Tower of Terror - The Story Behind Disney's First Ride-Based Movie

[@connorperry4352]

Just some insight. Sally Shine was not related to the couple in the elevator. Sally's parents were up at the party waiting for her and her older sister. They changed the plot of the family to bring a more diverse story line between each character in the elevator. I just wanted to correct for more accuracy. I watch this movie every halloween and have it committed to memory.

[@jaxgurnz]

True

[@gregreynolds6728]

The only person that she was close to on the elevator was her nanny Mrs. Partche (I don't know if I spell the right).

[@zgpx]

Do you use a physical copy of the film to screen or digital I’m searching for a decent copy

[@derekllewellyn6663]

​@@jaxgurnzmade movie with 100th birthday party anniversary celebration party years documenty biography

[@BronwynMcGuckin]

I never forgot this movie, I watch it every year at Halloween!! Just a note because you said it more than once: the ghosts are not a family. Carolyn and Gilbert were dating each other, they weren't Sally's parents. Sally's parents were waiting with Abigail at the party. Like I said, I watch this movie every Halloween lol

[@mattjazzfan2288]

Yeah when I heard that I started to doubt that this guy has even really seen the movie

[@lelandhetrick205]

Yes, and at the end of this movie Gilbert proposed marriage to Carolyn after her singing solo. Thank you Bronwyn McGuckin for pointing out "Sally's parents were waiting with Abigail at the party".

[@Lennyg845]

My daughter and I rented this from the library. Her pick. She didn't know it was a ride and I didn't tell her until we went to Disney and we're standing in front of the tower.

[@AutumnE]

What was her reaction? 😂

[@christopherwall2121]

Even on this channel, which otherwise doesn't dip into theme park history at all, there is no escaping Eisner.

[@michaelnagle5482]

Getting Defunctland PTSD

[@Mabus16]

And the Joe Dante connection ties into ROFS' latest video.

[@averyeml]

Honestly it is impressive how much that man influenced not just Disney but a weirdly large amount of culture of the era. Other people would kill to be so influential 😂

[@KeybladeMasterAndy]

He did some good stuff. He was more of a creative than a businessman, and it shows in both the best and worst ways.

[@jonathanpence9067]

KeybladeMaster Andy, Amen. I'm sick of people complaining about Eisner--he seriously wasn't that bad. Eisner was responsible for the original Star Tours, for instance, which was one of the park's best rides for decades (as opposed to today's Star Tours II BS).

[@AJ17_]

A little fun fact: The Tower of Terror version at Tokyo DisneySea doesn't use the Twilight Zone branding because most Japanese aren't familiar with Twilight Zone. So the hotel is now called Hotel Hightower and has a new, original story revolving around Harrison Hightower III (an explorer who "collects" artifacts discovered on his expeditions, and also owns the hotel) and what happens one night when a cursed idol called Shiriki Utundu that he obtained on an adventure, comes to life and wreaks havoc and Hightower disappears.

[@leandrocesar5207]

This video being a plea for hiring Gilbert Gottfried is the true Rod Serling twist

[@user-zh4vo1kw1z]

And also the only way to get me interested ... Give him a truely 80's amount of coke and just set him free. Thats all you need...

[@DioBrandoWRYYYYYY]

I wish Gilbert Godfreid was sent to a salt mine and never came back. He's not funny, he's not charming and his voice is extremely grating.

[@morganyakkofan9052]

Iago!

[@mattberg6816]

@@DioBrandoWRYYYYYY his standup was hilarious the first time he did the act 30 years ago.

[@KeybladeMasterAndy]

@@DioBrandoWRYYYYYY He may be past his prime now, but he's done some really funny stuff.

[@ButIPoopFromThere]

It's not just the first ride based movie. It's by far the greatest of all time and will forever hold that title

[@phantomnyx3639]

It’s underrated, too. At least from what I know. I’ve asked many people throughout my life if they’ve seen the tower of terror, movie, and all of them have said that they had no idea there was even a tower of terror movie. But this honestly is probably my favorite Disney movie. I don’t think they should reboot this movie, unless if they actually did it right.

