[TrendyMagic]

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum... but it does relate to the original ride, from MGM of course.

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taken from:
http://www.sacbee.com/state_wire/story/802...p-8960752c.html


Disney's 'Tower of Terror' float evokes grim memories for some

LOS ANGELES (AP) - The "Twilight Zone Tower of Terror" float in Thursday's Rose Parade was designed to advertise a Disney thrill ride.

But the name evokes grim memories for some people who lost loved ones in the terror attacks on the twin towers of the World Trade Center.


"It's disturbing to me," said Sally Regenhard, whose son, Christian, was one of the firefighters killed in the terror attack. His death prompted her to form the Skyscraper Safety Campaign in New York, which aims to improve safety in tall buildings.

Upon hearing a description of Disney's float, Regenhard said it might be "trivializing injury and possible death."

"I'd much rather see something that's positive and would give a good feeling to the American public ... connected to our history or honoring our armed forces," she said.

Bill Doyle, a resident of New York City, doesn't object to the float. But merely hearing the word "tower" reminds him of the Sept. 11, 2001, tragedy that claimed the life of his son Joseph.

"I'd like to see a different name," he said.

The float will rumble down Pasadena's Colorado Boulevard before a worldwide television audience at a time when the country is on high alert for terrorism and unprecedented measures are being taken to safeguard holiday celebrations.

It depicts a 100-tall Hollywood hotel that's struck by lightning and an earthquake, causing an elevator to fall. Stunt performers will plunge with the elevator.

The float also will feature Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse and will be covered with roses, carnations and daisies.

It's patterned after a ride that opened in 1994 at Disney MGM Studios in Florida and has become one of its most popular attractions. A similar ride opens May 4 at the California Adventure park in Anaheim, which has struggled with attendance since opening in 2001.

The float "went through the same rigorous process that every float does" but any relationship to 9/11 "did not come up" when it was being evaluated for approval, said Bill Flinn, chief operating officer for the Tournament of Roses.

"The Tournament of Roses isn't particularly interested being offensive to anybody," he said. "This, I think, we have looked at strictly as an amusement ride based on the old ('Twilight Zone') TV series."

As for viewers, "I think it will be accepted as an amusement," he said.

Disney officials said the float is merely intended to promote the new attraction. Anyone who sees a connection to the terror attack may be "pushing it," said Disneyland Resort spokeswoman Ruthie Flores.

"The whole intention of the float is to create some interest in what we think is going to be a fun new attraction," said Disneyland Resort spokesman John McClintock. "We're all about people enjoying themselves."

Bruce DeCell, who lost his son-in-law in the Sept. 11 attacks, said the float doesn't bother him because he hears so many daily references to the terrorist attacks.

"I'm filled with enough terror already after what happened to my son," the New Yorker said. "I don't know if there's any parallels. ... I don't try to be overly sensitive."

[TrendyMagic]

Hello all,

The lady who made the claims about the ToT float (Sally Regenhard) has made my life a little bumpy over the past two-ish years. The K9 team I am with, worked for the first 10 days at the WTC site following the attacks looking for bodies and parts. Not long after we returned home she started her attacks about people/groups/companies that were making her more of a victim. She even said we "are victimizing the families of the victims". How are we making her more of a victim? Don't know but I guess Disney is somehow doing the same in her twisted eyes.

I do understand it was a bad thing but this lady needs to quit dwelling on it and pointing at everybody else saying they are making her more of a victim. This most recent attack by her on Disney is a bit too much.

Sorry if the above offends anyone but I am very sick and tired of this lady she has taken things a bit too far.


www.k9taskforce.com

[disneyprincess]

I can't wait to see the float myself. It's supposed to be pretty cool. After the parade it can be seen at DCA for a little bit too.

[TrendyMagic]

Then they need to bring it to MGM for the parade there.

[disneyprincess]

trendymagic said:

Then they need to bring it to MGM for the parade there.

I'm liking that idea a lot!

[QuickGold]

This woman is off her rocker

[David]

I saw the float... it was on around 12:05... could have been better IMO.

I think they should have put the actual characters in it instead of stunt people. Also, they just made it a little cage.... it should have been a whole elevator...

:frownblue:

[disneyprincess]

i thought it was kinda neat. I'm curiuos about it going under the overpass.

[disneyprincess]

Here is a description, and some background info, that I found online.

Disneyland Resort (#41)
Float Theme: "The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror"

Thrills and chills are coming to Disney's California Adventure park this spring with the grand opening of "The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror." This float, the tallest in Rose Parade history at nearly 100 feet, depicts the attraction with live, shuddering passengers riding its shaky and unpredictable elevator. "The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror" is inspired by the classic CBS television series, The Twilight Zone. The float--decorated with roses, iris, gerberas, tulips, Heliconia, bird-of-paradise, ginger and orchids--features the musical accompaniment of the world-renowned Twilight Zone theme.

Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney Co. have a long relationship with the Tournament of Roses, dating back to 1939 with a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs float. Walt Disney was Grand Marshall in 1966, and Disneyland presented a Mickey's Toontown float in 1994. The Rose Queen and Royal Court have paid yearly visits to Disneyland Resort since 1960, and visiting college football teams make Disney's California Adventure their first stop when they arrive in Southern California to play in the Rose Bowl.

[QuickGold]

Maybe they should have shown a 90 minute line wait time along with the float to be more represenative of the attraction :smirk:

[TrendyMagic]

QuickGold said:

This woman is off her rocker

I wish she would just stay home in her rocker.

QuickGold said:

Maybe they should have shown a 90 minute line wait time along with the float to be more represenative of the attraction

Agree there.

[disneyprincess]

QuickGold said:

Maybe they should have shown a 90 minute line wait time along with the float to be more represenative of the attraction :smirk:

HAHAH that would have been good

[QuickGold]

Looks like this thing has blown over, so one less problem for Disney

[TrendyMagic]

QuickGold said:

Looks like this thing has blown over, so one less problem for Disney

Not fully. She is still complaining about it.. Now on display and DCA. Also (from the rumor mill) Disney took the parade straight to the park after the parade and did not leave it on display with the others. Many had wanted to see it up close since it set a record this year as the tallest float ever. Owell. Still think the idea was very neat.

[disneyprincess]

argh, I hate to do this, but Laughing Place has pictures of the float....
http://laughingplace...-ID10018840.asp

[QuickGold]

I like everything but the fake hair...its a bit tacky

[TrendyMagic]

QuickGold said:

I like everything but the fake hair...its a bit tacky

Thought the same but it does match the 'ad' on World Drive.

[QuickGold]

They look like Bride of Frankenstein rejects

[disneyprincess]

it's matched the big sign, and when the car "droped" it looked kinda neat.

[disneyprincess]

Many pictures on http://www.mouseinfo.com/showupdate.php?id=20040104&page=1

Anyone who watched the Christmas parade see the clip on DCA's Tower? Pay attention to the bell hop and hes costume?
It appears that they used the WDW costume version for the parade