The Disney film that has vanished from every streaming service
In short: In 1997, Disney released its first film based on a theme park attraction. Despite its unique origins and a star-studded cast, this supernatural horror remains impossible to find on any modern streaming platform or for new purchase on physical media.
D. The 1997 TV movie Tower of Terror represented a novel studio trial. MacHale wrote and directed it. J. Steve Guttenberg and Kirsten Dunst played the lead roles. It served as the first Disney production based on a theme park attraction—specifically The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Walt Disney World—and remains the only such film produced for television. Interestingly, the story maintains no connection to the actual Twilight Zone brand, instead drawing inspiration from the mechanics of the attraction, such as the free-fall elevator and the Hollywood setting.
The plot follows journalist Buzzy Crocker and his niece Anna as they investigate the Hollywood Tower Hotel. They discover that on Halloween in 1939, five guests—including singer Carolyn Crosson and child star Sally Shine—mysteriously vanished when lightning struck their elevator. The film reveals that the disappearance was actually caused by a misfired curse cast by a jealous nanny, Emeline Partridge, who was actually Abigail Gregory, Sally's sister.
Production was a logistical hybrid; while much of the film was shot on a stage in Hollywood, Los Angeles, exterior shots were filmed at the Orlando attraction during the summer of 1997. Despite the promotional efforts in October 1997, which included Kirsten Dunst appearing on Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, the film has become a digital ghost. As of 2025, it is unavailable to purchase new on physical media or to view on any streaming service.
The narrative concludes with a supernatural resolution where the breaking of the curse allows the spirits to ascend, restoring the hotel to its former glory under the care of Dewey Todd's grandson, Chris "Q" Todd.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Tower of Terror (1997 film)
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