Originally Posted By barboy I'd like to preface something before I rip the tower a new one: TOT has the basic attraction features I like best...... (1) a large, fully detailed beckoning facade (2) an elaborate queue (3) thrills (4) a great theme which makes it a great ride very worthy of earning its E ticket status. ToT's drawback is credibility. The best attractions tell us stories in enclosed environments----this obviously doesn't apply to large extravaganzas like F!, parades or fireworks for countless to see at one time. And even some attractions that are exposed to the elements like Kil. Safaris, Kali River or Jungle Cruise are still 'enclosed' because they insulate the guest from outside/non story distractions. Enclosing necessarily contributes to attraction credibility. ToT's service elevator doors should have never, never, NEVER exposed us to the outside "real world" in mid story. We are mindlessly taken from a dark, erie, undefined 5th dimension environment AT THE MOMENT OF CLIMAX to the story no less and given a peekaboo of daylight and outside distractions. Opening the service elevator doors to ghosts in a hallway advances the story; opening the doors to the mind bending room advances the story; opening the doors to a brick wall advances the story nicely too. But doors to the real world takes us out of the story. Why? Why on earth would an imagineer purposely take the guest out of the story and back to reality like that?
Originally Posted By avromark Now my take is had it opened to a city and had a "ripped by otherworldly effects" it would make more thematic sense. But alas I doubt that was in the budget. I think they did it because (the "average" guest) isn't into the story but the thrill. But I may be wrong. (Hey look how high you are!)
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< Opening the service elevator doors to ghosts in a hallway advances the story; opening the doors to the mind bending room advances the story; opening the doors to a brick wall advances the story nicely too. But doors to the real world takes us out of the story. Why? Why on earth would an imagineer purposely take the guest out of the story and back to reality like that? >>> Interesting comments. I'd say that exposure to the outside world is necessary in order to have the thrill really have its big effect. Without exposure to the outside world, you might not get the sense of just how high you are or how far you're falling. It might be more like being in Star Tours, where you definitely feel in your stomach that your making big drops and accelerations, but it's all simulated. Or, maybe it would be more like Mission: Space where the accelerations are real as you'd actually be moving up and down the shaft as much as it feels you are, but for all you know you're just stuck in a tilting elevator. By having the doors open once again and letting you see just how high you are and how fast you drop, there's no doubt in your mind as to what's happening. I never really thought about it before, but that's what comes to mind after reading your post.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss Opening the doors also acts as a weenie for guests in the park looking at and walking toward the Tower, adding to the terror factor.
Originally Posted By avromark Side note did Walt invent the common usage of Wienie for that purpose or was it part of common American vernacular at the time? This is where I wish I was intelligent so I could answer that question.
Originally Posted By barboy ///(the "average" guest) isn't into the story but the thrill/// Well those like that best head over to 6 Flags and Paramount. ///But I may be wrong. (Hey look how high you are!)/// I hope not. If that gives guests a rise then why not get really high. Just push the 20th floor button at any insurance or law firm downtown in any large city. Why travel to Orlando and pay $75 to ride?
Originally Posted By brotherdave Personally, I feel it enhances the 'story'. It shows that you are at the top of the building, in a 'perilous' situation that was brought on by that mysterious '5th dimensional force' we encounter along the way. We've become part of the story, part of the danger. Frankly, in my opinion, it's one of Disney's best in full immersion, including looking at the outside world. You can see the safety of the ground below, but are helpless and trapped in the Tower's clutches. Also, as a pedestrian looking up at the tower, you are helplessly watching what happens to the current 'victims' of the storyline. But let's face it for what it is, it's just a downright fun thene park attraction. And it certainly has more 'credibility' in theming than its Rock n' Roll neighbor next door. (Which is also fun in its own way!) Respectfully, I would have to disagree with your assessment. Tower of Terror is one of the true high points in Disney Imagineering storytelling.
Originally Posted By barboy /// I'd say that exposure to the outside world is necessary in order to have the thrill really have its big effect. /// Height context for the guest could have been done in a fully enclosed environment. If the doors opened up during the 'yo-yo' sequence and stayed open we could see how dramatically we were changing floor levels by racing past fixed points.
Originally Posted By avromark ^^^ How many people can't manage to keep an adequate distance apart. You need spatial skills. Not everyone can comprehend (5 levels) = 50 foot for example. Seeing the outside is KISS.
Originally Posted By SuperDry Another thing I'd add is that it makes the actual ride very much in keeping with the storyline of the attraction. The height, the exposure to the outside as part of the building disappear, and the falling are more or less exactly what is depicted in the pre-show video. Of course, I realize that if the ride system had been different, the pre-show video could have been different, but I just think it works overall. But I do see the point about seeing the outside world, even if much of it is other Disney stuff. It does for a moment remove the immersive nature of the theming, but since you're focused on just when the drop will happen at that moment, it's generally not a problem. I do see how it detracts from other attractions, and certainly many electrons have been spilled about this sort of thing in the context of DCA.
Originally Posted By barboy ///I feel it enhances the 'story'/// And how do you reconcile the abrupt change from a dark environment to daylight without story explanation? ///Also, as a pedestrian looking up at the tower, you are helplessly watching what happens to the current 'victims' of the storyline./// Who care about those people; after all their turn will come soon enough. Grab a FP or queue up ---- they don't count for the moment. The riding guest deserves full service and shouldn't have his experience diminished just to please bystanders
Originally Posted By kennect I thought the whole idea was the concept that whatever had happened had ripped off part of the front of the building where the elevator shafts would be exposed to the outside of the building...If that made any sense... I doubt too many people riding have much time to think what a great view they are getting when those doors open...I don't see the view ruining the attraction in anyway....
Originally Posted By barboy ///barboy, I recommend you only ride the ToT at night. /// Lately I have been LOL!
Originally Posted By avromark The real reason - It serves as an opportunity to escape the tower before the curse gets you too! *Not liable for those who choose or opt to escape.
Originally Posted By Goofyernmost I don't think they ever said that the Hotel wasn't located right next door to a theme park. It's as realistic as anything else might be and it's needed to acclimate riders to their location and height. Without the door opening, I think it would be a pretty nothing experience.
Originally Posted By avromark Given the time that the guests mysteriously disappeared, theme parks didn't exactly exist per say. Trolley parks, Amusement Parks and Boardwalks did. I don't think those usually had Tower style hotels. But given you're in the present you never know. But we can poke holes into many things if you dig deep enough. Suspend your belief in absolutes long enough to enjoy the experience.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Hey, you want to complain, how about them sticking a stupid overused corporate icon rodent and sticking it in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show over in Paris. Now is the time to stop wasting our time debating about a company that doesn't give a damn.
