters and the TV campaign I was really looking forward to riding it.
All but the version in Tokyo are based on an old episode of The Twilight Zone™. The Hollywood Tower Hotel was a glamorous getaway, popular with celebrities of the 1930’s. One night the tower was struck by lightning and five people were unwittingly transported to the twilight zone. The hotel has been left to crumble ever since, but it is an eerie place where strange things happen.
The tower dominates the skyline of the Disney Studios Park, so it was easy to find. I was there 5 minutes before the ride opened. Due to technical difficulties, 20 minutes and a couple of rain showers later it opened. The wait gave me time to look at the building. As usual Disney’s themeing is excellent. The dilapidated hotel with scorch marks and huge holes where the lightning had struck was very realistic. Once through the doors we entered the lobby area, with hotel staff at the desks. This room is also beautifully designed with the faded glory of a once great hotel. We were then taken to the library and shown a film that tells you story of the ride. This includes a narrative (in French with English subtitles) by Rod Sterling, the presenter of The Twilight Zone™ who died in 1975. The narrative has been put together digitally from old footage. From there it is into the boiler room where a member of staff sees you into the lift that takes you to your room - if you get to your room! The last thing you are told as you the door closes is ‘If you need anything just scream’.
Without giving too much away you are taken to several floors during which you are ‘transported into the twilight zone’. Then you go to the top of the tower and are dropped several times, faster than gravity. I am glad we had planned lunch for after the ride!
Not a ride for those with back problems, heart problem or those with ‘thrill issues’ but for the rest a real ‘must do’. I’m already saving up to visit the Florida version.
The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror
Disneyland Resort Paris
The Tower of Terror is becoming a Disney signature ride, with versions already in Florida, California, and Tokyo. There had been a lot fuss over the Paris opening, and what with all the posters and the TV campaign I was really looking forward to riding it.
All but the version in Tokyo are based on an old episode of The Twilight Zone™. The Hollywood Tower Hotel was a glamorous getaway, popular with celebrities of the 1930’s. One night the tower was struck by lightning and five people were unwittingly transported to the twilight zone. The hotel has been left to crumble ever since, but it is an eerie place where strange things happen.
The tower dominates the skyline of the Disney Studios Park, so it was easy to find. I was there 5 minutes before the ride opened. Due to technical difficulties, 20 minutes and a couple of rain showers later it opened. The wait gave me time to look at the building. As usual Disney’s themeing is excellent. The dilapidated hotel with scorch marks and huge holes where the lightning had struck was very realistic. Once through the doors we entered the lobby area, with hotel staff at the desks. This room is also beautifully designed with the faded glory of a once great hotel. We were then taken to the library and shown a film that tells you story of the ride. This includes a narrative (in French with English subtitles) by Rod Sterling, the presenter of The Twilight Zone™ who died in 1975. The narrative has been put together digitally from old footage. From there it is into the boiler room where a member of staff sees you into the lift that takes you to your room - if you get to your room! The last thing you are told as you the door closes is ‘If you need anything just scream’.
Without giving too much away you are taken to several floors during which you are ‘transported into the twilight zone’. Then you go to the top of the tower and are dropped several times, faster than gravity. I am glad we had planned lunch for after the ride!
Not a ride for those with back problems, heart problem or those with ‘thrill issues’ but for the rest a real ‘must do’. I’m already saving up to visit the Florida version.