Hollywood Tower of Terror: a great way to get your 13 year old to hold your hand again
by Syrene
(Norwell, MA)
On Friday, February 24, we did our 4th park on the 4th day of our very first trip to Disney: Hollywood Studios. It is a great park to do day 4 for my family, with preteen kids, as the rides are off the hook - so much so that Test Track and Space Mountain seemed less exciting when we went back to them.
Fearing crowds, and following Disney Dad's advice, we started the day at rope drop with the fantastic show at the gate and with what I call "roller coaster for breakfast" - actually 3 servings of Rockin Roller Coaster before the line got long. It is by far the superlative coaster in all of Disney's parks. Then off to Hollywood Tower of Terror where we only knew it involved an elevator.
My 9 year old girl was a little scared, but we all signed a pact (her idea) to do every ride so she stood strong and insisted on Dad's protection (his shirt was quite wrinkled after the ride). I don't want to give away the fun of the ride, but suffice it to say when the the elevator dropped, my 13 year old son grabbed my hand as I floated, yes floated, off the seat (and I am not a light weight) and pulled me back down!
I am so glad I purchased the picture for a mere $25 plus $25 for a Tower frame - it was the single best moment of our trip - captured by Disney (boy are they smart). My son remarked how the 2nd time is never as good as the first - he meant the rides but perhaps also the park. The element of surprise on this trip and this ride was simply magical.
