Disney World Replaces the Outside of the Tower of Terror Attraction at Hollywood Studios
After months of scaffolding, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is revealing a piece of its backstory in fresh paint. Walt Disney World Resort guests can now spot a lightning “scar” on the Hollywood Tower Hotel facade, the first major new theming detail to emerge from the long refurbishment.
How the Project Got Here
Walt Disney World Resort filed a construction permit application for the attraction in early 2026, giving the first hint of its plans for the Hollywood Tower Hotel facade. Work began on portions of the outdoor queue. After that maintenance wrapped up, protective scrim appeared over decorative elements on the right side of the building, above the gift shop.
Scaffolding followed in early July, starting in that same spot. Over the next several months, it spread across the building and climbed the 199-foot facade, eventually surrounding the Hollywood Tower Hotel sign. Patches of fresh pink paint soon made it clear the building was being repainted, with the intentionally aged, worn finish the ride is known for still to come.
In mid-September, Walt Disney World Resort removed some of the scaffolding above the gift shop. Signs of construction are gradually fading from the building’s right side while work continues near the top of the tower.
The Lightning Scar Appears
WDWNT visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios on October 18 and spotted something new beneath the scaffolding. Guests can see a bright purple “scar” representing the lightning strike from the attraction’s backstory.
Dark purple shading surrounds bright white sections that stand out against the pink facade. Near the top of the tower, the damage wraps around a corner toward a small circular window. More purple-and-white detailing appears to have been painted elsewhere on the building, but the scaffolding hides most of it.
The Ride Stays Open
The scaffolding doesn’t block the view from the windows of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. The 32-year-old attraction continues to operate normally, and Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t announced plans to close it in the near future.
Has construction ever impacted your visit to Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your story with Disney Dining in the comments!