[@613aristocrat]

I honestly thought this was a Defunctland channel video for a moment. Heh.

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

Me too lol

[@Ragbab84]

Same lol

[@777superlightwater]

Right

[@TheKosstImogen]

Ahh I was just just about to comment the same thing, I'm glad but not surprised that there's a viewership crossover!

[@aricrbell]

Same

[@mewdreamer]

I remember watching this movie every year for Halloween. It had a good creepy atmosphere that didn't go too far for the target audience at the same time. The fact that one of the creators behind Are You Afraid of the Dark was involved with this movie also explains a lot. It was a good fun movie that I also wish would get more attention. Even though the new movie will probably be bigger and longer, hopefully it will also make more people aware of the original Tower of Terror movie.

[@LazyHubbStudios]

I remember the first time I watched this movie. At the hospital when my brother was getting stitches after a WWE wrestling accident at home. I never forgot this movie. And I will ALWAYS love it.

[@WTFG78]

3:23 "Disney CEO Michael Eisner..." [Defunctland has entered the chat]

[@jackielantern6]

[Yesterworld joined the chat]

[@AtomizedSound]

Fun Fact: The Rod Serling sound alike for the ride at Disney World was a voice actor named Mark Silverman.

[@cwhitaker6966]

If your avatar wasent Chrono...

[@kali3665]

Got to admit Silverman has the voice perfect. He also did the voice in the Blurryman episode of the Jordan Peele TZ. And he's still got it.

[@Gatorade69]

He does a pretty good job.

[@skiprockjr.6881]

While it may be a fact, I can't see the argument that it is in any way fun.

[@BlueBeetle1939]

Still is

[@carsonhammerland7195]

My man! I LOVED this movie as a kid, honestly probably just slightly out of the intended audience age range. I bought it on DVD a few years back, and while it's no masterpiece I felt a lot of aspects held up for a young horror movie.

[@TECfan1]

I love this movie. I watch it every October around Halloween.

[@citydweller99]

It's a lesson how jealousy hurts not only yourself, but others around you

[@andrewpragasam]

Glad to know I am not blinded by nostalgia and Tower of Terror really is as good as I remember. I loved it when I was a kid. It didn't hurt that back then I also had a huge crush on Kirsten Dunst.

[@curiousmadcat480]

The Gilbert scenes hit differently now after his passing. R.I.P. buddy

[@austinnix4416]

We'll miss you, Gilbert. R.I.P.

[@JessicaCastro-mk6nv]

This movie has been one of my favorites since it premiered when I was a kid. Thank you so much for thoughtfully and perfectly capturing this classic!

[@charlesfarley28]

Another quality tale from Joe Ramoni.

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

I loved this as a kid! Part of the reason my dad took us to WDW was just because of the Tower of Terror and I was so excited watching this before we went. And I have to thank my dad for introducing me to the Twilight Zone and the classic Disney live action movies; as an adult, I really appreciate that, it really kick started my love of movies.

[@SmoothCriminal12]

No matter how much you try to avoid him. Michael Eisner is inevitable.

[@GregorBarclay]

COVER YOUR HEART!

[@1heKing]

he even showed up at my prostate exam

[@lorenzomagazzeni5425]

What can it go wrong with him at the helm ?

[@prowrestlingcountdown208]

Wow! Forgotten memories unlocked! Totally forgot about this movie. I do remember loving the ending.

[@ericnierstedt6242]

I still can’t believe they took this ride down. It was a classic. And this was a very underrated movie. Like you said it wasn’t anything mind-boggling but it was simple it was entertaining and it knew what it needed to be. If they ard done the haunted mansion movie like this I think it would’ve been a lot better

[@gh0stbn356]

The original Disney world one still exists and is still operating today!!!

[@sorceress1986]

It's still at Disney World (duh). But the one in DCA is just an eyesore now.

[@MeltedToast84]

All towers except CA remain normal

[@MandalaMHoop]

The original is, was, and hopefully always will be at WDW

[@allright]

How about a video on the greatest underrated tv show of all time, "The Adventures of Brisco County Jr" it stars Bruce Campbell, enough said.

