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Tower of Terror effects status watch
- Thread starter thelookingglass
- Start date
Chef Mickey
Well-Known Member
It's more likely a bucket that's similar as he does nothing to prove it's the same one. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of the props from GMR were simply trashed.
VicariousCorpse
Well-Known Member
I'm a little skeptical as well. He seems to be pretty accurate with his videos from what I've seen. It is a very generic bucket and I don't really see the point in this kind of reuse. I would really like to see him source these kinds of claims though.
Hollywood 1939
Well-Known Member
Did some digging and found a news story from early July 94 when they're still testing. There's a close-up at 1:06 of what looks like the sparks box working: https://www.footage.net/clipdetail?supplier=conus&key=14638836
@marni1971 @Rodj can you guys confirm that's what this is?
@marni1971 @Rodj can you guys confirm that's what this is?
VicariousCorpse
Well-Known Member
Yes, this is the spark effect on the back of the H of the Hollywood Tower sign. At 1:50 in the video you can see another shot of the same effect taken from a different position. This is the best footage I have seen of the effect, thanks for sharing.
Rodj
Well-Known Member
Amazing find, that’s definitely it. Im surprised by how small the panel is for it.
I’ve been trying to archive any 1994 Tower of Terror videos I can find.
Eyeontheglobe
New Member
Wow! Thank you for sharing this. It seems this spark effect is on a much smaller scale than what was once used in Paris' Space Mountain. It leads me to believe it was only really meant to be seen on-ride.
Also, the link doesn't seem to work for me anymore, did the video get taken down?
Rodj
Well-Known Member
Found a newly uploaded 1994 POV, this one was during the late 1994 update where the drop audio was slightly modified and the light was added to the top of the VVC. You can also see the sparker function on the right side of the "O" and possibly the second one is located on the "E". (Look closely besides the guy's head)
The only thing I am unsure of now is if there was a second sparker on Echo side. (Marni said it on one of the "L"s but I only know of the strobes being on it)
The only thing I am unsure of now is if there was a second sparker on Echo side. (Marni said it on one of the "L"s but I only know of the strobes being on it)
I’m late to this party but thanks!
VicariousCorpse
Well-Known Member
In this video released today about Pepper's Ghosts there is a shot where they are in the Tower of Terror hallway during the projection and you can see their shadows being cast from a projector overhead. It also appears he is pointing at one of them.
TrainsOfDisney
Well-Known Member
side note - does anyone wish they had a “gentle thrills” option available with less thrilling sequences? I love tower but some of the sequences really get to me - it’s worse in Paris and Anaheim but i still wish I could ride it more.
We find the opposite. The second gen VVCs seem smoother than the original.
TrainsOfDisney
Well-Known Member
it could be total bad luck with the sequences I’ve gotten - or it could be that the smoother movement triggers me more?
earlthesquirrellover23
Well-Known Member
I don't know if this has been mentioned yet, but on my last ride I noticed they changed the window projection to turn fully off after the window breaks and no longer stay on. This greatly enhances the starfield effect and brings it back closer to how it used to be.
Rodj
Well-Known Member
It’s been inconsistent for a while if the projector shuts off/covered after the projection.
Twirlnhurl
Well-Known Member
I feel for you, but the demand for Tower of Terror is so much higher than Mission: Space. So, unlike M:S, there is not enough capacity to go around for two versions of the ride. In addition, the difficulty of explaining the difference between the two versions of M:S has pretty much convinced me that no ride should have two versions that are substantively different from one another.
Imagine what kind of signage and video loops would be necessary to educate riders what the different ToT options mean. At least M:S is themed to a training simulation, so all the videos and explanations make sense in theme. But in ToT, it would give away too much of the plot and eliminate some of the suspense and mystery.
I really do feel for you, ToT (when it is properly maintained) is a master class in themed design and would be fully engaging if the thrill were completely removed. But ever since the original one-drop profile was replaced, I think there is no going back.
TrainsOfDisney
Well-Known Member
Yeah there isn’t an easy solution- but tower and Indy / dinosaur are unique because the thrill is programmed. You can’t “turn down the speed” on splash / Tiana - but you could make tower a family ride with a program.
You’d have to sacrifice half the capacity though…
JIMINYCR
Well-Known Member
Absolutely not. ToT is such a fantastic experience as is. They need all of it running as is to handle the capacity number of guests that it demands. Having "one green and one orange" experience as MS has, and lessened in drop speed or how it affects you, would only back up the lines worse.
MS got the bad press from guests being violently ill or reported dying which forced Dis to make the change. ToT has not gotten the bad press for that. You can always take the "Chicken out elevator down" for a less intense ride.
Twirlnhurl
Well-Known Member
When I was 12, I was very nervous to ride ToT, and I chickened out during the preshow. (Is it too embarrassing to admit that I began to cry like a baby? Yes. Yes it is. That's why I said with great dignity that I would not be partaking in the experience.)
The problem was not that I was afraid of the heights or the drops. By the time I was 12, I loved rollercoasters and happily rode Rockin' Rollercoaster earlier that day. My fear was elevators.
I was not pleased when I discovered that I had to ride a real elevator down to unload. But I did it with great dignity, and everyone around me believed that they were in the presence of a strong individual with control of their emotions.