DCA Tower of Terror

[OnWithTheShow]

Check out these photos of the attraction:

http://www.westcoaster.net/update.php?id=0421041

I am sure glad that the Orlando version was built at the end of the glory days. The DCA version seems much less detailed with more of a comic book feel than the Orlando version which truly captures the essence of the Twilight Zone series. Also take a look at the giant sections of switchback queues. Very Six Flags to me. Orlando version does not have a single switchback in the entire queue.

 

[dcentity2000]

To be honest, the thing looks like it cost more than the Floridian ride to me. It's a different style, certainly... I remember the Floridian lobby being dark and dusty, not bright like this one... equally, I don't remember such a detailed basement as far as the little things went in Florida.

On the whole though, I do prefer the look of the Floridian one



Rich::

 

[Chuck S]

DCA has size limitations, so the switchback queues aren't a problem...most DL/DCA guests are used to them, and the general style is just more "West Coast". I don't see a problem with it, just more compact...like the entire Disneyland Resort complex.

 

[PKS44]

The three Towers of Terror (DCA/MGM and the drawings of the DisneySeas version) all have the same shape at the top with the top of the building having these little "wings" that overhang the rest of the building--why? What is the reason they all share this same general shape? IT is not a shape of any building I can ever recall seeing...

 

[OnWithTheShow]

DCentity,

Coming from construction experience... This version lacks much detail. There is much more painted detail as opposed to physical detail. You are right about the lobby, it is much brighter, which is completely contrary to the theme of the attraction. Also the boiler room has more colored lights, not more detail. There are mechanics workstations covered with props, working electrical breaker switches on the wall (they dont actually do anything but pulling them sure gives people a scare). Several hidden Mickeys, boiler lighting effects etc.

It's sad that people from California settle for unthemed switchback queues. The size of the building isnt what really bothers me it is the lack of detailed theming and comic book style lighting.

 

[dcentity2000]

Ah, sorry OnWithTheShow!

It was just an impression I got whilst looking at the photos...

Maybe I've been decieved into believing there's more magic than there actually is?



Rich::

 

[KNWVIKING]

.... The shape of the build must have more to do with the mechanics of the ride then with trying to duplicate a style. Maybe the hoist system ???

 

[dcentity2000]

I've always liked the shape, it looks so deliciously convoluted, perfect for such a twisted ride theme!



Rich::

 

[KNWVIKING]

Dude, you write too pretty for this board.

 

[KNWVIKING]

What would be interesting is to read a review in a couple of years from a person who has never seen ToT MGM but is very familiar with ToT DCA. I wonder if they'd describe MGM's version as being dark & dull.

 

[ProfGoofy]

Originally posted by KNWVIKING
What would be interesting is to read a review in a couple of years from a person who has never seen ToT MGM but is very familiar with ToT DCA. I would if they'd describe MGM's version as being dark & dull.

My brother lives in LaLa land and has PAP for Disneyland. I'll make sure he experiences DCA TOT before our trip to WDW in Nov and ask him to compare the two.

-Prof

 

[daannzzz]

if you go to www.laugingplace.com and head to the message boards there are quite a few people (don't ask me how) who have already had numerous rides on it and given out the details. Many have done both versions and are comparing it.

 

[KNWVIKING]

... but those people are posting reviews after already knowing what ToT MGM is like. For instance, I know my ToT, so the first time I ride DCA's version -if ever- I'll probably say it's not as good as mine because that's the one I'm used too. I'm just curious if people that grow up on DCA ToT will have the same biased opinion as I would the first time they try ToT MGM.

 

[daannzzz]

[I'm just curious if people that grow up on DCA ToT will have the same biased opinion as I would the first time they try ToT MGM. [/B]

I am sure they will. There are people already saying it's better than the WDW version and they haven't been to Florida.
I have been on the WDW version a few times. I live in Calif. so DL is my home park. I will get to try Tot in July. I suspect that it will have some better parts and some not as good parts and be like trying to compare DL and the MK.

 

[KNWVIKING]

Oh, that's easy. It's like comparing an A-cup to a D-cup. Both are usefull & fun....... but come on, the D is a whole lot more fun.

 

[WDWHound]

Originally posted by KNWVIKING
Oh, that's easy. It's like comparing an A-cup to a D-cup. Both are usefull & fun....... but come on, the D is a whole lot more fun.

Great. Thank you so much. You just put an image in my mind of a brand new Disney attraction. Its a variation of the mad tea cups and, believe me, it will never be built.

 

[cristen]

Oh, that's easy. It's like comparing an A-cup to a D-cup. Both are usefull & fun....... but come on, the D is a whole lot more fun.

BLASPHEMY!!!!!

 

[KNWVIKING]

You're right Hound....... They'd require to much "up-keep".

 

[ShadowWind]

I am certainly not an expert on California's architecture of 1929, but I seriously doubt it was an array of fancy lights. I've never ridden the ride at WDW, but have joined friends and family in the Queue, which I find just as fascinating, if not more so, than the ride. And everytime, it just creeps me out. The attention to detail is incredible. From the pictures, DCA's version looks like a cartoon copy of the original. Something that Universal would have built for Islands of Adventure, than it does a 1929 hotel that was supposed to be the pinnacle of Hollywood's elite. Like Journey Into Your Imagination (like the old cabinet of stuff that looked cooler if it had blue lighting), they think that by putting in multi-color lighting that looks like some art deco thing, that they can skip on detail that is pursuant to the story. The boiler room is supposed to be dark and creepy. It sets you up for what waits inside. The elevator motors spark. I'll tell you, I've seen people get scared from the queue, without going on the ride, myself included. I remember one rather large gentleman who was very scared. The door opened, people went in before him. The door closed. The door then reopened and it was empty. He threw up his hands and said, "Uh uh, no freakin' way." and left via the other elevator. Later I heard him saying that he wondered where the people went. But this is the kind of emotion that the queue line creates at WDW. I can't see how all that wonderful and bright colors could create that kind of feeling. Maybe I'm wrong...but...

 

[Dznefreek]

I remember seeing a concept drawing of the ToT for Tokyo Disney and it was far more elaborate than the ones at the other parks. <a href="http://www.jtcent.com/disneysea/american/amwtot.html">Here</a> is a picture.