[@justindenney-hall5875]

Johnny Allright Good idea, I just watched that for the first time a couple of years ago, it's a real shame it only ran for one season, Bruce Campbell is one of my all favorite Actors and R.I.P. Julius Carry.

[@GoryRory]

Agreed. I'd love to see that classic covered here.

[@davidkahnt2632]

Dixie Cousins.... enough said

[@industryauto1767]

The "JoBlo Videos" channel recently did a really good retrospective on that one. Check it out

[@allright]

@@industryauto1767 I might just do that

[@thenorthjerseynerd2880]

I vividly remember watching this at my Grandparents' house around Halloween in the 90s. Such great memories from then. Thank you for this video!

[@ConcreteSurfer420]

Way to go on a hundred thousand subscribers I remember when this channel was just getting started I'd gone through a terrible breakup and your videos really helped me get through a tough time in my life so glad to see it taken off like this

[@aronc24]

I very much loved this movie as a kid, even though I was a scaredy cat. So it always confused me that is basically doesn’t exist, Disney doesn’t recognize it and most people have never heard of it. Thank you for this!!!!!!

[@Random59427]

This is such an underrated movie imo. I remember seeing it on the Disney channel when I was a kid and I watch it every Halloween. Even at 32 years old. 😅

[@WILLOW1349]

100% agree! I dearly love this movie and recently introduced my 5 year old to it, she also loves. I miss this type of Disney.

[@AlexSpalex1]

For Almost Cult Classics, could you do another Kurt Russell comedy, Used Cars?

[@HatsOffEntertainment]

Yes!

[@claymccoy]

and The Best of Times.

[@Clay3613]

It is a cult classic though!

[@MinaF99]

Hate used cars 🙄 what a bore

[@chukzombi]

that movie is a cult classic. HBO played the heck out of it. my first look at boobies! directed by Robert Zemeckis.

[@heiselproductions_01]

Thanks for talking about this, I really didn’t know this was a thing. When I went to the Tower of Terror in Orlando back in 2008, well, into the lobby because I was too scared of drop rides, but whilst in the gift shop, I saw dvd copies of this for sale. I wasn’t sure if it was a making of thing or what, but it kinda slipped my mind for years.

[@Epocseer]

I LOVED this movie as a kid because even if it was scary the story really hit home for some reason. we all make mistakes that can effect a loved one. it was special for me.

[@blakegriplingph]

You forgot to note that the other actors who played the hotel guests are also notable in their own right. Lindsay Ridgeway who played Sally was Darla Dimple's singing voice and portrayed Morgan Matthews in Boy Meets World. Alastair Duncan is best known as Senator Armstrong in Metal Gear Rising, and John Franklin is known for his roles in the first Children of the Corn and in CotC 666. I also remember having chatted with Wendy Worthington on Facebook a decade ago, though I couldn't find that convo anymore unfortunately. Besides having appeared in countless supporting roles, she did make a name for herself as a horror/mystery book author. Oh and Tammy Tuckey did an excellent interview with Mike McShane where he discussed some behind-the-scenes stuff about the film.

[@SuprousOxide]

Needs more David S Pumpkins

[@ryanahr2267]

Any questions?

[@wstine79]

Everyone knows that the Tower of Terror movie was made because of the influence of the Stone Cutters.

[@Gappasaurus]

🎵 We dooooooo, we dooooooo… 🎶

[@lanceturley7745]

This would have gone theatrical, but the Stone Cutters lost a lot of their pull with the studio after most of their members converted to The Society of No Homers.

[@skiprockjr.6881]

@@lanceturley7745 Homer Glumplich did a good job recruiting.

[@lanceturley7745]

Ironically, by removing the Twilight Zone branding and backstory, this movie is technically more original than the ride it's based on.

