WDW Radio # 799 - 10 Things You Never Knew About the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and an Evening at the Tip Top Club Event (2024)

WDW Radio Disney Podcast

WDW Radio #799 – 10 Things You Never Knew About the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and an Evening at the Tip Top Club Event

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Join Lou Mongello and guest Kendall Foreman for an extraordinary journey into the heart of Disney’s Hollywood Studios as they delve into the spine-tingling details of the iconic Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. In this episode, Lou and Kendall uncover the rich history, intricate storytelling, and nuanced place making that make this attraction a timeless Disney classic.

Discover Lou’s favorite parts of the Tower of Terror, including the hauntingly detailed boiler room and the fascinating lore hidden within the lobby. As Kendall recounts the nervous and relieved laughter experienced at the end of the drop, you’ll also learn surprising facts such as the recorded screams and the secrets of the chicken exit.

– What is your favorite detail at the Tower of Terror?

Share your thoughts in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse, or call the voicemail at 407-900-9391 (WDW1) and share your story on the show.

Takeaways

Introduction

Lou Mongello discusses community engagement and participation.

Kendall Foreman and Writing Anniversary

Mention of Kendall’s 11 years of writing and missed anniversary.
Kendall’s passion for Tower of Terror and Twilight Zone storytelling.

Tower of Terror Discussion

Kendall asks Lou about his favorite part of the Tower of Terror.
Lou shares favorite aspects focused on place making and details in the boiler room.

Attractions and Details

Nervous laughter and relief laughter discussed.
Recorded screams versus actual guest screams.
Chicken exit: Requirement to take an elevator to exit.
Specific detail in the hallway referencing a favorite Twilight Zone episode.
In-person events and unique Tower of Terror past events.

Tower of Terror Initial Plans

Initial plans included live actor interactions, animatronics, and immersive elements.
Changes and reasons for scrapping some ideas.

Architecture and Place Making

Hollywood Land sign and French Norman style towers replication.
Interconnected backstories of Tower of Terror, Rock and Roller Coaster, and G Force Records.
Detailed descriptions of the Tower of Terror lobby and the elevator in the lobby.

Safety and Design Changes

Removal of “evil tower” references post-9/11.
Safety additions: Replacing single lap bar with individual seatbelts.
Guests’ fond memories during the ride (e.g., floating penny).

Twilight Zone References

Pre-show features Rod Serling from The Twilight Zone seamlessly integrated.
Hidden references to The Twilight Zone in the attraction.
Details about Rod Serling’s impersonation voice and related episode references.

Authenticity and Storytelling in Design

Lobby’s Moorish revival architecture and its 1920s references.
Authentic furniture items and detailed objects in the lobby.

Special Events and Announcements

Lou recalls hosting a “Twilight at the Tower” event.
Upcoming event: “Evening at the Tip Top Club” with dining, dancing, live music.
Ticket details, pricing, and charity contribution to Make A Wish Foundation.

Listener Engagement and Community

Encouragement for listener participation in trivia and feedback.
Promotion of community events and planning services.

Listener Feedback and Appreciation

Fans share their love and appreciation for the show, its nostalgic content, and special episodes.

Rod Serling and The Twilight Zone

Rod Serling shares a quote.
References to Serling’s first on-screen appearance and related Twilight Zone episodes.

Comparative Discussion of Tower of Terror Locations

Comparison of Tower of Terror in Florida, California, Paris, and Tokyo.
Differences in architecture, storytelling, and theme adjustments.

Concluding Thoughts

Emphasis on storytelling and detailed attention in the attraction.
Encouragement for engagement and community participation at WDW Radio.

