Guests visiting Walt Disney World have grown used to seeing construction walls and refurbishment projects throughout the resort. Disney's Hollywood Studios is no exception, where crews are now focused on maintaining one of the park's most recognizable attractions.
This project isn't about adding new effects or changing the ride experience. Instead, Disney is giving The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror some much-needed exterior attention while allowing guests to continue riding throughout the process. As work progresses, more signs of the refurbishment are becoming visible around the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel.
Three Decades Later, Tower of Terror Still Delivers
Few attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios have maintained their popularity quite like Tower of Terror. More than 30 years after opening, the attraction remains one of the park's signature experiences, drawing everyone from first-time visitors to dedicated Disney fans.
Its lasting appeal comes from far more than the thrilling drops. The attraction tells a complete story, beginning with guests walking through the abandoned Hollywood Tower Hotel before ever reaching the elevator. Every room adds to the suspense with worn furnishings, eerie lighting, and mysterious details that help create the attraction's unforgettable atmosphere.
The randomized drop sequence also gives riders a different experience each time, making repeat visits just as exciting. Combined with the hotel's impressive presence at the end of Sunset Boulevard, it's easy to understand why Disney continues investing in its upkeep.
Exterior Work Continues to Grow
The refurbishment first became noticeable in early May when crews started working around the attraction's outdoor queue.
As construction continued, guests saw decorative flags removed from the gift shop exit while protective scrim appeared across portions of the building's facade. Those coverings remain in place today, but the latest phase of work has become even easier to spot.
Scaffolding now stands along the right side of the attraction, above the gift shop, near the rear of the building. Although the equipment is clearly visible, Disney has arranged the work area so that guest walkways remain open and traffic through Sunset Boulevard continues without major disruptions.
Both Tower of Terror and its gift shop have remained open throughout the project.
Permit Points to Additional Improvements
Construction around the attraction is backed by a permit Disney previously filed for the project.
The permit names MLC Theming as the contractor, although Disney has not publicly shared the complete scope of the refurbishment. Based on the filing, the project could involve refreshing exterior paint, restoring themed architectural elements, and completing other cosmetic improvements around the building.
Projects like this help preserve one of Hollywood Studios' most recognizable landmarks. Even though the hotel is supposed to appear abandoned, maintaining that carefully aged look still requires ongoing attention and regular maintenance.
Smaller Repairs Are Also Underway
The refurbishment extends beyond the building's facade.
Guests have also noticed stanchions surrounding a damaged section of tile flooring beneath one of the archways outside the Tower of Terror gift shop. While the affected area is relatively small, Disney has temporarily blocked access while repairs are completed.
The damage doesn't interfere with riding the attraction or visiting the gift shop. Instead, Disney appears to be using the current construction period to complete multiple maintenance projects simultaneously, reducing the need for additional work later.
Guests Can Still Enjoy the Attraction
Perhaps the biggest benefit for visitors is that Disney has avoided closing Tower of Terror during the refurbishment.
Unlike projects that require lengthy shutdowns, this work has remained focused on exterior areas. Guests can still experience the attraction as they normally would, with only scaffolding, scrim, and other construction materials serving as reminders that maintenance is taking place nearby.
That approach allows Disney to preserve one of its most famous attractions while minimizing disruptions for guests spending the day at Hollywood Studios.
Keeping an Icon Looking Its Best
Tower of Terror has become one of the defining attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and maintaining its appearance is just as important as keeping the ride itself operating smoothly. Although the current project doesn't appear to include major changes inside the attraction, Disney continues making investments that help preserve the Hollywood Tower Hotel's distinctive look.
With exterior repairs continuing, a construction permit already in place, and crews addressing smaller maintenance issues around the attraction, the refurbishment remains well underway. Through it all, guests can still step inside the haunted hotel and experience every eerie moment that has made Tower of Terror a favorite for generations.
