Disney Modernized the Tower of Terror Overnight, and Fans Aren’t Happy
Fans are less than thrilled after Disneyland Paris Resort updated an original part of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
The Tower of Terror at Disneyland Paris debuted in 2007, 13 years after the original opened in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. In 2019, the Paris version was reimagined as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – A New Dimension of Chills, with three new haunting storylines: The Malevolent Machine, The Shaft Creatures, and The 5th Dimension. But even after such a big change, the little things don’t go unnoticed among Disney Parks fans.
Though the ride’s structure, storyline, and chilling drop remain the same, Walt Disney Imagineers recently replaced one of its subtle yet iconic features. In the attraction’s pre-show area—the eerie hotel library—guests used to watch a black-and-white introduction on a curved CRT television screen, consistent with the 1930s Hollywood theme. Now, that screen is gone.
In its place is a modern flat-screen TV, and for fans of Disney’s immersive theming, the change has sparked frustration. X (formerly Twitter) user @DLPReport posted a photo of the updated screen with the caption: “🔧 At Tower of Terror, the Library tv screens were replaced with more modern technology.”
🔧 At Tower of Terror, the Library tv screens were replaced with more modern technology: pic.twitter.com/dmi5SQBBlc
— DLP Report (@DLPReport) May 24, 2025
Another user, @Themountainkin1, shared video comparisons of the new and old pre-show displays:
La télévision cathodique du préshow de la Tour de la Terreur a été remplacée par un écran plat🫤…
Ce changement est définitif. Ça a déjà été fait pour la TOT WDW. On perd l’effet de distorsion de l’image, dû à la courbure de l’écran, et la qualité d’époque. Certes un petit détail, mais un détail qui apportait de l’authenticité, pour laquelle WDI est connu, à la scène. AVANT:
Ce changement est définitif. Ça a déjà été fait pour la TOT WDW. On perd l’effet de distorsion de l’image, dû à la courbure de l’écran, et la qualité d’époque. Certes un petit détail, mais un détail qui apportait de l’authenticité, pour laquelle WDI est connu, à la scène.
AVANT: pic.twitter.com/uCqHP7W9M5
— Themountainking (@Themountainkin1) May 24, 2025
Though the ride continues to operate with the same general storyline, the change has been enough to stir passionate responses online, especially among fans who value the original theming and the ride’s commitment to period accuracy. For many, it’s not just a TV—it’s part of what made the experience so believable.
Disney has not officially commented on the update, but the change was likely made for ease of maintenance or due to parts availability. The company rarely makes public statements about minor updates like this one.
Have you noticed any small changes around Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, or the international Disney parks? Disney Dining would love to hear from you in the comments!
