What do the missing letters in Tower of Terror spell?

The missing letters in the directory spell out, EVIL TOWER UR DOOMED.



In the lobby of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios, there is a directory board where several letters have fallen to the bottom of the frame. When read together, these missing letters spell out the ominous message "TAKE THE STAIRS." This is a chilling piece of environmental storytelling, suggesting that the elevator is no longer a safe option following the supernatural disaster of 1939. Interestingly, there is a persistent urban legend that the letters once spelled out "EVIL TOWER UR DOOMED," which was reportedly changed to "EVIL TOWER" or removed entirely following the events of September 11, 2001, out of sensitivity. In 2026, the "Take the Stairs" Easter egg remains the most famous and widely recognized version of this hidden detail, serving as a classic example of Disney's attention to thematic detail that rewards observant guests who take the time to inspect the "haunted" hotel's props.

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Between the two elevators sits the directory. Here you can see many of the main floors, and entertainment venues. You'll notice letters are missing; at one time, on the bottom of the directory, the fallen letters spelled out 'evil Tower U R doomed'.

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On July 12, 2005, a 16-year-old girl experienced a heart attack within minutes after she exited the ride. Doctors later discovered bleeding on her brain. Just three months later, a man experienced an irregular heartbeat and memory loss after riding the Disney Tower of Terror.

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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.

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The disappearance of the 'Princes in the Tower', Edward V and his brother Richard, Duke of York in 1483 is one of the most intriguing 'murders' of the Tower of London. The mysterious episode unfolded with sinister speed over a single summer, yet is still being debated by historians centuries later.

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The People Mover Becomes the People Killer On Aug. 21, 1967, 17-year-old Ricky Lee Yama was crushed to death while riding on the People Mover. Ricky decided that he would jump in between two of the moving cars just as the ride was entering a tunnel.

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Though many will see the number 13 as unlucky, if you see this posted as the wait time on Tower of Terror, you should jump into the queue immediately. Disney posting 13 isn't a spooky way of saying 15 minutes, it actually means that the ride is pretty much a walk-on.

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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.

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The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios is the taller of the two at 199 ft. tall while Disney's California Adventure's version tops 183 ft.

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The Bloody Tower is most strongly associated with the supposed murder of the 12-year-old Edward V and his younger brother, Richard, in 1483. Tradition says that they stayed in these rooms on the orders of their uncle, the future Richard III.

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While there's plenty to see throughout this attraction and its queue, it's a bit spookier than it may seem at first glance. In fact, there are various hidden facts and secrets located throughout Tower of Terror.

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