[@derekllewellyn6663]

I just realized remember reading reel life house that was looking back flash back past life look back at movie made into store story room new DVD releases review history books documentary on Netflix and Disney plus on multiple times picture awards TCM hollywood movies on Hulu Hollywood studios bowl Disney plus movie maze with oasr awesome picture awards TCM on the best holiday season start show on doing live music made in the same time years before they have happened haunted house since

[@thoughtguardian]

I used to rent this from the bookmobile on vhs over and over again. I still think it’s a cute movie after a rewatch last year!

[@Linschutler]

I thought my family were some of the only people that knew this movie existed. we casually found the movie in a walmart store and because my family loved the ride. it is one of the most underrated movies in my opinion

[@teagan8908]

I went on Tower Of Terror for the first time when I was 5 and we bought the movie in the gift shop after... Let's just say I had nightmares for months 😂 We got rid of the movie when we moved when I was 9 because I couldn't even look at it without freaking out. Once I got older I started to really appreciate the ride and movie and I wish we still owned it. Not to mention my regret that I only went on the ride twice (at 5 and 9), closed my eyes and now it's gone at Disneyland. I just hope I'll make it to Disneyworld so I can experience it fully.

[@chukzombi]

i have a feeling that the Tower Of Terror movie with Scarlet isnt going to be happening anymore now.

[@aricrbell]

I thought that too due to some legal issues between her and Disney

[@kellyj.azania4371]

I just watched "TOT" yesterday...here...on KZbin! It was great! I had NO IDEA this film existed until it was mentioned in want of Adam the Woo's videos!

[@SuperMoviemaster21]

For a movie that it’s over two hours, jungle Cruise is actually very well paste it doesn’t feel too long; feels just right as far as pacing and overall structure goes :-)

[@michaelaurban4120]

I really enjoy your channel, and all the offbeat movies you discuss! I even ran out and bought Cabin Boy, based on your recommendation 😅, and I’m not even sad! Thank you for bringing all this stuff to light, I really appreciate it!

[@ThemeParkStop]

I'm Gilbert Gottfried, and I'm wearing a pink, fuzzy bathrobe.

[@SerpentLight213]

Lol not quite what i thought he said! I was thinking "how the heck did disney let that slide by!"

[@gabe_s_videos]

This new episode of Defunctland is great! :P

[@aaronsarchive82]

I think being compared to Defunctland is quite a compliment!

[@gabe_s_videos]

@@aaronsarchive82 Good! I meant it as a compliment!

[@OJsLeftGlove]

My favorite part of the ride was always the queue going in. The ride itself was fun and all, but the atmosphere and all the work put in to visually telling its own story is what made it special. Now they just paste popular characters on cookie cutter rides they know will have to be updated in a few years....

[@peacefusion]

The haunted mansion is a hidden gem. Eddie Murphy did a great job and the movie is cult classic.

[@ProfSir1]

That live-action Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride was one of my favorite movies growing up! Can’t wait for your review of it

[@michaelnagle5482]

I miss theme park tour videos. They put a lot of effort into them from Disney to Universe to others. That should be a series in itself watching them all.

[@TECfan1]

I absolutely love this film. It's a bit campy but it's definitely a good classic to watch around Halloween. I pray the ride in Florida never changes. I was so annoyed when they rethemed the DCA one. 🙄

[@MatthewWight1988]

I love this video except for one thing the adults in the elevator are not the parents of Sally Shine, they just a couple that get in the elevator with Sally and the nanny. She was to make her singing debut at the Halloween party in the tip top club and as the movie shows he had planned to ask her to marry her

[@oddduck9798]

Seeing Kirsten Dunst dressed up, instantly reminded me of Interview with a Vampire

[@Morgil27]

I was 10 years old when I went to Disney World in February of 1995. I have vivid memories of the Tower of Terror ride, which was pretty new back then. When I heard it was converted into some Marvel shit a few years ago, I was heavily disappointed.

[@ThisIsDownstate]

I went to Florida at exactly the same time and age. i kind of convinced my dad to go on it with me and when it came to it i was the one completely shit-scared lol. Thankfully it was the tower of terror in California, Disneyland that they changed into that Marvel bullshit. The one at WDW is still the proper twilight zone one : ) I hope they never change it.

