Ariana Grande isn’t letting the Tower of Terror fall without a fight. The pop sensation has long been a fan of Disney’s iconic haunted hotel-themed ride, and according to her Wicked co-star, Bowen Yang, she’s already taken steps to ensure it stays around for years to come.
In the latest episode of the Las Culturistas podcast, co-hosted by Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, the pair sat down with Mariah Carey to discuss all things pop culture, including their mutual love for Disney’s Tower of Terror. During the conversation, Yang revealed that Ariana Grande is particularly passionate about the Orlando-based ride and has even prepared a plan of action should Disney ever decide to shut it down.
Ariana Grande’s Petition to Save Tower of Terror
Bowen Yang shared a story that perfectly encapsulates Ariana’s commitment to keeping the Tower of Terror alive. “You and Ariana Grande have the same feeling about Tower of Terror,” Yang began, speaking to Mariah Carey, who described the ride as “truly a classic.” He then dropped a bombshell revelation: Ariana Grande has a Notes app statement, essentially a petition, prepared for Disney in case they decide to close the ride at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
“She has written an entire Notes app statement, a petition basically, to Disney that she has saved,” Yang explained. Grande has made it clear that she’s ready to act if the ride ever comes under threat. “She is like, ‘If you do anything to Tower of Terror in Orlando…’” Yang recalled. Matt Rogers chimed in, finishing the sentence with, “There will be a revolt.”
Though there have been no official announcements from Disney regarding the closure of Orlando's Tower of Terror, the ride’s Los Angeles counterpart at Disney California Adventure was shuttered in January 2017. It was replaced with a Guardians of the Galaxy-themed attraction, much to the disappointment of die-hard fans. This past decision by Disney likely fuels Grande’s concerns, as she is clearly determined to protect the ride from a similar fate at Disney World.
Ariana’s Love for the Ride: A Personal History
Ariana Grande’s connection to the Tower of Terror runs deep. Just a few months before the closure of the Disneyland version of the ride, Grande took a trip to Disneyland with her mom, frequent collaborator Victoria Monét, her then-boyfriend Mac Miller, and a group of close friends. Photos from the trip, which were shared widely on social media, captured the star enjoying the Tower of Terror for what would be one of its final runs before its transformation into the Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! attraction.
This trip marked a special moment for Grande, and it seems the memory of that day has only solidified her love for the iconic attraction. For many fans, the Tower of Terror represents not just a fun ride, but a piece of Disney history—one that blends nostalgia, spooky thrills, and an iconic aesthetic that has endured for years.
The Legacy of the Tower of Terror
Opened in 1994 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, the Tower of Terror is themed around a haunted hotel and is based on The Twilight Zone TV series. The attraction offers a thrilling drop ride experience combined with eerie storytelling and atmospheric design. Over the years, the Tower of Terror has become a beloved staple for Disney park-goers and one of the most recognizable rides in the world.
When Disney announced the closure of the California version of the Tower of Terror in 2016, there was significant outcry from fans who were disappointed to see the iconic attraction re-themed. While the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction that replaced it has been well-received, many die-hard fans still mourn the loss of the original Tower of Terror experience.
Grande’s apparent efforts to safeguard the Orlando version of the ride highlight her dedication to preserving this piece of Disney nostalgia. For fans of both Ariana and the ride itself, her passion serves as a reminder of the power of iconic attractions in the hearts of many.
Ariana and Mariah’s Grammy Moments
Beyond her love for the Tower of Terror, Ariana Grande's pop culture footprint extends far and wide. In the same episode of Las Culturistas, Bowen Yang shared another fun anecdote about Ariana. He recalled hanging out with her on the day of the 2024 Grammys, a night when Mariah Carey presented Miley Cyrus with the Best Pop Solo Performance award for her hit single “Flowers.”
During their hangout, Grande hinted at a major music collaboration, telling Yang that Mariah Carey was going to be featured on a remix of “Yes, And?”, one of her tracks. Though the news wasn’t official at the time, Grande was excited about the potential collaboration, and Yang described it as a "gag" moment that would surely surprise fans.
Ariana’s deep admiration for Mariah Carey—an artist she has often been compared to for her vocal range—was also highlighted in this episode. As Miley Cyrus fangirled over Carey during the Grammy Awards, it became a full-circle moment for Grande, who grew up idolizing Mariah’s talent and success.
The Fan Connection
For Ariana Grande, the Tower of Terror is more than just a ride—it represents a connection to her childhood and a sense of nostalgia that resonates with her millions of fans. The fact that Grande has taken the time to prepare a petition to Disney shows just how much she values preserving pieces of cultural history that have played a significant role in her life.
Disney’s decisions to update and transform attractions are often met with a mixture of excitement and resistance from fans who cherish the originals. Grande's passion for the Tower of Terror reflects a growing sentiment among theme park enthusiasts: some experiences are simply too special to let go.
As more iconic rides are transformed to align with modern franchises, like the transformation of the Tower of Terror into a Guardians of the Galaxy ride, fans like Ariana Grande are stepping up to voice their opinions. This dedication from celebrities often sparks larger movements among fanbases, leading to petitions, social media campaigns, and even viral moments that catch the attention of major corporations like Disney.
What’s Next for the Tower of Terror?
While there’s no indication that the Orlando Tower of Terror is in any imminent danger of being replaced or updated, Ariana Grande’s dedication to the cause offers a glimpse into how deeply people care about the preservation of beloved experiences.
With Disney always evolving, it’s difficult to predict whether the Tower of Terror will remain unchanged forever. However, as long as passionate fans like Ariana Grande have a say, it’s clear that the ride will continue to be a symbol of both nostalgia and Disney magic for years to come.