Quotes

Rod Serling (pre-show): “You unlock this door with the key of imagination… beyond it is another dimension. You’ve just crossed over into… The Twilight Zone.”
Lou Mongello: “It’s not just an attraction; it’s an immersive experience that takes you back to Hollywood, 1939. The details and storytelling are simply unmatched.”
Kendall Foreman: “One of my favorite memories of the Tower of Terror is hearing the nervous laughter turn into relief laughter at the end of the ride. It’s a shared experience that brings people together.”
Lou Mongello: “Believe it or not, the screams you hear as you approach the attraction aren’t real—they’re recorded. It adds to the eerie atmosphere.”
Lou Mongello: “The level of detail in the boiler room is just fascinating. It’s like stepping into a forgotten but functional part of an old, luxurious hotel.”
Kendall Foreman: “I love how the attraction’s lobby tries to communicate luxury, but it’s almost like it’s buried under decades of grime and age. The authenticity is just brilliant.”
Lou Mongello: “Remember, if you choose to take the chicken exit, you’ll have to take an elevator to get out—an elevator themed to the Tower of Terror, of course!”
Lou Mongello: “For those brave enough to look closely, there’s a small, subtle detail in the hallway referencing a favorite Twilight Zone episode. It’s like a hidden Easter egg for fans.”
Kendall Foreman: “I always get this mixed feeling of anticipation and dread when approaching the Tower of Terror. It’s a testament to the attraction’s powerful theme and storytelling.”
Lou Mongello: “The tip-top event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on October 26th is going to be a night to remember—dinner, dancing, live music, and surprises—all themed to the ’30s era.”
Kendall Foreman: “I’m so relieved they kept it as the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. I couldn’t imagine it being anything else, like a Guardians of the Galaxy ride.”
Lou Mongello: “The interconnected stories of the Tower of Terror, Rock and Roller Coaster, and G Force Records are brilliant. It’s that level of storytelling that makes Disney special.”
Lou Mongello: “Did you know the lobby features authentic 1920s furniture and renaissance chairs from the Jonathan Club? It’s those little touches that add so much character to the ride.”
Kendall Foreman: “The pre-show featuring Rod Serling is seamlessly integrated. It’s like he’s actually there, welcoming you into the Twilight Zone.”
Lou Mongello: “Hosting special events like Twilight at the Tower is my absolute favorite. It allows us to connect with fellow fans and appreciate the magic of Disney’s storytelling.”

Timestamped Overview / Chapters

00:00 Exploring Hollywood Tower of Terror, special event.
10:06 Disney attraction’s long concept journey with various stories.
15:38 Changes in Tower of Terror theme and design.
16:45 Idea for immersive hotel attraction with murder mystery.
25:27 Elevator reveals unusual features, hinting at disaster.
30:55 Tower of Terror episode features classic clips.
36:30 The attraction defies elevator physics in imaginative ways.
39:42 Tower of Terror’s pre-ride storytelling elements described.
47:26 Hosted Twilight at the Tower, a special event.
52:42 Favorite Twilight Zone episode, cameo, and set.
59:07 Bringing Tower of Terror to you, event.
01:04:36 Support Dream Team, raising $550,000, mention members.
01:05:42 Chernobog featured in Disney parades from 1991-2010.
01:11:16 Jim enjoyed Lou’s nostalgic extinct attractions episode.

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Lou Mongello

Lou Mongello is a former attorney who left the practice of law to pursue his passion for Disney. He began as one of the earliest podcasters back in 2005, and is the founder and host of WDW Radio (WDWRadio.com), named Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years). Founded in 2004, WDW Radio also includes live video, blog, community, products, tours, and events dedicated to celebrating the magic of Walt Disney World, the Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line, Marvel, and Star Wars.He is also the author of numerous books about Disney, and a series of virtual Audio Tours of the parks, all created in an effort to help enhance guests' enjoyment and appreciation of the theme parks, shows, and films, and the people who make the magic happen.Lou is also the founder of the Dream Team Project (DreamTeamProject.org), which sends children with life-threatening illnesses to Walt Disney World, and has raised more than $550,000.00 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.In addition to creating content around the Disney brands, Lou is also an author, coach, keynote speaker, and founder of the Momentum series of events and workshops for those looking to build their business and brand. Learn more at LouMongello.com.

All Posts by This Author

September 2, 2024

G-Force Records, Hollywood Horror Hotel concept, Mel Brooks, Rod Serling, Tip Top Club, Trivia - Disney's Hollywood Studios, Twilight at the Tower event, Twilight Zone, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

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About Lou Mongello

Lou Mongello is a former attorney who left the practice to pursue his passion, and is now a recognized Disney expert, author, speaker, and host of WDW Radio. Learn more…