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When you step into the eerie atmosphere of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you expect to be scared. But on July 20, 2025, Walt Disney World Resort guests experienced something entirely unexpected: the ride was locked down due to a sudden technical issue, leaving guests in a uniquely unsettling situation.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (then Disney-MGM Studios) on July 22, 1994, and has been a fan-favorite ever since. Known for its unexpected free-fall drops and the creepy atmosphere inspired by Rod Serling’s The Twilight Zone, the attraction takes riders through a supernatural experience equally thrilling and chilling. But last month, the Walt Disney World Resort ride experienced an operational issue that caused the elevator to stop abruptly in the middle of the experience.
Credit: Disney
TikTok user @t_kaayy, who was aboard the ride when it came to a halt, shared this video on July 20. The clip shows the guests sitting in one of the ride’s elevator shafts while Disney cast members carefully and slowly lower the ride vehicle to an employee-only area. It captures the Disney Park guests’ surprise as they were lowered and the doors opened to reveal a maintenance cast member standing by, ready to guide them off the ride.
@t_kaayy Got stuck and had to evacuate the tower of terror ride at Disney Hollywood studios #elevator #towerofterror #fyp #disney #disneyworld #hollywoodstudios #disneyhollywoodstudios
While some guests were understandably confused by the situation, others found the unexpected backstage view fascinating.
“We are in a part we never see, aren’t we?” one Disney Park guest asked.
Credit: Disney
“Take a picture!” said another.
The TikToker said Disney cast members instructed the guests to stop filming once they were in the restricted area. They also shared that the cast members didn’t offer compensation, like a Lightning Lane, for the disruption, as they sometimes do.
Credit: Inside the Magic
The cause of the malfunction remains unclear, as Walt Disney World Resort rarely issues public statements about minor ride issues. However, shortly after the incident, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction resumed its regular operation.
Have you ever gotten stuck on a ride at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your experience with Disney Tips in the comments!
