⚡ Disney Trivia in 1 Minute: The Final Elevator Incident

The Final Elevator Incident

Unlike the U.S. versions tied to the Twilight Zone, Tokyo DisneySea’s Tower of Terror tells a chilling original story.

On New Year’s Eve, 1899, explorer Harrison Hightower III unveiled the cursed idol Shiriki Utundu. During a press event, he mocked the warnings—going so far as to stub out his cigar on the idol’s head.

That night, he boarded the hotel elevator with Shiriki in hand. Lightning struck, a deafening crash followed, and the elevator was destroyed. Only the idol and Hightower’s silk hat remained.

From Hotel to Legend

The disaster led to the hotel’s immediate closure. Left abandoned for 13 years, it became known as the “Tower of Terror.” Later, the New York Preservation Society reopened the building as a “historic tour,” allowing guests to step inside the cursed ruins.

⚡ The date—December 31, 1899—was no coincidence. The turn of the century symbolized ominous change, while the collapse of the elevator (a symbol of modern progress) reflected the downfall of human arrogance.

🔎 Summary

• Event: New Year’s Eve, 1899
• Cause: Hightower mocked Shiriki Utundu
• Result: Elevator destroyed, hotel closed, “Tower of Terror” born
• Symbolism: arrogance + modern progress crushed by a curse

👉 Next time you ride, remember: the fear began with one arrogant act on the last night of the century.

---

📚 Related Articles