How Scary is Tower of Terror? 11 Things You Need to Know

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At a Glance

Duration: 3 minutes, 30 seconds

Look Out For: intense freefall drops, spooky theming, and extreme claustrophobia

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Opening on July 22nd, 1994, The Tower of Terror is a randomized freefall ride exquisitely themed to The Twilight Zone. But how scary is Tower of Terror? Let’s take a look at the ratings:

1. Ride Length

Tower of Terror has a ride duration of 3 minutes and 30 seconds. The first half of the ride – lasting approximately 2 minutes – consists of a spooky, dark ride section while the randomized drops take up the remainder of the run time.

2. Height Requirement and Warnings

Tower of Terror has a height requirement of 40″ inches. These are the same restrictions you’ll find on Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain over in Magic Kingdom. In addition, this ride is not suited for those with back or neck problems as well as those who are pregnant.

3. Ride Vehicles and Restraints

The Tower of Terror ride vehicles consist of of individual “elevators” seating 21 riders in 3 rows, with 7 to a row. Each passenger gets their own seat belt.

4. How does Tower of Terror Work?

Tower of Terror moves guests through its show scenes along a track – like a standard dark ride – before the ride vehicle latches into place in the tower. The track then shifts, allowing for the thrilling freefall part of the ride to happen. When the ride is over, the “elevators” shift back onto the track and return the passengers to the loading station.

5. Is Tower of Terror Scary?

Tower of Terror is very scary. Whether it’s the intentionally spooky theming immersing you in the haunted hotel or the randomized freefalls you’ll encounter, this ride is unsettling to many riders.

In the first half of the ride, you’ll find disorienting visuals, spooky ghosts, crackling lightning, many moments of complete darkness, and a haunting soundtrack beckoning you deeper into the Twilight Zone – not to mention, you’re trapped in a small elevator with 20 other guests! While these effects are truly stunning for those who may appreciate them, they might not be suitable for some younger riders or those prone to sensory sensitivity or claustrophobia.

6. How High is Tower of Terror?

Tower of Terror involves some major heights. Most notably, when the doors are flung open at the top of the building, riders are left staring down the entirety of Hollywood Studios from 131 feet up. Fortunately, this only lasts for 3 seconds before you plummet towards the bottom of the hotel. While each ride is randomized – meaning you don’t know which drops or how many you’ll get – every ride includes the full drop spanning 13 stories.

7. How Fast is Tower of Terror?

Tower of Terror goes very fast. Riders will plummet up and down at a top speed of 39 miles per hour – for reference, that’s faster than Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train over in Magic Kingdom. Many don’t know that this ride actually pulls the elevators up and down at a speed faster than gravity could take it. This makes for a much more thrilling ride than a traditional free-fall.

8. Does Tower of Terror Have Drops?

Tower of Terror has many intense drops. With 4 different possible drop patterns, this ride really leans into its riders’ anticipation and the fear of the unknown. Almost all drops take place entirely in the dark and – as I mentioned before – pull you up and down at a speed faster than gravity could take you. This makes for a very intense ride and even those who don’t mind drops on other attractions (like me), may have difficulties with this one.

Personally, this is my least favorite ride in all of Disney World due to the intensity of its drops, the claustrophobic ride vehicles, and the randomized aspect leaving me wondering when the ride will be over. That being said, many people adore this ride and – even I – still ride it every trip because of its amazing theming and truly iconic experience.

9. Does Tower of Terror Cause Motion Sickness?

Tower of Terror should not cause motion sickness to most riders.

10. Is Tower of Terror Claustrophobic?

Tower of Terror is extremely claustrophobic. Taking place in a small “elevator,” this ride truly feels like you’re trapped inside with 20 other passengers. While the ride duration is not terribly long (about 3 and a half minutes), the elevators feel very confining and often stuffy due to lack of air flow.

In addition to the ride, there is also a pre-show (lasting about a minute and a half) that involves watching a short video in an enclosed room. Like most pre-show rooms, there are no windows and you’ll find yourself packed in pretty tightly with other guests. However, it doesn’t last long and you’ll be on your way to the loading platform in no time.

As a claustrophobic rider, this attraction alongside Star Tours and Mission: Space are the most triggering for my anxiety. However, I’d love to hear what you think! What are your most claustrophobic rides in Disney World?

11. Are There Animatronics on Tower of Terror?

There are no animatronics on Tower of Terror.

Tower of Terror Queue Walkthrough

The queue entrance is located outside at the end of Hollywood Blvd. You’ll enter an iron gate and wind through a lush, overgrown courtyard before making your way towards the building. The line continues outside as you pass under pillars and find yourself at the front doors of the hotel.

You’ll enter the lobby to find it completely decrepit and covered in cobwebs. This part of the queue is truly stunning and worth looking around at if you have the time. From there, you’ll be ushered into the pre-show room, taking on the part of guests checking into the hotel.

After watching the short video (about 90 seconds long), you’ll make your way into the hotel “basement,” passing huge boilers and machinery as you head towards the loading platform. Once a cast member has seated you in your elevator, you’ll buckle up and the ride will begin.

Tower of Terror Ride Walkthrough

As the elevator doors close, you’ll hear the iconic Twilight Zone theme and you’ll find yourself in complete darkness. When the doors open again, you’ll be faced with your first show scene – a hotel hallway inhabited by the beckoning ghosts of the fateful passengers who disappeared. There is crackling lightning as you watch them vanish and the scene before you transforms into a starry abyss.

The ride will go dark again before you find yourself in another show scene – this time surrounded by disorienting and surreal imagery and sounds. Your elevator will move forward and then lock into place as you prepare to fall.

The rest of the ride consists of randomized drop sequences – most of which take place entirely in the dark. You’ll find yourself at the top of the hotel at least once, looking over the whole park from the open windows before plummeting down once again. This freefall section of the ride only lasts for about 45 seconds but can feel agonizingly long for some riders who hate drops.

The ride will come to an end as you’re welcomed back to the real world and find yourself back at the loading station.

That’s it! Remember, everyone’s riding experience is a little bit different and only you can decide whether to hop on that ride vehicle or not. I just hope this guide helps you be prepared and enjoy every second of your Disney experience!

So what do you think? How scary is Tower of Terror? Leave a comment to help keep this guide up to date!

For a full visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW: