Tower of Terror “Level 13” Ride Variation Experience Available Through April 7

Disney’s Tower of Terror attraction will offer guests a new “Level 13” ride experience . . . if they dare.

Disney’s Tower of Terror attraction is one of the most thrilling ride experiences guests can have during their visit–and one of the most daring experiences ever developed by Walt Disney Imagineering.

Guest Stuck on Tower of Terror

So daring was the development of the ride that a considerable amount of work done toward the completion of the attraction involved creating and implementing systems inside the attraction that ensure guests don’t plunge to their deaths as part of the already creepy experience.

Formally called the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios inside the Walt Disney World Resort, the heart-pounding ride not only delivers on the thrills–it has a backstory that comes with all the chills.

tower of terror missing people on elevator

Since it first opened to guests on July 22, 1994, the Tower of Terror ride at Disney World has been a park staple, as well as one of the attractions at the top of thrill seekers’ must-ride list in the parks. The ride premise, along with the theming and props inside the queue, is so impressive that guests have little time to ponder the “terror” that awaits them aboard a haunted elevator that seems to have a mind of its own.

According to the story of the attraction, a freak lightning storm struck the Hollywood Tower Hotel, and a group of five individuals who had just boarded an elevator at the hotel disappeared and were never seen again.

tower of terror

The ride is so popular with guests that it can be found at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Tokyo DisneySea, and Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris. It was formerly located at Disney California Adventure but was rethemed to create the Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout attraction at the park.

But the story behind the attraction changes at other Disney Parks.

At Tokyo DisneySea at Tokyo Disney Resort, for example, the story begins in New York in 1912 at the Tower of Terror Hotel. It got its name because of an awful incident in 1899 that resulted in the mysterious disappearance of the hotel’s owner.

Now, the New York City Preservation Society has just finished the work of restoring the infamous hotel. Tours of the structure have begun again. But what happens if tourists dare to ride the elevator to the topmost floor?

tower of terror tokyo disney sea

And now, Tokyo DisneySea has announced a brand-new “Level 13” ride experience at the Tower of Terror attraction, in which guests can experience even more drops and thrills.

From now through April 7, 2024, the Tower of Terror ride experience at Tokyo DisneySea will be very different. Guests can experience two different ride sequences and choose their favorite one.

From now through February 4, 2024, guests can experience the “Tower of Terror: Level 13” sequence during the ride, during which there are more thrills and more drops than ever before. From February 5 through March 6, 2024, guests will be subjected to the “Tower of Terror: Level 13 Shadow of Siriki” ride sequence, during which they’ll reportedly experience the “horror of the Siriki Utundu curse even more.”

tower of terror level 13 ride experience

Guests will be able to vote for their favorite ride sequence, and the ride sequence that guests will experience from March 7 through April 7, 2024, will be based on which sequence received the most votes from guests between now and March 6.

tokyo disney resort

Per Tokyo Disney Resort, voting details will be announced at a later date, and ride photos will not be taken during the ride sequence variation period.

It’s the lesser of two horrors. Which horror do you think you’d choose–Tower of Terror: Level 13 or Tower of Terror: Level 13 Shadow of Siriki?

Beloved Disney World Restaurant Reopening After 4 Year Closure!

Via DisDining.com

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic was sweeping across the world, and millions of people were forced to stay in their homes. Businesses were forced to shut their doors, including Disney theme parks. Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida was only closed for about four months. Disneyland Resort, in Anaheim, California, on the other hand, was closed for more than a year.

When the theme parks finally reopened, things were very different. The parks had strict capacity limits, masks were required at all times, and there were no buffet-style restaurants or character dining. There were also no character meet and greets. It was a vastly different Disney experience than the one guests had been used to.

Disneyland Masks

It’s been just about four years since the world, as we knew it, changed drastically. However, things at Disney have largely returned to the way they were before the pandemic. The parks seem to be more crowded than ever, character meet and greets are drawing large crowds, and dining is almost completely back to normal.

With one glaring exception.

Disney After Hours Characters

Walt Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa was known for one really great character dining experience — 1900 Park Fare. 1900 Park Fare was a character dining experience that was open for breakfast and dinner. Guests enjoying breakfast were able to see characters like Mary Poppins, Pooh, Tigger, Alice, and the Mad Hatter.

1900 Park Fare

Dinner was Cinderella-themed, so guests would be able to interact with Cinderella and Prince Charming. The highlight, though, was definitely Lady Tremaine (Cinderella’s wicked stepmother), and Cinderella’s stepsisters, Anastasia and Drizella.

1900 Park Fare has been closed for almost four years, having never reopened after the pandemic. But that will reportedly soon change!

The cast members we spoke to confirmed that 1900 Park Fare will reopen THIS YEAR! The cast members also confirmed that, when the restaurant finally does reopen, it will have the character dining that guests have grown to love.

At this time, we do not have an official opening date. Construction can still be heard happening behind closed doors, but it is exciting to know that the delicious dining spot will be back soon and better than ever!

Disney Adds More Nights to Spring 2024 Disney After Hours Events

Disney has added even more Disney After Hours event dates starting in April, giving guests more time to experience their favorite attractions, meet iconic characters, and enjoy complimentary snacks.

Here are the updated dates and prices for Magic Kingdom:

Here are the updated dates and prices for EPCOT:

Here are the updated dates and prices for Hollywood Studios:

Tickets are currently available online for events taking place from January 11 to April 8, 2024.

Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green looking to purchase tickets early for events from April 22 to June 27, 2024, must call (407) 934-7639 beginning January 24, 2024. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

All other Guests may purchase tickets for events from April 22 to June 27, 2024, online beginning January 31, 2024.

NEW World Celebration Gardens at EPCOT

Via DisneyLists.com

Since 2019, EPCOT has been undergoing a historical transformation; thankfully, it is almost complete. On December 5, 2023, World Celebration Gardens, including the sure-to-be popular Dreamers Point, opened to guests. The new area is a gorgeous spot to sit, relax, and enjoy the views of Spaceship Earth.

World Celebration Gardens

In the middle of EPCOT, you’ll now find World Celebration Gardens. This area features beautiful greenspaces for guests to explore. In the center, there is a large planter based on the five rings of the iconic EPCOT logo.

The gardens feature ample seating and shade. Guests are invited to connect with one another and the nature around them in this lush new area. When we visited, we found lots of different kinds of seating areas. From tables and chairs, benches, and Adirondack-type chairs. This area will be a fantastic spot to take a rest or eat a meal.

The area also includes many different charging stations where guests can charge their devices while sitting there.

Dreamer’s Point

Found within World Celebration Gardens is Dreamers Point, where guests can visit the new “Walt the Dreamer” statue. The statue shows Walt later in his life when he was dreaming up the initial concepts for the park and the overall Florida Project. His relaxed and reflective demeanor was important to the design of this statue, a nod to the pure optimism he felt for the future and the magic of possibility that was the basis for the dream he never saw come to life.

Below, you can see the entire area. Guests can sit on either side of Walt for a special photo. So far, we’ve seen a Disney PhotoPass photographer posted there regularly.

As you can see from the photos, guests will need to step up to sit next to Walt. One criticism we’ve heard is that guests who cannot transfer from a mobility device will have trouble getting close to Walt. However, as seen below, there is a spot to the left of Walt where a wheelchair could be backed in for a photo.

We’ve visited both during the day and at night. Do note that the lightning is quite blinding in the evening, and you’ll need to be extra careful stepping down after your photo.

Overall, we’re very pleased with the statue. We’ve seen some really tender moments from guests. We’ve seen children hug Walt and some adults getting a bit teary. Like Roy Disney’s statue with Minnie at Magic Kingdom, the ability to sit next to Walt and have some interaction makes the experience more meaningful.

New Character Greeting Spaces

Also, in the new gardens are a few new character greeting spaces. We’ve seen Pluto and Daisy greeting guests. Check the My Disney Experience app for greeting times.

Communicore Plaza

The last section still yet to be completed is Communicore Plaza, which was also supposed to open in December 2023. However, Disney pushed back the opening until sometime in 2024. Communicore Hall will be a place to meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

Communicore Plaza will be the new home for festivals. See the concept art below for an idea of what it will be like inside.

World Celebration Gardens is a fantastic new addition to EPCOT. The beautiful gardens offer guests a great place to rest and meet. Guests will also not want to miss the Walt the Dreamer statue. Be sure to check out the gardens on your next visit to EPCOT.

Full List of Food and Beverages Coming to Walt Disney World for Valentine’s Day 2024

The Disney Parks Blog has released the full guide of food and beverages coming to Walt Disney World Resort for Valentine’s Day 2024.

Valentine’s Day 2024 at Walt Disney World

Disney Springs 

Amorette’s Patisserie (Available Feb. 1 through 17; mobile order available) 

  • Chocolate-covered Strawberries
  • Strawberry Cheesecake

The Ganachery 

  • Puppy Love Chocolate Piñata filled with hazelnut truffle treats and crisp pearls (New) (Available Feb. 1 through 15)
  • Mickey Chocolate Bites: Milk chocolate with caramel crisp pearls, solid 65% dark chocolate custom blend, and solid milk chocolate (New) (Currently available through Feb. 29) 
  • Champagne-Strawberry Ganache Square: Strawberry ganache blended with champagne enrobed in dark 65% chocolate (Available Feb. 1 through 18)

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (Available Feb. 1 through 17) 

  • Berry Lovely: Bacardí Dragonberry Rum with orange juice, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, watermelon syrup, and splash of soda garnished with a strawberry (New) 

