Tower of Terror Grand Opening
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It was a glittering night in Hollywood-or at least the Hollywood Pictures Backlot in Disney’s California Adventure. Cheering fans lined the red carpet as stars arrived for a gala grand reopening. The Hollywood Tower Hotel was about to welcome its first guests since a fateful night in 1939 had closed its doors.

Such an auspicious occasion required an equally auspicious introduction. In front of the once grand hostelry, a special stage had been erected. As an anxious crowd sipped champagne and nibbled canapés, dance music from a bygone era filled the air. Then, just as dusk darkened into twilight, the music abruptly changed. Staccato chords introduced a familiar theme. All eyes turned expectantly to the stage. But unexpectedly, a huge white orb, rivaling the full moon, rose from behind the stage. Its presence was puzzling, until the projected image of Rod Serling appeared on its smooth, curved surface, welcoming all to… the Twilight Zone.

A lone figure approached the microphone. It was the Bell Captain of the Hollywood Tower Hotel, come back to welcome his guests. But first, a special introduction was in store. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the CEO of the Walt Disney Company, Michael Eisner."

A slightly hoarse Michael Eisner welcomed the crowd, and had an introduction of his own-for a very special guest with a very special connection to the Twilight Zone: Mrs. Carol Serling, wife of series’ creator Rod Serling.

Carol Serling charmed the crowd as she assured all that her husband would be delighted with the attraction. Everyone responded with delight as she insisted that similar towers would one day appear in Paris, Tokyo, and even Hong Kong. She then invited all to enjoy a lost episode of her husband’s creation.

Sliding panels in the back of the stage opened to reveal a massive TV screen, airing footage of the hotel’s glittering past, and tragic fate. By now it was quite dark, and time for the real hotel to finally reopen its doors. Two brilliant streams of light struck the tower, setting off a series of smaller explosions. Neon flickered as lights dimmed and flared. The final punctuation was a huge burst of pyrotechnics from the roof.

The awed crowd burst into applause. The Bell Captain gravely returned to the microphone, to inform all that, "Ladies and gentlemen, your rooms are ready. Feel free to drop in, if you dare, to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror."

In addition to the pictures below, we have a video of the Grand Opening finale. The video is in MPEG format.

• MPEG VIdeo - 1 minute, 33 seconds

The Bell Captain offers a cordial welcome.
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Walt Disney Company CEO Michael Eisner prepares to introduce Carol Serling.
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As Carol Serling addresses the crowd, the Hollywood Tower looms.
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