In this post we give an overview of Tower of Terror, a thrill ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park in Walt Disney World. We cover the basics of the ride, how to ride it, and our thoughts on the experience before closing with an FAQ. Read on to learn more!
Related Posts
This post is a quick guide to Tower of Terror, but we have related content that dives deeper into topics. Our Hollywood Studios Genie+ and Lightning Lane post covers Lightning Lane strategy in deep. The Hollywood Studios Rides and Entertainment Guide gives brief introductions to all the park’s offerings. For putting together your day at the park, we have a One Day Plan for Hollywood Studios.
Tower of Terror Basics
Tower of Terror is a thrill ride Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. Tower of Terror:
offers rider switch
has a Lightning Lane that is a part of Genie+
does not have a single rider line
is about 4 minutes long
Disney warns that persons not in good health and expectant mothers should not ride. You’ll also want to think twice if you’re prone to motion sickness or claustrophobia.
Where is Tower of Terror located?
Tower of Terror is located at the end of Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood Studios.
Entering the park, you’ll walk down Hollywood Boulevard to the first big intersection (Sunset Boulevard, where the Trolley Car Cafe Starbucks is located) and turn right, you can’t miss Tower of Terror at the end of the street. The entrance is to the right.
If you’re riding it first at rope drop, guests are sometimes held in a queue outside the ride, on Sunset Boulevard, before the ride begins operating.
How to Ride Tower of Terror
Tower of Terror has a Lightning Lane that is part of Genie+. It is a good use of a Lightning Lane, but you should only pick it first if you have another plan—like rope drop—for getting on Slinky Dog Dash, which is the highest priority at Hollywood Studios.
While it can make sense to head to Tower of Terror early, it usually won’t be a good first pick. For a while in 2022, the ride was only operating at 50% capacity, which made it a good first pick. Now it is back to 100% capacity, and it makes more sense to start with nearby Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (a quicker ride) if you’re going to be visiting these two rides first.
If you’re visiting Hollywood Studios with small children, you’ll need to mind the 40 inch height requirement. The ride offers rider switch, and nearby Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy (and the surrounding courtyard) is a good spot to spend time with the non-rider.
Tower of Terror Ride Experience
Tower of Terror is one of the most intense rides at Walt Disney World. The ride is an elevator drop ride, though these is some story and dark ride elements to go along with the experience (i.e. you don’t just board, go straight up, and drop straight down). The elevator also uses a randomized sequence of drops to keep things interesting.
The ride lasts about 4 minutes.
Tower of Terror FAQ
How tall is Tower of Terror?
Tower of Terror is 199 feet tall, with a maximum drop of 130 feet.
Is Twilight Zone Tower of Terror a real Episode?
Despite appearances, Tower of Terror the ride is not based on a real episode of the show. The Twilight Zone’s Rod Serling makes a posthumous appearance in the pre-ride experience through the use of repurposed footage and a voice double.
Where can I watch the Tower of Terror movie?
As of this update, the Tower of Terror film (based on the ride) does not stream anywhere. You’d have to find a hard copy (VHS / DVD).
How fast does Tower of Terror drop?
The Tower of Terror drop reaches speeds up to 39 miles per hour. (source)
All Your Other Disney World Planning Questions Answered
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Just starting out? Check out our Walt Disney World planning guide! If you're still picking dates, we've got everything you need to know about Disney World crowd calendars. For picking your hotel, check out our Walt Disney World hotels guide.
When it comes time to book we’ll help you find discount Disney World tickets. Decide whether you need a dining plan in our Complete Guide to Disney World Dining Plans! And don't forget to book those Disney World Advance Dining Reservations!
Don't forget to master your Disney World Genie+ and Lightning Lane strategy a few months in advance. We'll keep you out of long lines so you can maximize the magical time in the parks! We've got park-specific guides as well: Magic Kingdom Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, Epcot Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, Animal Kingdom Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, and Hollywood Studios Genie+ and Lightning Lanes.
Know what to ride with our guides to: Magic Kingdom rides, Hollywood Studios rides, Epcot rides, and Animal Kingdom rides! Plus learn about the water parks with our guide to Blizzard Beach and our guide to Typhoon Lagoon! And for some some fun prep, check out our Ranking of Every Ride at Walt Disney World.
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