Ariana Grande is speaking out about Disney not changing this iconic ride
A major star is talking about Disney not changing the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and with a "Wicked" tongue to boot!
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror has just celebrated its 30th anniversary as one of the most iconic attractions in all of Disney's history. Opening at what was then the Disney-MGM Studios, the attraction wonderfully integrated the classic TV series into a stunning attraction as fans loved the drops and amazing theme.
The ride was replicated for California Adventure, Paris' Disney Studios park and then Tokyo DisneySea. The latter had to be changed as The Twilight Zone isn't that famous in Japan, so the ride was altered to an original story of an explorer.
The California version was changed in 2017 to Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, using the popular Marvel characters and a rock soundtrack. It's become a big success while the Florida version still retains the Twilight Zone themes. It's amazing that it's stuck around for so long, yet there are always rumors of a possible change.
One person taking exception to that is Ariana Grande. The former child star has become a huge pop star and is about to truly hit the big time playing Galinda in the long-awaited movie version of the Broadway musical hit Wicked. While on Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers' Las Culturistas podcast, Grande talked of her love for the Tower and wanting to keep the original theme.
"I want to speak on the Tower of Terror because I love and respect the Guardians of the Galaxy, of course I do. I think it's a beautiful thing, it's great, it's impressive, it's amazing. I'm a big Baby Groot person. I don't remember much about her, but I love her."
Putting aside the fact Groot is a male, Grande's words may strike a chord with other fans. As fun as the Guardians ride is, many fans prefer the Twilight Zone theme for the Tower. It's a great bit immersing guests into the ride and even if you've never watched an episode, you're captivated by it.
Grande then read an open letter to Disney about her feelings on the ride.
"Perhaps this message comes prematurely, but I would be remiss if I did not reach out with a potential matter of grave concern. In the wake of the most recent alterations that have befallen your historic park in California — yes, I'm referring to the calamitous loss/makeover of the Tower of Terror ride here — I humbly implore you to not follow suit. Please allow the iconic and tremendous Tower of Terror to stand tall, permanently in the name of historical preservation, spooky honor, and good, old-fashioned fun. I hope that you'll consider this humble plea from a passionate fan."
Grande's pleas may be a bit premature as there have been no rumors of Disney planning to change the original Tower. However, Disney has a history of shifting major attractions like Splash Mountain and the upcoming transformation of Frontierland. So it's natural for Grande and other fans to worry Disney may want to change the Tower as well.
One block for that is that there's already a GOTG ride at Epcot, so Disney having another at the neighboring park would be a bit too much. In many ways, the Tower has become as much a mainstay for Disney guests as the Haunted Mansion, and changing it seems off.
Grande isn't the only big name defending the Tower as Mariah Carey (one of Grande's idols) told the same podcast in October that she was just as passionate about keeping the theme. Again, there's no word on Disney considering such a change, but they have to be aware that a couple of huge pop stars are more than happy to see the Tower continue its journeys into the Twilight Zone.