The Wonderful World of Disney (TV Series) Tower of Terror (1997) User Reviews

Interesting to know the whole story of the ride

[phantom_lover_1881 · 6/10 · 28 October 2006]

I absolutely love the Tower of Terror ride in California Adventure, so when I found out that there was a movie about it, I wanted to watch it. Since it is a Disney movie, it's cheesy, but still interesting. I mean, the ghosts weren't scary (especially after seeing "Sixth Sense") and the plot could've been better.

If you love the ride at California Adventure (in Disneyland) or at MGM Studios (in Disneyworld) then you should watch it. But be warned: the ride is so much better than the movie. Don't get your hopes too high up. Also, at parts it can get boring, but some parts are actually good. Overall, it is about 6.3/10

Disney Does Horror

[bensonmum2 · 6/10 · 15 February 2008]

Something happened 60 years ago at the Hollywood Tower Hotel – something so bizarre and tragic that the doors were locked and the hotel closed. Five people stepped onto an elevator headed to the Tip Top Club on the 12th floor. Suddenly, a flash of green light and the elevator stopped. The five people on board the elevator were gone. They just vanished. Now, down-on-his-luck newspaper reporter Buzzy Crocker (Steve Guttenberg) has been given the chance to tell the story of a lifetime – a chance to tell the world about what really happened to the people on board that doomed elevator. But to do so, he'll have to face the ghosts of the five souls that disappeared 60 years ago.

I think that some of the criticism leveled against Tower of Terror is unfair and just plain ridiculous. For what it is (a Disney horror movie), I quite enjoyed it. Sure, it doesn't have the same kind of scares or gore many horror fans look for, but it wasn't meant to. It was meant to be a movie aimed at families and children and, as such, I think it was reasonably successful. There are a couple of moments when the movie drags, but overall it's a well-paced, entertaining, harmless piece of entertainment. And, as much as it pains me, I must admit to enjoying the feel good ending. It worked for me. My biggest complaint would be the lack of originality. How many times have we seen this story played out? A new twist on an old stand-by would have been nice.

I suppose that another reason I enjoyed Tower of Terror might have something to do with the ride at the Disney Hollywood Studios in Orlando. And what a ride it is! A 12 story free-fall that's never the same ride twice! I love it! At the beginning of the movie, I was amazed at how much the hotel in the movie looked like the ride. It didn't come as too big of a surprise to me to learn that the exteriors were actually filmed in the park. How cool is that?

Fun & creepy family horror

[Shattered_Wake · 7/10 · 9 June 2009]

Among great family "horrors" like Hocus Pocus, The Witches, Monster Squad, and others, Tower of Terror (1997), starring Steve Guttenberg and a young Kirsten Dunst, is often forgotten. This is unfortunate because it's one of the rare family horrors that actually manages to be simultaneously fun, acceptable, and scary for everyone. Basically, like the botched Eddie Murphy film The Haunted Mansion, Tower of Terror is a vehicle to show off a Disney World attraction through a 90-minute narrative commercial. Unlike The Haunted Mansion, however, this film is actually good! The story focuses on Buzzy Crocker (Guttenberg), a journalist for a National Enquirer-esquire tabloid. In an attempt to become a serious writer again (and win back the affection of his old flame Jill (Nia Peebles)), Buzzy heads to the old Hollywood Tower Hotel, where he is told five people mysteriously disappeared in an elevator after the hotel was struck by lightning nearly 60 years prior. Said to be haunted, Buzzy wants to find out the truth and his niece Anna (Dunst) wants to join along with him to help make the story.

While the film is certainly nothing Emmy-award winning, it delivers on all it promises. It's very cheesy, fun, & entertaining, and has quite a few creep-out moments (especially for a kids' TV movie). To this day, the little-girl-in-the-rain scene gives me the chills just thinking about it. It does stick around the typical standard of Disney TV movies as far as writing & directing go, but it manages to work in a way that looks and feels better than even a big-screen adaptation like The Haunted Mansion. Obviously, this is not going to be the film for someone looking for a hardcore frightfest, but for a lighthearted time with or without the kids, I'd highly suggest this one.

Final Verdict: 7/10.

NOTE: Disney is apparently in the process of making another feature-length adaptation of the Tower of Terror ride, this one for the big screen.

