Tower of Terror Comparison

Because I was not a fan of drop rides, I avoided the Tower of Terror attraction like the plague. The first time I saw it was in 2002 when I was “backstage” at Walt Disney World in Orlando; it had opened July 22, 1994.



When three-year-old Disney California Adventure in Anaheim was struggling, the Tower of Terror attraction was viewed as the Park’s savior when it opened May 5, 2004. It was truly the first “wow” ride that Anaheim’s second gate could boast about. Still, it lacked the attention to detail and lavish opulence of its east coast counterpart. The exterior bore little resemblance to the Southern California landmarks that Orlandp’s version was based on (The Los Angeles Biltmore, The Chateau Marmont, and The Mission Inn). Compare the center balcony detail from Orlando:



…inspired by the Chateau Marmont in Hollywood:



Not so distinctive was Anaheim; just plain with purple paint representing the lightning damage:



According to Wikipedia, Anaheim’s architectural style was “Pueblo Deco,” but that was truly stretching it. The windows looked too modern and the odd large box-like shape on top seemed like a poorly planned addition. This place would look more at home in Vegas. Orlando definitely was superior at evoking an old Hollywood hotel. Orlando also had a more extensive outdoor queue, with a winding path and overgrown gardens that give guests time to build anticipation and suspense before entering the lobby area.







In Anaheim, you had a short queue area to the right:



…and to the left. And that was it.



What about the interior? Orlando:





…which was inspired by the Los Angeles Biltmore:



The Anaheim version:





At first glance, both seem ornate, but the Orlando version looks more authentic and less like a movie set. It has been years since I’ve been on either attraction (Anaheim’s closed for retheming in January 2017), but I do recall that the Orlando version’s “elevator” went  horizontal (taking you through the hotel) before it rose to the top for the big drop. That was a nice touch. I guess if the U.S. had to sacrifice one of these, it’s a good thing it was the Anaheim version. Here are the ghosts from Orlando beckoning me to return. It’s only been… thirteen years!



See more WDW Tower of Terror photos at my main website.

Tower of Terror: Gala or Bash?

Picture this: September 22, 2007, at The Hollywood Tower Hotel (aka HTH, aka Disney California Adventure’s Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction).



Decorated for Halloween, there is a spooky assortment of cobwebs and bats adorning this haunted landmark in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot section of DCA.



Inside, the lobby decor also reflects Halloween. A vintage masks hangs from a chair:



Miniature pumpkins are strewn across the garland that hangs from the ceiling:



A banner over the check-in desk does a semi-decent job of evoking 1939:



An empty jar of “Fresh Treats” sits on the lobby counter:



A poster announces the impending Halloween Gala at the Tip-Top C.L.U.B. with Anthony Fremont and his Orchestra (a nod to the November 3, 1961 episode of “The Twilight Zone”):



The same poster as it looked a year before, October 2006:



Now take a look at this miniature version that was displayed in the shop window, circa September 2008. Notice anything different?



First, the party is now being referred to as a “Bash” instead of a “Gala.” The Disney employee that printed out the large poster forgot to load the appropriate font for “and his orchestra.” A non-Art Deco font was substituted as a result. Here’s my cleaned-up version using “Gala” (definitely more appropriate for 1939): 



The poster has more of a 1990s look than one from 1939. The overuse of blends and more than 10 fonts gives this piece a somewhat computerized look. I wonder where this piece ended up once the Anaheim version was removed?

See more photos at my main website.

The Tower of Terror

Welcome to the Hollywood Tower Hotel, where Terror is its middle name. Or first name. Or somewhere in the name. Where would you like the elevator to take you?



A few shots of the library on the left. Always a ton-o-mazing details to pour over.



The boiler room is my very favorite place to shoot; the lighting, the details, and it's the place you wait in line the longest.











Once you get in the elevator, the psychedelic journey begins.



Oh to be able to get off the elevator and explore these hallways!





I was not quick enough to get any aerial shots of DCA from the top of the elevator this time.



As you can see, our group had a pretty fantastic time!



More Tower-riffic photos on my main website.