I read today where a 16 year old had to go to the hospital after riding the Tower of Terror at Disney World.
In case you're not familiar with the ride, here's the basics, with added commentary describing what has become known as The Cycle:
The Tower of Terror is modeled after a 1930's Hollywood Hotel. The queue takes you through the courtyard full of imposing shrubbery and mysterious fog. (I begin to feel that dropping sensation, imminent panic sets in, and you better not talk to me less you want to get cussed at).
The inside of the hotel indicates that hotel visitors and employees left in a hurry - ledgers remain open, an unfinished Mah Jonng game rests on a table, and baggage sits unattended at the bell boy's desk. (I'm fascinated at the attention to detail but I am still aware that I'm about to be dropped faster than the rate of gravity- don't even look at me and I better not catch you laughing.)
The audience is invited to the library where a brilliantly edited video tape of Rod Serling describes the setting - lodgers checked into to the hotel on Oct 31, 1939. Upon entering the elevator and ascending, lightning struck the hotel and the visitors haven't been seen since. The library's wall then opens to steamy boiler room and the elevators. (My heart is starting to severely palpitate and I want run to the corner and hide curled in the fetal position).
Each elevator seats 22 (Why, oh, why does Fate place me in the front?). The elevator rises and stops at different floors. At one point, a hologram of the ill-fated guests invite the elevator to move forward. (My palms are sweating buckets).
The elevator jerkingly moves forward and suddenly stops. The windows open and you can see all of MGM Studios from 13 stories. Then, the elevator drops down the shaft, lifts you up again, and drops you again, only to repeat several more times. (All the air rushes out of my chest but I can't seem to inhale).
You exit the elevator and start counting limbs to make they're attached. (Absolute euphoria - I'm ready to get back in line and start The Cycle all over again.)
The ride is by far the scariest thing I've done in my entire life. The first time I rode, I had indentations in my hand for hours where I had been clinging to the siding for dear life. We went back to the World last year and rode it again. This time wasn't any better as you can see the expression on my face (yep, that's me in the red shirt). I only wish my wife wasn't laughing at me. That's embarrassing.
Imagineers, well done - I needed to buy new shorts anyway.
