The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction at Walt Disney World in Florida has been a consistently popular ride since it debuted in 1994 at Disney's Hollywood Studios, which was then named Disney-MGM Studios. The exterior and interior of the ride features a once-great hotel from 1939 and lots of details that pay tribute to the classic TV show The Twilight Zone.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is seen at Walt Disney World Resort's Hollywood Studios on Friday, ... [+]
What many people don’t realize is that Disney’s Tower of Tower ride is inspired by three iconic Southern California hotels. The official Disney Parks Blog reported that the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside and The Biltmore Los Angeles were key sources of inspiration. Also, according to D23, the official Disney Fan Club, Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood served as the ride’s emotional inspiration with its fascinating lore and rich history.
These three special hotels still welcome guests, so you may want to consider staying in one (or all three) on your next visit to the Los Angeles area.
The Biltmore Los Angeles: Recreation Of The Stunning Lobby
The Biltmore Los Angeles lobby that inspired Disney's Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
There’s no mistaking the stunning similarities between the lobby of The Biltmore Los Angeles and the lobby of the fictional hotel as you enter the Disney Tower of Terror attraction. This gorgeous Los Angeles hotel, which was the early home of the Academy Awards, still maintains the classic charm it had when it opened over 100 years ago in 1923. It's also not a long drive from the Los Angeles International Airport, and guests can choose from a variety of rooms and suites.
Here’s a fun fact. Disney wasn’t the only one to find inspiration here. The Biltmore Los Angeles is featured prominently in Taylor Swift’s music video “Delicate”. According to VOGUE, the singer dances and performs across the grand lobby and other areas of the historic hotel.
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa: A Short Drive From Santa Monica
People take in the sights and sounds of the Festival of Lights display which takes place at the ... [+]
Located in Riverside, California, the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is a grand, historical hotel. In addition to inspiring the creators of Disney’s Tower of Terror ride, it was used as a shooting location in several movies such as The Vampire (1915) and Man in the Iron Mask (1997). President Roosevelt and President Taft were among the U.S. Presidents to stay here, and celebrities that visited include Clark Cable, Tom Hanks, and Barbra Streisand.
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa has a wide variety of rooms and suites available to guests across its different wings. They all have unique décor and character, and a lot of interesting historical artifacts can be found throughout the hotel. It has modern luxuries like an onsite spa. Tours are available, with guests of the hotel getting a discount on the cost, and each tour comes with a souvenir of the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa.
Chateau Marmont: A Gem Among Los Angeles Hotels
HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 27: General view of the Chateau Marmont Hotel on February 27, 2024 in ... [+]
West Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont is a one-of-a-kind place to stay that looks like a castle and is a well-known, beloved part of West Hollywood history. Opened back in 1927, residents of the hotel have included numerous celebrities such as Johnny Depp and Robert DeNiro. The hotel had a prominent role in Sofia Coppola’s 2010 film Somewhere. It’s also been featured in several songs ranging from Lana Del Rey’s “Off to the Races” to Grateful Dead’s “West L.A. Fadeaway”. Another iconic neighborhood in Los Angeles is Beverly Hills, known for its luxury hotels and vibrant atmosphere.
Chateau Marmont is an expensive place to stay, but it is a bucket list experience for many guests. If you can’t stay at the hotel, you can still visit and dine at the onsite restaurant. Just make reservations early! Other notable hotels in Los Angeles include the Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza and the Miyako Hotel Los Angeles, which also reflect unique parts of the Los Angeles area. The Westin Los Angeles Airport is another convenient option for travelers who may want a convenient spot to stay close to the Los Angeles International Airport.
Other Spots Of Inspiration In Downtown Los Angeles
Griffith Observatory at Griffith Park has been featured in many movies.
In addition to these two luxury hotels, you can see other spots in Southern California that inspired part of the Disney World Tower of Terror attraction. Downtown LA is a vibrant area in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Convention Center is a key attraction in downtown LA. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) offers convenient transportation options and is close to many hotels, making it ideal for travelers with early-morning or late-night flights. ABC News reported that the grounds of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror were inspired by both Griffith Park and Elysian Park. Both parks are in Los Angeles in keeping with the overall theme of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Other notable locations in Los Angeles include Santa Monica Beach, which offers a relaxed beach house vibe with nautical-inspired décor, private balconies, and ocean views. It is just a short drive from Hollywood and where many Los Angeles residents go to enjoy the beach or famous Santa Monica Pier with its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the city. It’s also the end of the famous Route 66 which features prominently in the Disney movie Cars. According to The Los Angeles Times, The Santa Monica Pier was also a source of inspiration for Disney California Adventure’s Paradise Pier.
