Is Tower of Terror in Disneyland?

No, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is not located in Disneyland. While there was once a Tower of Terror attraction in the Disney California Adventure Park, its successor, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! now stands in its place.

A Bittersweet History: The Original Tower of Terror

For years, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror loomed large over Disney California Adventure, captivating guests with its chilling atmosphere and thrilling freefall drop sequence. This attraction, meticulously themed after the classic television show The Twilight Zone, quickly became a fan favorite, drawing crowds eager to brave the haunted Hollywood Tower Hotel. The queue itself was a masterclass in immersive storytelling, filled with eerie artifacts and chilling pre-show videos narrated by Rod Serling himself. The anticipation built with each step, culminating in the iconic elevator ride that plunged guests into a dimension of pure terror.

From Fear to Fun: The Guardians Take Over

However, change is a constant at Disney Parks, and in 2017, the Tower of Terror underwent a dramatic transformation. It was re-themed as Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!, trading in the spooky specters of the Hollywood Tower Hotel for the intergalactic antics of Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket Raccoon, Drax, and Groot. This change was met with mixed reactions, with some fans mourning the loss of the original attraction, while others welcomed the new, high-energy experience.

Why the Change? A Shift in Strategy

The decision to re-theme the Tower of Terror likely stemmed from a few key factors. Firstly, Disney’s acquisition of Marvel Entertainment opened up a vast new universe of characters and stories to draw upon. Secondly, Disney California Adventure was undergoing a significant revitalization, with the goal of attracting a wider audience and enhancing the park’s overall appeal. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! provided a fresh, family-friendly alternative to the more intense theme of the Tower of Terror, aligning with the park’s broader strategy. The original Tower of Terror’s theming also arguably didn’t fit in the area that later became known as Avengers Campus, with the more sci-fi Guardians attraction working very nicely.

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!: A New Chapter

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! tells the story of Rocket Raccoon’s daring plan to rescue his fellow Guardians from the clutches of The Collector. Guests find themselves caught in the middle of this intergalactic prison break, boarding a gantry lift that launches them through different scenes featuring the Guardians and their signature mix of action, humor, and classic rock music. While the core drop mechanism remains the same, the visual and audio elements have been completely revamped, creating a unique and exciting experience.

Legacy Lives On: The Spirit of the Tower

Despite the change, the legacy of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror continues to resonate with Disney fans. Many remember the thrill of the original attraction fondly, and its influence can still be seen in other Disney Parks around the world. The Tokyo DisneySea version of the Tower of Terror, for instance, retains its original theming and storyline, offering a glimpse of what once was.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where can I find the Tower of Terror?

Currently, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror exists in two Disney Parks: Tokyo DisneySea and Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris. The ride with a similar drop sequence that used to exist at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida, now has a new skin: Guardians of the Galaxy – Cosmic Rewind!

2. Is Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! the same ride as Tower of Terror?

Yes and no. The ride uses the same basic structure and drop mechanism as the original Tower of Terror. However, the theming, storyline, visual effects, and audio have been completely revamped to reflect the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise.

3. Why did they change the Tower of Terror?

The change was part of a broader effort to revitalize Disney California Adventure and introduce more Marvel-themed experiences to the park. Disney’s acquisition of Marvel provided the perfect opportunity to incorporate the popular Guardians of the Galaxy into the park.

4. Is Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! scarier than Tower of Terror?

Whether one is “scarier” than the other is subjective and depends on personal preferences. The Tower of Terror aimed for a more suspenseful and frightening experience, while Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! focuses on action, humor, and thrills. Some people were scared of the darkness and ghosts more, while others may be scared of rapid drops and loud noises more.

5. Can kids ride Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!?

Yes, kids can ride Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!, as long as they meet the minimum height requirement, which is 40 inches (102 cm).

6. Is the drop sequence the same in both versions of the ride?

The drop sequence itself is similar, but not identical, between the original Tower of Terror and Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!. While the feeling of the drop remains, the random sequence, sounds, visual effects, and storylines are unique to each ride. The number of drops varies to provide a unique ride experience each time.

7. Is there a single rider line for Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!?

Yes, there is a single rider line available for Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!. This can be a great way to experience the ride with a shorter wait time, especially during peak season.

8. What is the height of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!?

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! stands at approximately 183 feet (56 meters) tall. This makes it one of the tallest attractions at the Disneyland Resort.

9. Does Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! have a theme song?

Yes! Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! plays a variety of classic rock songs during the ride, adding to the energetic and fun atmosphere. The songs are chosen randomly, providing a different experience each time. Some of the songs played include “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” “Give Up the Funk,” and “I Want You Back.”

10. What are some tips for riding Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!?

• Use the single rider line to save time.
• Secure all loose items before boarding the ride.
• Pay attention to the pre-show videos for added context.
• Be prepared for unexpected drops and twists.
• Ride it multiple times to experience different songs and drop sequences.

11. What happened to the Tower of Terror props and memorabilia?

While some props and memorabilia were removed during the re-theming process, Disney likely preserved many of them. Some may be displayed in other locations within the parks, while others could be stored for future exhibits or projects. Exact details on the whereabouts of specific items are not always publicly available.

12. Will the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ever return to Disneyland?

While anything is possible, it is unlikely that the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror will return to Disneyland in its original form. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! has proven to be a popular attraction, and Disney seems committed to expanding its Marvel presence within the parks. However, fans can still experience the Tower of Terror at Tokyo DisneySea or Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris.