“Hollywood, 1939. Amid the glitz and the glitter of a bustling movie town at the height of its golden age, the Hollywood Tower Hotel was a star in its own right, a beacon for the show business elite. Now, something is about to happen that will change all that.“

Few rides have equally awed and chilled their audience like Disneyland’s & Walt Disney World’s Tower of Terror.  The immersive storyline is captivating and the ride itself is thrilling.  When Disneyland shuttered the doors of their famous “Hollywood Tower Hotel” forever, I was heartbroken.  And then I found the REAL places in Los Angeles that inspired the décor and architecture of the ride!  Today I’m going over the 3 places in Los Angeles that inspired Disney’s Tower of Terror. All heavily influenced the design of the various versions of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror as we have come to know and love them. For those in Los Angeles, these places are a great way to get a little “thrill” back without having to fly all the way to WDW’s Hollywood Studios or Paris’s Walt Disney Studios.

The Millennium Biltmore Hotel

Address: 506 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071

Built in the 1920s, this Los Angeles landmark has seen its fair share of the glitz and glam of Hollywood.  In fact, it played host to some of the very first Academy Awards ceremonies.  It has also featured plays starring Katharine Hepburn, Mae West, and Helen Hayes. And has been the hotel of choice for politicians like John F. Kennedy. Most recently, even, it was the location for the semi-finals of American Idol. 

When walking through the entrance off of Grand Avenue, you can immediately see where the Tower of Terror got its Beaux Art style columns and high vaulted ceilings. The gold plating and intricate molding designs found throughout the various versions of the Tower of Terror are also indicative of the Millennium Biltmore. Even the elevators have pretty obvious similarities.

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While exploring the hotel, it is easy to imagine Hollywood’s Golden Age walking through its doors.  I found myself transported back into the Tower of Terror study, watching that video of the family arriving for their “final” check-in.  I also felt a sense of uneasiness as I walked around the halls.  Rumor has it that this is one of several haunted hotels in Los Angeles and I just may be a believer.

So, if you’re missing the Tower of Terror or you’re just looking for something to do, I highly recommend checking this out for the day.  OR, for those who want a more fully immersive experience, consider spending the night in this haunted hotel!

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Hollywood Tower Apartments

Address: 6200 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

The most obvious correlation between the Hollywood Tower Apartments and the Tower of Terror is the outdoor signage.  You can see how it directly inspired many of the Hollywood Tower Hotel signs. 

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Even though this is a private residence, I was lucky enough to be invited inside by a resident! What immediately struck me, was the old Hollywood feel that this building has maintained over time.  There are hints of gold and brass and lots of black & white photos from 1930s Hollywood hung on each of the floors.

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Built in 1929, the Hollywood Tower apartments played home to many working in the entertainment industry. During Hollywood’s Golden Age, it was even considered “sophisticated living”.

This building was added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1988.

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Mission Inn Hotel

Address: 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501

The last place that inspired Disney’s Tower of Terror is the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, California. This hotel’s Spanish Colonial Revival architecture inspired much of the exterior design of the Hollywood Tower Hotel.

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Established in 1876, this is the oldest of the three landmarks.  After traveling the world for more than 30 years, owner Frank Miller was determined to bring many different outside influences back into the look and feel of the resort.  And his vision paid off.  The Mission Inn became home to many of the world’s elite including Harry Houdini, Ginger Rogers, Clark Gable, Cary Grant and more.  Even Bette Davis and Richard Nixon were married here!  

The Mission Inn is still in operation today and continues to draw the attention of celebrities and politicians.  Most recently Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Osbournes stayed here.  Interested in spending the night in this California landmark? Learn more on Trip Advisor.

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That concludes our tour of the 3 places in Los Angeles that inspired Disney’s Tower of Terror.  Next time you visit Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios or Disneyland Paris’s Walt Disney Studios, be on the lookout for the details that surround the Hollywood Tower Hotel.  See how they compare to the real thing!

And for those missing this iconic ride, check out the home video I made from my very last “check-in” at Disneyland’s version of the Tower of Terror.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bryjyiJpGE8

 

For more Disney Inspired locations around Los Angeles check out:

• Visit the Filming Locations from Hocus Pocus

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