-AP3-

The Tower of Terror is a winner

[Allayyy · 3 October 2004]

I was bored yesterday and decided to watch Disney Channel when a movie was starting. The Tower of Terror was on and I had never seen it. Since the first couple of minutes I was hooked to it and I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. The beginning reminded me of Seabiscuit with all of the beautiful outfits and the 1930's setting (all before the elevator scene). Tower of Terror is about two people....Anna (Kirsten Dunst!) and Buzzy who get involved in a old...old curse and want to help 5 ghosts out that needed to get to the 12th floor of the Hollywood Tower Hotel for a party on Halloween 1939. When the group of people get on in 1939, they disappear when they get stuck on the 11th floor. Every year it is the same...they will never be able to go to the 12th floor because no one is there to help them. Now Anna and Buzzy have to help the ghosts get to the 12th floor on Halloween night and try to help break the curse on the elevator. It is truly a good movie and is full of suspense, especially during the beginning of the film like when Sally's (i think thats the little girl's name) ghost appears and little green rain falls down. The special effects were good. The acting was great. The plot was nice too. One of Disney's better films. I recommend it for families to watch on Halloween.

my kids really like this movie

[hbs · 7/10 · 15 April 2001]

This is a movie for kids. It's okay for adults (once) if you don't pay too much attention (and you don't Guttenberg intolerable, which I don't -- quite). My kids have watched this movie many times, and probably will see it many times more (I got it for a couple of bucks at local video store in the used-video bin).

The other comments and reviews have pointed out that this is the oddity of a ride giving rise to a movie, but the Tower of Terror at DisneyWorld is a really cool ride (perhaps my favorite Disney attraction), so at least the movie has a decent pedigree.

Better Than Expected

[Hollywood_Yoda · 7/10 · 18 September 2023]

Before there was Pirates of the Caribbean (2003), The Country Bears (2002) or The Haunted Mansion (2003), there was Tower of Terror, a 1997 made for tv film based on the Disney Resorts ride that's named after the Twilight Zone by Rod Serling. For a made for television movie of the week, it really was a well made movie with an interesting story and a cast that fit the roles.

Starring Kirsten Dunst and Steve Guttenberg as an uncle and niece team who deceive and defraud the public by creating fake stories about hauntings and ghostly disturbances for the tabloid newspapers. Until one day, they're presented with a story that may be true. Could it be? No one believes them, its like the boy who cried wolf too many times.

Tower of Terror is one of the best Disney weekly movies of the 90s, and it could have been released theatrically. It was that good.

Good for the kids. Bad for Steve Guttenberg.

[TransAtlantyk · 6/10 · 12 January 2012]

If you are planning on showing this to a child they will enjoy themselves and might even get a little fright out of the story. To an adult the plot is very cliché and poorly executed but the children will have a fun time. The characters are likable enough and Dunst and Guttenberg both give decent though movie-of-the-week type performances.

It is very much a low-rent television movie but it is good enough for the kids. There are ghosts and other spooky things but I don't think a parent would find too much to find offense with in the movie.

Watch if you want to show a child something a little more thrilling to them but don't expect too much yourself.

Not as good as the ride

[jfgibson73 · 4/10 · 2 June 2012]

I mostly enjoyed this movie, as it added some fun details to the back story of the attraction. However, I was pretty sure before I ever started watching, that it wasn't going to be especially well made. By not expecting much, I was able to get through it and even see some potential for what could have been a better movie.

The story centers on a reporter investigating the tower to finally figure out how five people disappeared 60 years ago. He's acting on a tip from an elderly woman who claims she was there and saw a witch cast the spell that caused the elevator to malfunction. We actually get a few creepy scenes that reveal that the elderly woman was the witch, and she was the sister of the child star who disappeared that night. We also get some scenes that came close to being poignant when the two sisters--one preserved as a child, one elderly--reconcile. It's too bad that much of the movie is silly and cheap looking, because the story is almost well thought out enough that it could be remade into something special. As it is, it is a light TV movie that doesn't get seen or talked about much, nor is it very memorable. Maybe someday.

Hysterical

[dragonfeeder-1 · 10/10 · 14 April 2005]

Has a cute whimsical side coupled with a bit of macabre.

Pretty much what you expect from a film with Steve Gutenburg.

A good movie to watch when you want something light and funny..

Reminded me a bit of Don Knotts "the ghost and Mr Chicken" in style only.

A bit too campy to really be scary..but the characters definitely lead you to believe they are scared...nice little twist through out.

Not for the hard core thriller connoisseur but definitely good for a laugh.

I'd recommend it to Don Knotts type of movie fan..

