More scaffolding has come down from the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, marking continued progress on a refurbishment project that's been unfolding at Disney's Hollywood Studios since early spring.
Tracing the Construction Timeline
The project first became apparent in early spring, when Walt Disney World Resort filed a construction permit for the attraction. Work began in earnest in May, starting with refreshed portions of the outdoor queue. Once that phase wrapped up, protective scrim fabric appeared over decorative elements on the Hollywood Tower Hotel facade above the gift shop near the ride's exit.
Scaffolding was installed in July, initially appearing on the right side of the building in the same area. Over the following months, that scaffolding gradually expanded around the front of the structure and climbed upward along the path of the ride's elevator shafts, eventually reaching the top of the nearly 200-foot-tall building.
As the project progressed, it became clear that Walt Disney World Resort was repainting the building's entire facade. New sections of bright pink paint began appearing, awaiting the intentionally distressed treatment that gives the attraction its signature haunted, weathered look.
The first scaffolding came down earlier this month, in the same spot above the gift shop where construction originally began. The fresh paint job closely matched the attraction's appearance for decades, suggesting Disney isn't planning a dramatic visual overhaul but rather a refresh addressing years of sun damage, weathering, and general wear.
The Latest Scaffolding Removal
WDWNT reported on September 29 that even more scaffolding had come down from the right side of the Hollywood Tower Hotel facade, in the area above the gift shop and ride exit. Bright yellow squares that had been visible in that section earlier this month are now fully painted over, creating a seamless, weathered-pink appearance.
As construction continues, guests can expect to see additional scaffolding gradually removed from the building. Walt Disney World Resort has not confirmed an exact completion date for the project.
Business as Usual for Guests
Despite the ongoing work, both the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction and its adjoining gift shop remain open. Walt Disney World Resort's official operational calendar shows no planned closures or refurbishment periods for the ride.
Did the scaffolding impact your recent ride on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror? Tell Disney Fanatic about your experience in the comments!
