Pop superstar Ariana Grande is hoping to channel a little of her Wicked character Glinda’s magic, and cast a spell to save a Disney Parks icon. We’ve learned, via Entertainment Weekly, that while Grande was appearing on Bowen Yang and Matt Roger’s Las Culturistas podcast, she made an impassioned plea to Disney. Ariana Grande is asking Disney to not re-theme the iconic Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in Orlando. Disney re-themed the Tower of Terror in Disney’s California Adventure to Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout! back in 2017. Referring to the attraction as “An absolute masterpiece,” Grande said the following in an open letter to Disney:
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.
The original Twilight Zone Tower of Terror opened in 1994 in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the Walt Disney World Resort. An instant hit with park guests, they replicated the ride in Disney’s California Adventure a decade later. However, when plans for Avengers Campus started taking shape at DCA, Disney rethemed the attraction to Guardians of the Galaxy. Hence, the singer’s valid concerns over its long-term future.
While we share Ariana Grande’s passion for the original version, we have a feeling it’s safe in Orlando for now. Disney already has a different Guardians attraction there. And because of pre-existing contracts with nearby Universal Studios/Marvel Islands of Adventure, they can’t have an Avengers Campus of their own. We do think the Twilight Zone brand name might one day go away, because it’s not a Disney IP. But we have a feeling the spooky old hotel is there to stay. Then again, Rivers of America is leaving the Magic Kingdom soon, so nothing is 100% sacred in the Disney parks.
