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Pop superstar Ariana Grande recently voiced her passionate defense of Walt Disney World’s Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, making her stance clear on Las Culturistas, a popular podcast hosted by comedians Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers. During the conversation, Grande expressed her hope that the Orlando version of the iconic attraction remains untouched by the Marvel rebranding seen at Disneyland’s California Adventure Park.
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Grande, who will soon portray Glinda in the upcoming Wicked film adaptation, revealed her unwavering affection for the Hollywood-themed ride, sharing her fears of it being converted to a Guardians of the Galaxy attraction. Disneyland’s original Tower of Terror underwent a significant transformation in 2017, becoming Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! a shift that reimagined the attraction’s classic, eerie charm into a cosmic Marvel storyline.
“I’m all for Guardians of the Galaxy, believe me—I’m a huge Baby Groot fan,” Grande said with enthusiasm. “But what they did to the Tower of Terror in California feels like a massive loss. Orlando’s version deserves to be protected; it’s not just angst—it’s dire desperation,” she emphasized, noting that her plea stemmed from a deep love for the ride’s unique atmosphere and historical significance.
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The singer’s comments drew parallels to sentiments shared by Mariah Carey, who similarly voiced her concerns about preserving the Tower of Terror during an appearance on the same podcast in October. Grande highlighted how the ride’s mystery and suspense have made it an integral part of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, marking it as a “must-visit” for fans of the supernatural and vintage Hollywood alike.
As the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, its legacy has become even more cherished by fans who view it as a masterpiece of theme park design. Though Disneyland’s re-theme aimed to infuse Marvel’s energetic, space-bound adventure into the park, Grande and countless others see the Orlando version as a time capsule worthy of preservation.
In an open letter read aloud on the podcast, Grande made a heartfelt appeal to Disney decision-makers: “Please don’t let the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror become another relic of the past. Allow it to stand tall, forever, as a testament to the eerie charm and vintage Hollywood magic that it embodies.”
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The original Tower of Terror ride, which debuted in 1994, remains one of the most celebrated attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando. Tokyo DisneySea’s take on the ride, while different in theme, incorporates the same thrilling drop tower but without the Twilight Zone connection, weaving in a story linked to the Haunted Mansion and other classic Disney attractions.
For now, Disney has no announced plans to alter the Orlando version, though the company recently revealed concept art at the D23 Expo showcasing new Marvel-themed attractions, sparking concern among fans like Grande.
Would you like to see Tower of Terror rethemed at Walt Disney World?