I wish they'd make more movies based on Disney rides..they only help enhance the park going experience as you can't help but think of the details you might not have noticed in the rides before watching.

Haven't seen in years

[lisafordeay · 6/10 · 29 October 2021]

Tower Of Terror is a 1997 Disney TV movie starring Steve Guttenberg(Police Academy) and Kirsten Dunst(Spiderman). Based on a theme ride at Disney World the film is about a reporter(Guttenberg) and his niece(Dunst) who are solving a mystery at a hotel where they stumble on ghosts who have unfinished business. One of the ghosts resembles Shirley Temple right down to the mannerisms.

Will Steve and Kirsten solve the mystery. Overall from what I can remember I enjoyed it. Shame its not on Disney plus and the only way to get access to see it is on Youtube.

Overall I give it a 6/10.

Ehh....

[Stoshie · 5/10 · 28 April 2005]

Run-of-the-mill cutsie Disney "horror" movie (a contradiction in terms?). You have to be pretty bored to sit through this. If you have nothing better to do, go ahead and watch it. But don't go out of your way to find it. I watched it to see Kirsten Dunst (NOT Kirsten Storms, in spite of what a previous reviewer said!) in an early role. Even here, she shows signs of what she is capable of doing, and does in her later roles. Other than that, there isn't much substance to this.

But then again, this is aimed at a young audience, so for them, this can be entertaining. Unfortunately, the plot is predictable. You can tell what is coming a mile away. A typical Disney TV movie.

feel good movie

[riley453 · 10/10 · 16 January 2005]

I completely disagree there. I thought this movie was a good movie. Good plot, good acting, just enough fear factor for the children. And to top it off, it all happens in the Hollywood Tower Hotel. I take it you have never been to Tower Of Terror in Florida. The Hotel is exactly how the movie describes it. A great feel good movie for you and the kids. Harmless, silly fun. It should be on TV around Halloween more. Good sets, good costumes, good music, and it has enough to keep you entertained the whole way through. Definitely has my vote for a good movie.

A+

Way better than expected

[BandSAboutMovies · 6/10 · 8 December 2019]

Donald James "D.J." MacHale is a writer, director and executive producer that is probably best known for the show Are You Afraid of the Dark? and for creating two different young adult book series, Pendragon and Morpheus Road. He would write and direct this Disney Channel exploration of another Disney attraction.

This movie paved the way for the success of Pirates of the Carribean, which also turned theme park rides into movies, as well as Mission to Mars, The Haunted Mansion and The Country Bears.

It's surprisingly way better - and more emotional - than I thought it would be when we purchased the DVD.

Buzzy Crocker (Steve Guttenberg) was fired from the Los Angeles Banner when a story turned out to be fake. His ex-girlfriend Jill (Nia Peebles) still works there and wants to try to get him back, but now he writes for The National Inquisitor with the help of his niece Anna (Kristen Dunst).

An old woman named Abigail Gregory (Amzie Strickland) tells Buzzy that on Halloween 1939, she saw the incident that forever closed the Hollywood Tower Hotel and caused the disappearance of child star Sally Shine (Lindsay Ridgeway from Boy Meets World), singer Carolyn Crosson (Melora Hardin, who was both Jan on The Office and Monk's deceased wife), nanny Emeline Partridge, actor Gilbert London and bellhop Dewey Todd (John Franklin, Isaac from Children of the Corn and Cousin Itt in the 1990's version of The Addams Family), who were all on their way to a party at the Tip Top Club.

To discover what really happened, Buzzy and Anna get the help of Chris "Q" Todd, the hotel caretaker and grandson of the aforementioned bellhop Dewey. If the truth is revealed, Chris will inherit the hotel if an explanation.

There are twists, turns and no small amount of tears and emotion, way more than you would think would be possible in a Disney Channel movie.

Most of the tower footage in the film was shot at the actual Tower of Terror attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

MacHale would bring back Dewey Todd in his Pendragon books. He appears in The Never War and in The Pilgrims of Rayne, it's revealed that he disappeared in the Hollywood Tower Hotel.

yawn

[jmhunt · 3/10 · 13 June 2006]

While the movie may answer some questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the Hollywood Tower disappearances, it does little else. The movie follows a small group of people as they attempt to figure out what happened in the hotel years earlier, when five people mysteriously vanished from the elevator. I had the "mystery" figured out halfway through the movie and spent the rest of it wondering how stupid those people must have been. Even when I thought they had it figured out, they again surprised me with their stupidity. If you are like me and enjoy a movie with lots of plot twists and an ending you would never expect, then skip this movie. It is way too predictable.

