Posts Tagged ‘Twilight Zone Tower of Terror’

Our favorite kind of Hidden Mickey – atmospheric and artistic; merged with surrounding themes and waiting for us to find it.  A wonderful capture from a new contributor, Kurt!

A Disney Halloween isn’t only about pumpkins and parties.  It’s about spooky sightings and devilish details.  There are endless ways of capturing that “not so scary” spirit!  Here are just a few of our favorites.

It’s the time of year when fireworks wear their autumn colors,

Villains come out to play,

and all the cool guys are hanging around.

Some old friends just fit right in;

while others get all dressed up

to celebrate!

We look at the everyday details; architecture,

attractions,

and ambience;

with new eyes.

And discover that some of the most spooktacular subjects of all

are the classic favorites!

Planning a visit to Walt Disney World this summer?  There are lots of amazing surprises in store as Disney launches Summer Nightastic!  The most exciting news is the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade.  Arriving in June of 2010 for a limited engagement, this wondrous parade returns with magical enhancements including a brand new lead float featuring Tinker Bell.

The original “light parade,” the Main Street Electrical Parade in Disneyland, was modeled on Walt Disney World’s Electrical Water Pageant which remains one of the World’s best-loved attractions, nearly forty years after its debut in October of 1971.

Initially, some of the floats that made up the Main Street Electrical Parade had flat screens mounted on platforms, much like the screens mounted on the barges of the Electrical Water Pageant.  Over the years, the light parades have undergone many changes – moving from park to park; being copied for one park from another; renamed, replaced, reincarnated.

SpectroMagic has enjoyed two long runs in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World; a second version of the Main Street Electrical Parade also ran in the Magic Kingdom for a number of years before moving to Disneyland Paris, and the original Disneyland parade was featured there briefly during the Millennium celebration.  Dreamlights, Fantillusion, Light Magic; none had the staying power of the Main Street Electrical Parade which finally returned to Disney’s California Adventure as Disney’s Electrical Parade in 2001.  Since then, there have been upgrades and additions which combine new themes and technology with the classic feel of the original.

In addition to the new parade, guests will be treated to a spectacular summer fireworks show, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is receiving a special effects makeover, and there are more new entertainment features yet to be announced.  Stay tuned!

Something unexplainable happened many years ago at the Hollywood Tower Hotel.  Lightning struck and a wing of the hotel, including the passengers on the elevator,  crossed over into the Twilight Zone.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror boasts one of the most detailed and evocative queues on property, with dusty relics of a crumbling hotel that has been lost to time since the 1930’s.

Guests move through the atmospheric lobby and down to the boiler room before boarding a freight elevator that appears to be in a frightening state of disrepair; an elevator that “travels directly to…the Twilight Zone.”  The car rises to the thirteenth floor, then glides through spooky corridors allowing tantalizing glimpses of “lost” hotel guests.  Suddenly, the car enters a shaft and the terror begins – a computerized program randomly generates a series of hair-raising (literally) plummets and ascents.  Periodically, doors will open to a view of the park below before the car drops yet again.  For those not on the ride, the screams can be heard across the park before the doors slam shut.

Take the time to enjoy the extraordinary theming of this attraction.  Those who would like to take a peek but avoid the ride can take advantage of a special exit just before boarding the elevator car.  The “elevator attendants” do a wonderful job in their roles and are very popular with guests.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Approximately 4 minutes

Guests must transfer from wheelchair to ride seat

40″ minimum height requirement

Park admission required