Tower of Terror in Disney's Hollywood Studios
Stepping into the Twilight Zone
The Hollywood Tower Hotel, home to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, stands at the end of Sunset Boulevard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World.
During the 2019 Band and Chorus Disney Trip last month, the first attraction that my group went to was the Tower of Terror. That was mainly because that was the first Fastpass we had. But I did not mind at all, because the Tower of Terror has always been one of my favorite rides at Walt Disney World.
That goes all the way back to when it first opened in 1995. Way back before the days of Fastpasses, when you either stood in line or did not ride it. On this 2019 trip, we did ride it again without a Fastpass. But it was first thing in the morning, and there was not much of a line at all. This photo was taken when we were walking up to the Tower of Terror that morning. It was a beautiful day with a brilliant blue sky, and I liked how the sunlight was hitting the palm trees along Sunset Boulevard. There were people there, of course, but I shot this up over their heads, so that it almost looks like we had the place to ourselves.
Compromise
Not everyone in my family enjoys the Tower of Terror as much as I do. I like that falling feeling that you get on the ride, knowing that they actually have everything under control. But others don’t enjoy that same feeling. But we usually manage a compromise where we ride that, and then we do something that others will enjoy.
Life is full of compromises. Or at least it should be. We are all different, and we all enjoy different things. If I always make everyone do what I enjoy, those other people are going to get tired of me at some point. If I always have to do what everyone else wants to do without getting to do what I enjoy sometimes, I am going to be pretty miserable after a while.
Compromise is especially valuable in marriage. Marriages do not thrive when only one partner gets his or her way all of the time. A good marriage is a partnership, not a dictatorship. Do not always try to get your way. Be willing to give in. Not just sometimes, but often.
It seems like guys often have the more difficult time with compromise, not wanting to do things that others might consider “girly.” But who are you really trying to please, the other guys or your wife? You can make yourself look good in the eyes of your guy friends, but that will not make for a happy home.
Instead of putting yourself first, be willing to do what makes someone else happy. Especially if that other person is your marriage partner!
Bible Verse
Outdo one another in showing honor. - Romans 12:10
About the Photo
Even though it really does not scare me at all, the Tower of Terror is meant to be a somewhat scary attraction. That is why it has “terror” in the name, after all. As such, you often see dark, menacing photos of the Tower of Terror. In fact, one of my favorite Disney photos I have taken has just that sort of look to it.
But for this photo, the sky was just too blue to make the photo look dark and depressing. So instead, I went against the normal and came up with this sunny, happy version. That does not really fit the theme of the Tower of Terror at all, but I like that contrast here.
Photo: A single Raw exposure, processed in Aurora HDR. Read more about photography tips, photo software, camera gear, and more at Steve’s Photography Tips.
Camera: Sony Alpha A7 II
Lens: Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens
Date: March 6, 2019
Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World, Florida
