How does ToT actually work?

[PigletIsMyCat]

DH and I were wondering after our last trip, and are now being quizzed by a claustrophobic brother with a terrible fear of heights. Why, I do not know. I am sure we won't get him on it.

But, it is obvious that it doesn't 'fall' because it moves horizontally; it couldn't move forward into an 'elevator shaft' and be supported from the top to mimic a 'free fall'. So does anyone have a detailed explination of how it works? Or info on how I can find out? It would be GREATLY appreciated!

 

[EchoFifth]

I worked at ToT as a bellhop the summers of 1998 and 1999.

I suggest reviewing the following entry in wkipedia to find out how ToT works:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_of_terror

It's a good and lengthly description. Better than reiterating it here.

 

[marni1971]

Also take a look at http://www.towerofterror.org/media/animation.html where there is an animation I did showing the inside of one half of the tower in operation.

 

[wdwishes2005]

Yes, it does indeed drop.

 

[violet_yoshi]

That is interesting about the Hightower Hotel. I think Disney must have done some research into Japanese culture, when making the ride. The glowing idol idea, does seem to play into the whole Japanese culture surrounding the idea of spirits.

 

[RobotWolf]

The glowing idol idea, does seem to play into the whole Japanese culture surrounding the idea of spirits.

I've read that several times in various posts and find it interesting. I know nothing of how the Japanese view spirits. So would you mind expounding upon that?

 

[JML42691]

What happens is a platform with a cagelike structure around it moves to the "twilightzone" floor and then the elevator car locks in. It is nessesary for it to lock in as this ride is not a freefall, it forces you downwards faster than the normal 32ft/sec. caused by gravity.

 

[Tom Morrow]

Yes, it does indeed drop.

Actually, dropping would imply that it is released and falling freely. But it is controlled, and you are being accelerated up and down. Thus, you are not actually dropping at all ;-)

By the way, I am also a Tower bellhop.

 

[aeromike]

After being seated in the elevator onto the floor where you see the ghost which is projected on an alngled piece of glass, you are moved into the 5th Dimension, the lift car works on its own power box thats programmed to moved, recieveing signals from the floor, thats why if a park map falls on the ground, the ride breaks down, the elevator moves into another shaft, at top you can see the rope, but its actually being forced down by a bar like a normal elevator these days, but considering the force under the elevator the imagineers had the blow out the shafts.

 

[kaykay596]

How did they do it?

The only question I wanna know is how they created VMK because I'm hoping to someday be as sucesful as them in my own website freewebs.com/kay-kay596