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Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (Orlando)

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Location: Disney-MGM Studios

Our thoughts: The best two attractions at the Disney-MGM Studios are located right next to each other: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Aerosmith's Rock and Roller Coaster. Don't even bother visiting other areas of the park, just go back and forth between these two rides.

If you get stuck waiting in line, you can admire the Tower's architecture and indoor furnishings that are designed to give the feel of an old Hollywood hotel that is long past its prime. Eventually when you get to the front, you'll be herded into a room and then the door will close and you'll get to watch a Rod Serling impersonator set the tone for the ride. TIP: When you go in, don't follow everyone to the front of the room, go to the end opposite the TV. Why? Because when the TV show is over, you'll be at the front of the line because a door will open right where you're standing. It's a great way to jump in front of all those people who were in front of you.

After the TV show break, the door opens and you are in the 'basement', which means some more lines to wait in while the attendants load up people into the elevators. We counted at least four different elevators (there could be more, we're not sure). The lines split off at some point, so make the best choice as you can to see what the shortest line is.

Eventually you'll make it to the front and they'll load you into the elevator. The first time I rode the ride, I thought you would have to stand inside the elevator. Luckily that's not the case, everyone gets a seat and a giant bar keeps you glued to the seat. Be careful if there's a really fat guy sitting next to you, as this means you'll end up with some space between the bar and your legs, and you'll get to feel weightlessness during the part of the ride right before you drop (more on that later).

There's also one seat on the ride where you don't have a bar (the back row right in the middle). This seat is secured via an old-fashioned seat belt. We've never had to use that seat, but I'm sure it's a pretty thrilling place to sit without any kind of bar holding you down.

I don't want to spoil the ride from this point. There are a few drops, there are a few pauses where you don't know when you're going to drop, and there's a lot of darkness. Scream as loud as you want. The rush is worth it.

Afterwards, go buy the picture of everyone screaming that was in the elevator with you. It's worth the price.

Tip: Go early. Go often. Get the picture after you're finished.