How scary is Tower of Terror?

[Pacesetters]

I have a DS 12 - it took a couple trips but he now can handle Big Thunder Railroad, Splash Mountain (at first was scared but now LOVES it), Space Mountain, and Test Track (probably his all time favorite). He also likes Star Tours, Dinosaur, and Primevil Whirl. I think we have him talked into going on Expedition Everest (after reading some reviews on the DIS), but he isn't sure about ToT. What can you tell me about it? How scary is it? Does it make you queasy? Is it dark? Any info will be a help.

 

[bicker]

It's a 13 storey drop, repeated randomly a number of times. There are only a couple of attractions that are more intense: Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and Mission: Space. ToT is great fun, but it is pretty-much the ultimate in terms of thrills at WDW.

 

[mickey0216]

Pacesetters - The part that bothers most people about ToT is the "drop(s)" at the end of the attraction. To me, the drops are a small portion of the attraction. In traditional Disney fashion, the attraction has a story. Some of the "stuff" that they do throughout ToT is impressive. From the intro in the library (I think it's a library) where the story is kicked off with Rod on TV, to the ghostlike images of the missing guests (which occur in the dark) and other special effects a young child may become uncomfortable. It all depends upon the child

When my kids were younger I was the test rider. I would experience new attractions by myself. Based on my interprtation, we would either do the attraction or move on. The 1st year that Alien Encounter was open, I enjoyed it - but I knew that it was too intense for my kids. A year or so later we experienced it together. As we exited the attraction my DS was laughing... Go figure.

My suggestion is that if the lines aren't unreassonable, experience it w/o your DS.

Now for my opinion... Unless your DS is really frightened by being in the dark or is really nervous he'll love the attraction.

 

[lizanne]

TOT is my favorite in all of WDW. I can't do many of the things you listed because of the anxiety of anticipation and motion sickness.

Since you name the rides he has already tried and liked, I think he'll be ok on TOT. You can leave the ride before entering the seats if he changes his mind.

The one thing that has helped me is that I close my eyes and soon as I feel the doors are going to open (I can feel the heat from outdoors). I've been on TOT at least twice every year since it opened and have never opened my eyes for the drop.

 

[Msslaydbug]

I guess it just depends on the person. My DS8 - this is his very favorite ride. He could ride it over and over.

I don't consider myself a chicken because I will pretty much go on anything. RNR, SM, SM, BTMRR, hulk at IOA, Dueling Dragons at IOA, ect but I WILL NOT go on TOT ever again. I hate that drop !! And you never know when it is coming so for me that makes it all the worse !

 

[disnut8]

I'm 44 and a thrill ride wimp but I can handle just about everything at Disney World - Mission:Space is a favorite, love Expedition Everest. Have a fear of heights but it things are over with quickly, I can handle it. Twilight Zone, however, still gets me everytime. It's not the drop, it's not the thirteen stories. It's the whole mind game they play with you before you board the elevator. After that, I relax. And I've seen the preshow dozens and dozens of times.

Some advice - you can see the drops from the outside so have your son determine if he'll be able to handle that. If he says he can, then go through the preshow stuff (the library and the boiler room). That's the mind game part (to me at least). If he shows any apprehension at all, when you get up to boarding the elevator, just tell the seater person that you want to leave. There's a regular elevator you can use to exit without doing the drop. Just about the entire elevator ride is in the dark. More mind games until the actual drop(s).

If he goes through with it, get him a pressed penny at the end to celebrate. The machines are right after you get out of the elevator.

 

[Ilovestitch]

Tell him to try it once and if he doesn't like it, you don't have to ride it again.

 

[Bella2000]

The issue for ToT for us is the darkness and preshow set up they do. It's fantastic but DD is afraid of the dark rides and seeing "apparitions" beckoning would freak her out. The drops would be a piece of cake.

 

[Tam1067]

I love most roller coasters but absolutely hated ToT. However, my mom (who was near 60 when she rode it), DH, and DS (6 at the time!) really loved it. The set up storyline is really cool, in good Disney tradition. However, certain people have a real issue with the free fall drops in ToT (I'm horribly afraid of heights). I will never go on it again. But that's just me. My DS is now anxiously awaiting our return in July so he can ride again.

 

[DisneyMama629]

I think it would all depend on how he handles drops. I get kind of queasy just thinking about the drops. It scared me to death. I don't like the drops on roller coasters though.

 

[3littleHalls]

I have a 6yr old that LOVES thrill rides she loves RnR, EE, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, BTMR, and she has gone on ToT and Mission Space. ToT and MS are two she refuses to go on again...and I am with her. ToT was down right scary! I love thrill rides too, but the ups and downs(no slowing down between ups and downs) just too scary for me. Mission Space just felt so real...way intense. My suggestion is to ride all the other rides you mentioned and see how brave he is feeling then try it.

 

[rigs32]

It is dark. It is creepy. There is, however, no "popping." That's what I don't like about scary stuff and ToT doesn't have it.

I finally have been on HM enough to know that the only popping is in the graveyard so I can relax and enjoy the ride.

 

[RedSox1974]

Would have to agree with the above poster(s) that it depends on the individual. BUT.... Leading up to our trip Feb. '05, my 10 year old son could not wait to go on TOT. It was all he talked about. Then after 1 time, he didn't want to go on it anymore (though he went on Rock N Roll several times) but my then 4 (turned 5 during our trip) year old rode it several times and loved it. Go figure...

 

[midwestdee]

I think a 12 year old that can handle the rides you mentioned should be fine. Yes, the drops can really get to you - I'm a ride maniac - but DH can only handle one big ride a day - although he can do TOT more than once a day - the drops don't bother him as much as other things - R&R roller coaster is in the once a day category and I have to plead with him to do it once. Disney does a great job with the story and setting the mood - you might want to catch old Twilight Zone episodes with your DS if theyr'e on in your area - that would be a great introduction.

 

[MinnieNurse]

My son who was about to turn 6 last year road it and he claims it as his very favorite ride. He road the ones your son road and loved them also. It really is not very scary. I think if he can handle Space Mountain he could handle it.

 

[cobbler]

To me I get the most anxiety from the mind games. The worst part for me is after you have moved forward and are in the elevator shaft you can see yourself going up. And of course what goes up, must come down. So that is the worst part for me. Just seeing how much I am going up.

 

[Tinky]

Totally agree with Cobbler. Its the anticipation that makes it a little anxious for me. DD 6 loves to torture me... "Geeeeet ready Mommy!!! Its tiiiiiiiimmmmmmmmmmmeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
She thinks its so funny it freaks me out!