The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror opened its doors on July 22, 1994, at what was then Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney's Hollywood Studios). Initially, the ride included only one big drop. In May 1996, a second full drop was added, followed by a third drop and enhanced special effects in March 1999.

The most iconic "drop" attraction at Walt Disney World is The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This haunted elevator-style lift propels guests up and down an abandoned elevator shaft in a randomized sequence, meaning every ride is a slightly different "drop" experience. At Disneyland Resort in California, the former Tower of Terror was reimagined into Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, which uses the same physical drop mechanism but features a high-energy soundtrack and a faster, more intense launch-and-drop profile. Other notable drop-based attractions include Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (which replaced Splash Mountain), featuring a 52-foot plunge into the bayou, and Rise of the Resistance, which incorporates a short, surprise vertical drop during the escape sequence. For the absolute maximum height, Disney World’s Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach remains one of the fastest free-fall water slides in the world, dropping guests 120 feet at speeds reaching 60 mph.