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30 Year-Old Disney Ride “Overshoots” Track, Emergency Alert Activated

Tower of Terror lit up on a cloudy night
Credit: Disney

A routine thrill ride at Walt Disney World Resort turned into a nerve-wracking moment for guests on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. One guest described the unsettling experience of being trapped at the top of the iconic Disney’s Hollywood Studios attraction after its emergency brakes suddenly engaged.

Emergency Brakes Kick in on the Tower of Terror

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror has been thrilling Disney’s Hollywood Studios visitors since July 1994, transporting guests into the eerie world of Rod Serling’s classic TV series. As the last remaining version of the attraction in the U.S. (after Disneyland’s conversion to Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! in 2017), it continues to be one of the most popular—and intense—rides at Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Tower of Terror

Credit: Chad Sparkes via Flickr

While attraction malfunctions are often caused by guest behavior, like dropping loose items on ride tracks, one visitor recently recounted an incident that seemed far more serious. Redditor u/wolfrno shared their experience in a discussion about getting stuck on Disney Park attractions, detailing a moment when the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror’s emergency brakes activated unexpectedly.

“I got stuck at the very top once,” the guest explained. “It was clear the ride was going to overshoot the place it should stop and the emergency brakes kicked in.”

Close Call Leaves Guests Anxious

The Tower of Terror Entrance Sign

Credit: Disney

Though the Tower of Terror’s extensive safety mechanisms prevented any real danger, the experience was unnerving for those onboard.

“I was anxious that the ride would restart at any moment,” the guest recalled. “But the lights came on and we slowly (VERY SLOWLY) went to the bottom and they unloaded us.”

Despite the abrupt stop, Disney’s safety features functioned precisely as intended, ensuring all riders were securely returned to ground level. While rare, safety stops like this demonstrate the intricate safety engineering behind Disney’s most thrilling attractions.

How Safe Is Tower of Terror?

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Credit: Brittany DiCologero, Disney Tips

Walt Disney World Resort’s attractions undergo frequent inspections and refurbishments to ensure their safety. While emergency brakes aren’t typically needed, they are rigorously tested to prevent actual ride failures. In cases like this, the system activated as designed to keep guests out of harm’s way.

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 story with Disney Tips in the comments! 

Please note that the story outlined in this article is based on a personal Disney Parks guest experience. No two guest experiences are alike, and this article does not necessarily align with Disney Tips’ personal views on Disney Park operations.

About Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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