This movie is for kids

[DanceDiva480 · 20 November 2004]

A lot of grown ups say this movie is just bad but most kids seem to like it. Thats because this was made for kids so yeah kids should be the ones who like it. Also you cant go into the movie thinking that this a going to be a great heart warming story or anything but if you think of it as a kids movie with a low plot then you will like it. It does not make you think or anything. I really liked this movie but would not call it my favorite or anything but it was a good thing to watch on a rainy Sunday. The acting I thought was good and the movie had a fair plot. If you want something really great go to the tower of terror ride in Disney world. That is the best ride in the park!!!!!

Tower of Terror ruined Steve Guttenberg's Career!!!!!!!

[balevanti · 1/10 · 25 May 2008]

As I walk down memory lane the Guttenberg train came to an abrupt halt when I witnessed the worst performance of Steve Guttenberg's career. "The Tower of Terror" was an hour long plus movie; which claimed to be "spooky" and "let's hide under the covers" type of movie for little children. As I struggled to the end, trying to finish this movie I realized that this entire film was to promote the theme ride Tower Of Terror in a long line of Attraction theme park stunts. I never understood why any type of actor would ever choose such a lousy way to ruin their career by making a horrible sell-out decision. The end was so unforgettable I think the writers were even thinking how to end this story. The premise of this entire story could have been solved by a two year old without having to lift a finger to write down who did what where and how! Kirsten Dunst, with as much stage presence has she doesn't have made Bring It On! an Oscar winning performance compared to her puppy doggy sorry eyes as she slowly tries to bring the viewers eyes a please be entertained look on her face. Not to my amazement I had to re-watch this film because I spaced out towards the middle and fell asleep. My grandma said that this movie was absolutely horrible. To sum it up, any adults that read this must punish their kid by watching this film. And I swear to it, your children will not act up ever again after viewing this film. An entire view of this film will help them straighten up and fly right. This viewing critic is glad at least Dunst's career wasn't completely halted by and incredibly wretched acting and Corporate American sell out. If any one had stock in this movie I would tell them one word. SELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One of Disney's underrated greats

[schussdani · 10/10 · 17 March 2022]

I've been watching this film my entire life. Ever since I was a kid this movie has made me laugh and it's a good watch at any age. It's a tragedy that so few people actually know about this film.

"Tip Top" movie!

[nlk87 · 5/10 · 6 July 2023]

You know what I don't care if ya'll think this movie was a "cheesy kids movie that needs a lot of work" as the other reviewers have commented. I enjoyed this film growing up, & I still enjoy it now. It's a silly funny Halloween story that has curses, witchcraft, & ghosts! I noticed they're planning on doing another 1. A reboot with Scarlett Johansson. I have it bookmarked but every single remake/sequel Hollywood keeps doing, has been awful. Live action Disney movies: The Little Mermaid (worst of them all) Aladdin, The Lion King, Mulan, & Beauty & the Beast (2nd worst of them all.) Then Hocus Pocus 2, I was excited & after watching it, I was disappointed... Anyways this version of Tower of Terror was good. & in my opinion it's 10 times better than Star Wars, Terminators, Mission Impossibles, Top Guns, Indiana Jones films & Matrix saga, etc... & if you're wondering why I mentioned those films with this review, I compared those "box office" hits (hits, I'll never understand why) to show in my opinion Tower of Terror is at least better than those boring terrible movies.

Very Interesting Movie

[jonahhenrickson-69570 · 10/10 · 14 June 2017]

I'm a huge fan of the Tower of Terror ride at both Disney's Hollywood Studios and formerly Disney California Adventure (which is now "Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: Breakout!").

What I like this movie better is if only because it has nothing to do with the theme of "The Twilight Zone" whatsoever. I also liked how Disney had kept the story of the ride and try to add something fresh and new with it for the movie.

What also made sense that I liked this movie is because this movie is produced by a person who is a co-executive producer of Stranger Things, which I really like.

I'm also excited for the theatrical film adaptation, I hope it's good, and I'm hoping that it's also better than the TV film adaptation.

