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Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Changes Confirmed by Disney World

Six months into an extensive construction project, Walt Disney World Resort has begun uncovering the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror's newly refreshed exterior, offering guests their first real look at what's been happening behind the scaffolding since spring.

How the Project Unfolded

A new themed attraction rising behind lush landscaping, with whimsical traffic lights and decorative street signs guiding guests in the foreground.
Credit: Inside the Magic

Walt Disney World Resort‘s construction permit for the attraction first appeared back in March, marking the start of what would become a lengthy refurbishment. Work progressed through May, with Disney updating portions of the outdoor queue before removing flags above the gift shop and wrapping protective scrim around decorative elements of the Hollywood Tower Hotel facade.

The first visible scaffolding went up in July, appearing initially above the gift shop. From there, construction steadily spread across the front of the building over the following months, ultimately reaching the very top of the facade this week — the section housing the ride's signature elevator shafts.

The new Disney resort hotel rises tall under scaffolding behind lush trees, viewed from the street where a Buena Vista Drive sign and traffic lights mark the bustling entrance to Walt Disney World.
Credit: Inside the Magic

Throughout the process, crews have concentrated on repainting the exterior, with patches of vivid pink paint gradually appearing across the structure. The technique involves laying down a base coat first, then adding further layers meant to recreate the building's deliberately weathered, haunted aesthetic.

The First Reveal

The iconic Hollywood Tower Hotel sign illuminates the night
Credit: GunnerVV, Flickr

According to a WDWNT report from September 16, Walt Disney World Resort has removed a portion of scaffolding near the gift shop and attraction exit, the exact spot where construction first started months ago.

That newly exposed section reveals fresh pink paint, complete with intentional cracks and signs of weathering built into the design. Guests can also spot small square areas where a layer of yellow paint remains visible beneath the pink, offering a preview of what the rest of the Hollywood Tower Hotel facade may look like as additional scaffolding comes down.

Business as Usual Inside

Disney Skyliner gondolas soar over the parking lot at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in the background
Credit: Disney Fanatic

Even with all this exterior work underway, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror has remained fully operational the entire time. Walt Disney World Resort has given no indication that it plans to close the Disney's Hollywood Studios ride for refurbishment at any point.

Did the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror construction impact your recent visit to Disney's Hollywood Studios? Tell Disney Fanatic about your experience in the comments!

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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