It was the last chance to drop for the Tower of Terror before it disappeared forever into the Twilight Zone of yesterland and many fans dropped in at Disney California Adventure on Monday to take a final ride.
Caitlyn McNulty drove in from Las Vegas for the last day.
“I wouldn’t miss the funeral of my favorite ride,” she said.
The ride is getting a makeover to a more sci/fi fantasy theme. When it reopens this summer, it will be called “Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission Breakout!” It will feature characters from the Marvel movie series and a whole new look.
The makeover was announced last summer by Marvel’s producer Kevin Feige at the San Diego Comic-Con, and is the first ride at the Disneyland Resort based on a movie from the Marvel Comics universe. It will retain the elevator-drop that has been a key part of Tower of Terror.
Many people visited the park to ride it one last time before it drops away forever.
“We drove four hours just to get here and ride it today,” said Lynn Merritt of Visalia. She was there with her husband Dan.
“We don’t want it to go and we want to write to someone and don’t know who to write to,” she said.
It was added to the theme park in 2004 as a major attraction, three years after Disney California Adventure opened to disappointing business. It became an anchor to Hollywood Land, and was based loosely on “The Twilight Zone” television series, similar to its sister attraction at Disney Hollywood Studios in Orlando.
While some lamented the loss of the current version, others were looking forward to the first Marvel-based ride at the Disneyland Resort.
“I’m optimistic for the change, I think it will be cool,” said Jayna Bosse of Dana Point.
Cast members running the attraction on Monday were busy dealing with long lines with wait times of more than two hours.
“People are being pretty good about the wait,” said Christine Tran, a lead on the ride. “This is one of the attractions where you can really immerse yourself.”
The new version is scheduled to open with the release of the sequel to the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movie in May. The movie stars Chris Pratt as Star-Lord, and will feature Disney Legend Kurt Russell.
Contact the writer: meades@scng.com or follow on twitter @markaeades