A film filled with mystery, creativity and intrigue, perfect for Halloween night - great for families as well

[neuroepidr · 10/10 · 18 October 2022]

I came across this movie on YouTube around 2012. Ever since I first saw it, it has been my all-time favorite movie around Halloween. Despite seeing it over and over each year, I reserve this move for Halloween night as my favorite. This film has such an amazing story, even after watching it over and over. It is full of clever mystery and storytelling that keeps you on your seat, wondering what will happen next. It is modern day but yet filled with history to heighten the mystery and story. As you watch, you think you know, but then things change, and makes you want more. This move never seems to get old. No cheap and easy blood and guts, chainsaws or cheesy masks, just full-on spiritual mystery that will keep your attention. It is perfect during Halloween time. Especially on Halloween night as a tradition. This movie tops it all. A true mystery, with thought and creativity went into this movie. And even after you have seen it this year. Next year around Halloween, come back. It is still creative and filled with surprises. A great family film around Halloween as well. From the storyline, to filming, to the actors, I rate this 10 of 10. Don't miss it! And Happy Halloween!

Probably fun if you're under 12.

[eskaty · 30 October 2004]

But this is really a silly movie for adults. The characters do really dumb things. The plot is transparent. Which is more than I can say about the ghosts. On the bright side, it's not the least bit scary, so the kiddies won't get nightmares. If your children must watch it, try not to groan aloud too much.

Better yet, if you want them to develop good taste, let them watch a better kid's movie. Like Harry Potter. Or make them read a book. Like Harry Potter.

Just amazing !

[phadvijayanand · 8/10 · 7 July 2013]

Why Watch: Terror with some real fun. Why not: There's nothing like that.

Have fun for 129 Mins

After enjoying a ride at Walt Disney World with same name, I was quite interested to see the movie. No doubt Disney ride & it's beautiful/full of terror place is just amazing. I doubt if anyone alone can really go to that place. They have created exactly what you expect from haunted place.

Story: Fantastic, it's about a 4 people just get disappeared on one night in a hotel elevator and some twists and turns in later. Story makes you stick to chair.

Direction: Thanks for director actually for taking efforts not to run away from the story for a single moment. The story concentrates entirely on it's goal. It's fast, there's no time to think about anything.

Why Watch: Actually, there's no bloody horrifying scenes. There's nothing in the movie that will keep kids away from the movie. Director does his job for making a horror film with what he has. This movie is definitely make to watch with family. Thanks Disney for same.

Why not: Nothing actually to stop you watching. It's 129 mins of pure entertainment.

Overall Ratings: xxxx (4/5 or 8/10)

BEST MOVIE I'VE EVER SEEN!

[wneskora2006 · 29 April 2001]

For a Disney movie, I am VERY surprised...some parts were VERY scary, like the part with the ghost of Sally Shine, and the green rain...! OHH! I get chills when I watch that part...the cast was wonderful, Kirsten Dunst was perfect for the role of Anna...and so was Steven Guttenberg as Buzzy...the whole story was not corney as I thought a Disney movie's "scary" movie would be...the characters like Mrs. Partridge...grouchy, and Gilbert, the snobby English actor, and the really beautiful Claire Poulet! I recommend this movie to anyone...even grown-ups...It is also a VERY good mystery...you all have got to watch this!

Terroriffic

[jupiterspecht · 10/10 · 22 July 2013]

Made for TV? More like too good for theaters! Disney's Tower of Terror is based on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Walt Disney World's Disney's Hollywood Studios, formerly Walt Disney World's Disney-MGM Studios. The stakes are just as high in the movie as the ride (about 12 floors high, he he he). Steve Guttenberg's acting has never been better. Dare I say no one's acting has ever been better? And Kirsten Dunst! What a lady! She's going places! The all star cast doesn't stop there! This movie also has the dude who played Lloyd on Brotherly Love whose name I am too lazy to look up here on IMDb! Oh and Jan from The Office was spectacular.

The Hollywood Reporter was right when they claimed this movie to be "A Thrill Ride!" (as seen on the DVD cover, though taken in context they may have actually been talking about the thrill ride). It'll give you Chills & Thrills with its Spectacular Special F/X! (also taken off the DVD cover).

I love this movie

[mickeybear221 · 8/10 · 29 October 2006]

I love this movie. I went on the ride in Disney world when i was 5(though I didn't like that to much) I loved the movie. It is scary in some parts especially when they play eerie music for little kids and people that haven't seen the movie before but it is very entertaining and has a good plot twist at the end. I love the characters and everyone plays there part really well except sometimes you think wow they are really bad actors but a lot of the time they are really good at acting. I really like sally shine and the person kirstin dunst plays. This movie is very entertaining and i think anyone should see it. It can be scary at times but it is one of the best Disney channel movies they ever made yet!