Ariana Grande calls on Disney to “protect and preserve” The Tower Of Terror
In this time of political uncertainty, one artist uses her voice to save one of America’s great haunted hotels.
(Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)
For over 100 years, the Hollywood Tower Hotel, colloquially known as The Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror theme park attraction, has haunted the unsuspecting riders who dare to experience its faulty elevator. Yet, the slow march of progress and an overzealous mandate to synergize all brands under Disney’s portfolio of products has threatened the ubiquity of The Tower Of Terror. The ride has been sending riders into freefall, following one of Disney’s best pre-ride line shows, since 1994. However, Disney’s efforts to maximize its competing brands have pitted the Tower Of Terror against a multiverse of madness hellbent on reskinning the famed attraction to fit within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ah, the forward march of progress afforded only to globalized brands knows no generosity. Like many Disney rides, the fading memories of its riders means, soon, there won’t be enough brand recognition of The Twilight Zone to justify its inclusion in Disney World. In California’s Disneyland, the changes have already begun. In 2021, Disney rethemed The Tower Of Terror as Guardians Of The Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT!
We must turn to those with a voice in these moments of great political uncertainty. Someone willing to accept the slings and arrows of dissent and speak truth to power. That’s why when appearing on Las Culturistas, Ariana Grande rose to the challenge and called upon Disney to “preserve and protect” the Tower of Terror. Despite having “love and respect” for the Guardians of the Galaxy (“a beautiful thing”), Grande expressed “dire desperation” toward keeping the Floridian version of the ride intact.