Vivoli il Gelato (Currently available through Feb. 29)

  • Love Potion: Vanilla gelato, Fanta Strawberry, and whipped cream
  • Cupid’s Bombashake: Strawberry cheesecake shake topped with a cheesecake-filled Bomboloni

Outdoor Vending at West Side – Landing (Available Feb. 1 through 17)

  • Beautiful Rose: Herradura Silver Tequila, Cointreau liqueur, rose syrup, lime juice, lemon juice, and red cranberry juice garnished with a lime wedge (New) 
Valentine's Day 2024 offerings from Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels 

DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE 

The Mara (Available Feb. 1 through 14; mobile order available) 

  • Zebra Mousse Cake: Amarula mousse and chocolate sponge inspired by the iconic Zebra Domes

DISNEY’S BEACH CLUB RESORT AND DISNEY’S YACHT CLUB RESORT

Beach Club Marketplace and The Market at Ale & Compass (Available Feb. 1 through 14; mobile order available) 

  • Cupid’s Mousse: Devil’s food cake, vanilla bean mousse, and cherry compote (New) 

DISNEY’S BOARDWALK 

BoardWalk Deli (Available Feb. 1 through 14; mobile order available)

  • Strawberry Cheesecake Brownie: Rich brownie topped with strawberry cheesecake garnished with chocolate whipped cream, pink crisp pearls, and pink chocolate hearts 

DISNEY’S CONTEMPORARY RESORT 

Contempo Café (Available Feb. 4 through 29; mobile order available) 

  • Sweet Heart Cookie: Sugar cookie with heart sprinkles topped with cream cheese buttercream, red velvet cake pieces and heart, and a drizzle of dark chocolate (New) 
More Valentine's Day 2024 offerings from Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

DISNEY’S GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT & SPA 

Gasparilla Island Grill (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)

  • Raspberry Macaron Heart: Macaron filled with raspberry cream and a passion fruit curd (New) 

DISNEY’S OLD KEY WEST RESORT AND DISNEY’S SARATOGA SPRINGS RESORT & SPA

Good’s Food to Go and The Artist’s Palette (Available Feb. 1 through 14; mobile order available at The Artist’s Palette only)

  • Love Letter Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake with strawberry pastry cream, white chocolate mousse, and buttercream flowers 

DISNEY’S POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT 

Kona Island (Available Feb. 1 through 14)

  • Stitch and Angel Date Night Cupcakes: Vanilla cupcakes with fillings inspired by classic pairings: chocolate and peanut butter mousse filling and peanut butter mousse and jelly filling

Pineapple Lanai (Available Feb. 1 through 14) 

  • Valentine Float: DOLE Whip Raspberry with Rosa Regale Sparkling Red topped with raspberries and strawberries
Trois Macarons from Disney's Riviera Resort

DISNEY’S RIVIERA RESORT 

Le Petit Café (Available Feb. 1 through 14) 

  • Trois Macarons: Raspberry ganache, strawberry jam, and milk chocolate ganache
The Love Bug Marshmallow from Disney's Wilderness Lodge and the My Sweetheart Cupcake from various Disney resort hotel quick-service restaurants

DISNEY’S WILDERNESS LODGE 

Roaring Fork (Available Feb. 1 through 14; mobile order available) 

  • Love Bug Marshmallow: Strawberry marshmallow with a ganache center on a graham cracker cookie 

Available at Various Disney Resort Hotel Quick-Service Restaurants (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available) 

  • My (Plant-based) Sweetheart Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake with a love-ly swirl of vanilla buttercream and heart sprinkles (Plant-based); Available at the following locations:
    • World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort 
    • Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
    • End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
    • Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort 
    • Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
    • Spyglass Grill at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
    • Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
    • Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside 
    • Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Magic Kingdom

Sunshine Tree Terrace (Currently available; mobile order available) 

  • I Lava You Float: Fanta Strawberry and passion fruit flavor served with DOLE Whip Orange and topped with popping candy (Plant-based)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios 

The Hollywood Brown Derby (Available Feb. 1 through 14)

  • Red Velvet-White Chocolate Mousse atop a chocolate cookie

The Trolley Car Café (Available Feb. 1 through 14) 

  • Strawberry-Red Velvet Whoopie Pie: Red velvet cake filled with cream cheese buttercream topped with strawberry buttercream 

EPCOT 

Connections Café (Available Feb. 14 only)

  • Valentine’s Day Baumkuchen with chocolate and strawberry layers (New) 

Connections Eatery (Available Feb. 9 through 14; mobile order available)  

  • Valentine’s Day Milkshake: Vanilla milkshake with strawberry sauce, whipped cream, and chocolate garnish (New) 

Le Cellier Steakhouse (Available Feb. 14 only) 

  • Profiterole: Raspberry cheesecake profiterole (New)