Internal organs re-arranged, tummies move
Written: Oct 29 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: You get a quick view of the entire park
Cons: Loud screaming <ouch>a lot of darkness
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| SurgRN911's Full Review: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror |
For the past three years I have chosen to work in the Orlando, FL area. One of the main reasons is the warm seasonal weather. Surg hates the cold, so this area is well suited to keeping me warm. The second reason is, I am a theme park junkie.
For the past two years my son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter have made the trip from NC to spend, an extended long weekend with Nana. Of course we did the usual tourist trips, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom, Sea World, and Universal.
We started our week at MGM Studios, using as our reasoning it was not as big as some of the other parks, and after traveling the family could use less ground to cover. As we entered and headed into the park my granddaughter spotted the Tower of Terror to our right. We walked in that direction, actually it was more like pulled by the force of a very excited five year old.
Once arriving we heard some awful screaming, and screeches. Looking up we saw the source of these horrible noises. For a brief second in an opening in this building we could see people, which we assumed were riding this ride, pop into view, then immediately disappear again. The screams could still be heard.
The line to the entrance was rather short, and I recall we all tried to talk the little half-pint out of this ride at least for the time being (yeah right) No such luck. She set that jaw and told us we promised. Geesh have to hate it when kids selectively remember what you have said. After proceeding through the short line outside, we find ourselves in this hotel lobby. A very dusty, moldy smelling lobby at that. Once through the turnstile, we find ourselves led into a library looking room, by a non-smiling rather cynical looking bellhop. The room suddenly goes dark, pay close attention to the gasps this little maneuver produces. Then you hear the voice of the host Rod Serling, as his picture flashes into view on a TV screen. Here he gives some history of the hotel, included in this production is a family in the hotel, bags in tow, and poof they are gone. I looked around for the exit door, but it was very dark, so I didn't see one.
As the TV monitors go off a door to my right opens. We then follow the crowd through a boiler room, which in itself was spooky enough for me. However, the "White Tornado" (yes, that would be MS five year old whirlwind) kept up a steady pace with those in front of her. Once to the front of this room, you see several elevator shafts. Each is manned by another one of those grim bellhops. There are numbers on the floor outside the elevator that you stand on corresponding to your seat once the door opens. Of course we had to let several riders go before us because our dear brave heart wanted to sit in the first of the three rows. None of us are even sure we want to be here, never mind be in the first dang row, but Disney is about kids right? So we accommodate her wishes.
Once seated and properly strapped down, did I mention I hate being confined? We feel our selves rising up, and of course we were in total darkness, did I mention I am not a big fan of the dark? As the cage door opens, the car moves down a long dark hallway, and guess what? You see that same family that minutes before had disappeared from the TV. As they once again vanish in front of your eyes, and you see cables hanging, and a brick wall in front of you, where you have suddenly stopped, you know what's to come, you just have no idea when.
You experience a bump or two, then the wall in front of you opens, and yes, it is now you sitting well above the crowds that are looking up. The wall closes, no warning your car descends 13 floors, rises to only fall again several more times. I did my best to look over at my granddaughter, but there is something about gravity and fear that keeps you from taking a deep breath never mind, trying to check on anyone else. Finally the ride stops, dropping you off into a gift shop (surprise). Somewhere during that ride a picture was taken and was now proudly displayed on the wall as you exit.
We searched for the car containing the NC Daredevils Inc. Ah it is spotted, as all 21 riders look at the picture, we all laugh. Most riders have their mouths open wide, we can only assume this was from the scream they were letting out, as the picture had no audio. Some had their eyes closed, all seemed to have a death grip on the bar in front of them. That is all but MS thing in the front row. She had a huge smile, and arms raised high over her head. Everyone had a good laugh at this. She claimed loudly the ride was awesome and wanted to ride again. We did two more times in a row, after all Disney is about kids we kept reassuring each other. She tried to talk us into a fourth trip, but this time we put our shaky feet down and said "LATER"
As a little side story. We, later in the day, were standing in line for the Great Movie Ride, Ashlee was still raving over the Tower of Terror, when this man in front of us turned, and asked her if she had ridden the ride? She proudly announced she had three times, and was going back. He then turned to his wife took her by the arm and said "honey, ride that ride with this little girl because no way am I getting on it." We all had a good belly laugh over this, and considering most of our bellies were still in our throats we didn't have to reach far.
If you get to MGM do not miss this ride, just don't do it after consuming a meal. I have ridden this ride several times since this first experience, and they have added more drops. Oh My!!!!!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
SurgRN911
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Member: Di
Location: Gastonia NC
Reviews written: 329
Trusted by: 607 members
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SAP's are again working!!!!
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