[@huskobonsarune]

I remember watching this one The Disney Channel way back. I remember enjoying it. Reminded me of a light hearted version of The Shining oddly

[@mrlego611]

As much as I love this video and the very interesting history featured in it, I only have a problem with you constantly referring to the ghost characters as a “family”. According to attraction lore, they were not a family, and it wasn’t even indicated in the movie. Just 5 (apart from Sally and her nanny) random strangers who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

[@kimberly11091]

Agreed

[@Unownshipper]

Mostly right. Carolyn and Gilbert were a couple who'd been dating for a while, presumably. So while the two of them weren't strangers, their inclusion on the elevator was random chance.

[@chubgrub1313]

Just seeing this a whole year later! Thank you for the insight on it all! So crazy that “are you afraid of the dark” and “the shining” were influences!! And a new movie!!!! Day made. Huge fan of the ride, and movie of course.

[@shine311]

I used to work here, and I have to admit I got an enjoyment out of wandering around those queue areas where guests couldn't go, like the lobby. Still have lots of photos too.

[@joeymartinez9854]

Fun fact the actor that played the bellboy is Isaac from the original the children of the corn movie

[@frankfontaine9974]

7:39 "Bone-Chilling yet kid-friendly tales"... someone clearly hasn't seen the episode "The Tale of the Dark Music". I still have nightmares

[@freckled_eyes]

Great video! Very informative! One small nitpick though, those aren’t Sally’s parents in the movie, they’re just random people who happen to get on the elevator. We see all their families at the end of the film! Still, fantastic video!

[@Ninjachucks]

Didn’t know there was a movie but I did ride the ride and it had a long bar that went across everyone’s lap but my dad‘s fat gut had the bar about a foot up from my waist so when we did the freefall I came out of my seat and had to hold onto the bar for dear life! Love your videos

[@meganrodriguez5502]

I first saw this movie when I was 8 years old and it frightened me but looking back it's one of my favorites.

[@wstine79]

I I'm looking forward to your review of Mr Toad's wild ride. That weasel song "Secret to survival" is a very catchy song.

[@tipi5586]

Ah, another video from one of my favourite underrated KZbinrs. *makes hot drink in preparation*

[@averyeml]

I’m so glad we got Tower of Terror and, by extension, the Guardians drop tower, but what I wouldn’t give to have an Eisner-era Mel Brooks ride. Maybe not THAT ride, but one nonetheless.

[@TetraBitGaming]

Loved the Tower of Terror ride, shame it became a Marvel cashgrab

[@Ayden_B]

The original is still the same at Disney World

[@MegaZzZeux]

I can't wait for Tower of Terror LOST BITS!

[@teddyfurstman1997]

Tower of Terror is on Disneyworld still.

[@GMOTP5738]

@@Ayden_B Yeah but you have to go all the way to fucking florida for that lol still dumb how they replaced it in disneyland with boring ass marvel crap that's all been pretty underwhelming from what I've seen and overpriced

[@bijibadness]

yeah, I agree - the Marvel™ cashgrab's a whole lot lamer than the Twilight Zone™ cashgrab.

[@samantha2024]

I still have this on DVD. I bought it outside the ride in the gift shop. Best money spent that trip

[@SvPVids]

The 2 hour line to ride this in the cold Florida rain is the true terror of this ride.

[@calipurnioelreydelodio7141]

I remember when I watched that film. I wasn't at home, but travelling along my father on his truck. He had this old portable TV which you had to stretch the antenna and try to find the channel you wanted to watch. I find it on "La 1" (Main channel of Spain), and I watched on B&W and with a distorted image that reminds me to a VHS. But I loved that film.

[@AlexReynard]

I am sorry I have to stop the video halfway through, Hats Off. But as soon as you said the AYAOTD? guy made this, I'm sold and I wanna go watch this going in blind. :)

[@jefferywiles2152]

I swear you bring up all my childhood obscure movies I thought I felt like i was the only one whos watched them, how the hell did you find my vhs collection from like 2002.

[@kevins8071]

Remember the ride more than the movie. But like you mentioned, it was essentially a 2 hour commercial for the ride. Interesting work as always Joe.

