Loading Page...

How many drops are on Tower of Terror?

Ride experience The attraction at Disney California Adventure Park. Unlike the original Florida tower, this version features three drop shafts.



The number of drops on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios is randomized and varies every time, but a typical ride sequence includes between 4 and 8 distinct drops. Since the "it’s in the stars" update, the ride's computer system (the "AGV" or Autonomous Guided Vehicle) selects from several pre-programmed profiles, meaning no two experiences are exactly the same. The sequence usually begins with a "false drop" or a quick ascent to the top for the "door reveal" overlooking the park, followed by a series of high-speed plunges and sudden ascents. The "big drop" is approximately 130 feet (40 m), but because the elevator is actually pulled down faster than the speed of gravity, you experience a sensation of weightlessness. In 2026, the ride continues to use these randomized sequences to maintain high re-rideability, ensuring that even seasoned fans can't predict when the next stomach-flipping plunge will occur.

People Also Ask

I did it once and definitely don't regret it all, but probably won't ride it again, unless I'm with someone who really wants to do it. The tower CAN drop the entire shaft at once. Some drop profiles don't do it, but some do. You're confusing the height of the building (199ft) with the shaft height (13 stories).

MORE DETAILS

On August 18, 2010, a 20-year-old man was hospitalized after falling 25 feet (7.6 m) from the platform of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. He was waiting in line to ride the attraction and climbed over a barrier before losing his balance.

MORE DETAILS

The park cited focusing our investment on the future and delivering new, world-class attractions for you to enjoy as the reason for closing the attraction, along with initial details regarding a multi-million dollar expansion to the park.

MORE DETAILS

The elevator then ascends all the way to the top of the tower, shudders, and falls to the bottom of the shaft, to the area in between the two loading floors, with the elevator being finally returned to its load level and horizontally pulled back into place at the boiler room service doors.

MORE DETAILS

It is only four minutes long, so even if you're not having the time of your life on the Tower of Terror, you know you will be exiting and back on solid ground quickly. Keep following All Ears for the latest on visiting Disney World!

MORE DETAILS

Perhaps the most famous drop tower ride is the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Walt Disney World, which has been wracking the nerves of visitors since 1994. Its faster-than-freefall drop, which, according to Disney lore, plunges 13 stories in its 199-foot tower, is plenty thrilling.

MORE DETAILS

It is worth noting that this version of the Tower of Terror is the only one that moves both vertically and horizontally. The elevator actually moves through what's called the ?Fifth Dimension? scene, which is where the elevator really seems to enter the Twilight Zone.

MORE DETAILS

Photo Credit: Walt Disney World. One of the most popular thrill rides in Disney World history is The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. It's an incredibly intense drop tower attraction that is perfect for those who love experiencing an adrenaline rush but don't necessarily like the feeling of riding a rollercoaster.

MORE DETAILS

The park cited focusing our investment on the future and delivering new, world-class attractions for you to enjoy as the reason for closing the attraction, along with initial details regarding a multi-million dollar expansion to the park.

MORE DETAILS

Those screams are meant to entice Guests to go ride Tower of Terror. However, those screams are totally fake! The screams you'll hear along Sunset Boulevard are actually a recording from speakers strategically placed on the walkways near the ride.

MORE DETAILS

According to Cast Members we spoke with earlier, Tower of Terror is refurbishing one set of elevators, so only one half of the ride is currently running. That's why the wait times for the ride have been pretty high and because only half of the ride is going, it's probably more likely to go down.

MORE DETAILS

1. Drop Towers: Drop towers are thrilling rides that take riders to great heights and drop them at high speed. Unfortunately, these rides can also cause injuries such as neck injuries, back injuries, and fractures due to the sudden jolt of the ride.

MORE DETAILS

Instead, drop tower rides use magnetic brakes in conjunction with hydraulic cylinders or air-pressurized brakes. Magnetic brakes work based on electromagnetic induction, a system that can be explained using Lenz's law.

MORE DETAILS