[@weirdproq]

I'm glad you'll be covering Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. I love that movie.

[@brycevo]

I really love this attraction. The Tower Hotel is an interesting and pretty attraction

[@horrorjunky4life50]

One of my favorite rides! Never knew there was a movie based on it. One of the few that can make me scream each time I ride it.

[@eumoria]

i want gilbert gottfried to narrate my life

[@justindenney-hall5875]

eumoria There's a mock commercial for him narrating an audio book version of 50 shades of grey, it's one of the funniest goddamn things I've ever heard.

[@Chud_Bud_Supreme]

I want him to tell the aristocrats joke Wait, he did do that

[@davidkahnt2632]

Gilbert Gottfried is both underrated and overrated simultaneously

[@justindenney-hall5875]

@@davidkahnt2632 "He's a walking contradiction, partly truth and partly fiction."

[@Gatorade69]

He narrarates an event from my family life. Look up the Aristocrats.

[@djkendawg]

Dude! I love your stuff. I've watched almost all your episodes. Each are better than the previous. As a kid I loved the Tower of Terror ride in FL. I agree, the new one will probably be terrible, CGI packed event.

[@heyitsfranklynn168]

This is a massive guilty pleasure pleasure movie of mine.

[@queencancerous5332]

I miss when Disney took chances and actually made rides for not only kids, but adults as well.

[@cassyblack3346]

I do vividly remember this movie, and it did make me excited to go on the first time.

[@Chronoplague]

Those cuts to Gilbert Gottfried were genius!

[@retrobee4023]

I was thinking this was the ghost movie with Steve Gutenberg and Beverly D’Angelo with Liam Nieson. That was actually worth watching and maybe a future highlight video for your channel.

[@BpzBlinkk]

i heard there making a new tower of terror movie with scarlett johnasson

[@DJRanoia]

That pee wee clip was great insert hahaha.

[@Rydonattelo]

Pirates of the Caribbean was a movie based on a ride. The ride was made decades before the movie.

[@mimkyodar]

Came for the Joe, stayed for the... Defunctland and also Joe

[@sgillman16]

I still have this on video

[@mattrost2574]

Great presentation! I've always loved this movie. It's the only Disney-ride movie I like. I wish it was more accessible (like Hocus Pocus) during Halloween.

[@CEWThree]

I actually met D.J. MacHale once. Really nice guy.

[@calipurnioelreydelodio7141]

2:28 I remember this film. It's from the song "The secret to survive in a very nasty world" came.

[@cnj5599]

It took me a number of years to find this movie on DVD. It is a nice movie, not scary, and not too campy, but I liked parts of it. I didn't realize that the amount of time spent at the ride was so significant.

[@ZebraZoom007]

I was fortunate enough to find a copy on DVD at my local Goodwill a few years ago 😃

[@itsnodawayitustabe5654]

Mr Toad's Wild Ride was criminally overlooked

[@gm2256]

I'm not a Disney person so this really didn't connect with me on a personal level but I love your videos, I always come out learning a bit and I really appreciate that about your content.

[@Foxzolaire]

"I'm Gilbert Gottfried, and I'm wearing a fuzzy pink bathrobe" - Gilbert Gottfried, in a Fuzzy Pink Bathrobe

[@gojira387]

I remember watching this when it aired on television. Watching it now, it is rather weak, but it being filmed & using images from the actual ride does make it unique & it does have a good cast that warms my nostalgic heart for the mid-nineties. Any modern version is honestly never going to have as much Character as this film does.

[@muddi900]

Tower of Terror was a goddamn fantastic ride.

[@DZstudios.]

Didn’t know you were a Theme park fan! Cool

[@catholiccontriversy]

Feels sad to see your idea for the movie we will never get.

[@andrewzur]

I’ve been on the Tower of Terror about 20 times across California, Paris, and Tokyo. It is my absolute favourite ride. I’m not ashamed to admit this but my keychain is the big Hollywood Tower of Terror key!

[@teddyfurstman1997]

Both The Rides and The TV series are Iconic. I loved The Twilight Zone so much.