…versus Tower of Terror at Tokyo DisneySea, which defeated Indiana Jones Adventure 58%-42%.
Follow the links above to learn more about these rides, if you've not had the pleasure of experiencing both before. While it doesn't appear that we'll be getting the outstanding Shiriki Utundu illusion from Tokyo's Tower of Terror in the United States anytime soon, Japanese theme park fans will be getting their own version of Forbidden Journey when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka next year.
So imagine that you're in Japan in 2014 and can ride both of these attractions. Which one would you choose to go on first?
Tomorrow: Our first semifinal contest, as Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man takes on the Haunted Mansion.
At least until Gringotts opens.
Tower of Terror it is.
Factor in that Forbidden Journey is completely game changing with the efficient, constantly moving KUKA arms, the use of both screens and real sets, and some of the best special effects around, it still is just absolutely amazing. I will say that the storyline seems to be a little bit disjointed and hard to follow if you don't pay attention in the queue.
However, this was tough. I do love Tower of Terror (only been on DHS version), and I feel that if this was the DHS version, I probably would have refrained from voting because I couldn't pick between the two. I do love how Tower of Terror strays from looking exactly like Paris and California's versions and develops it own storyline. I also love the facade for this version. It just truly looks majestic, and the effects at night look awesome. However, it's still the same ride system and still appears to have basically the same effects as both Towers do at Tokyo and Paris, just with an idol and Harrison Hightower. It is also the exact same system as both California and Paris, which isn't bad, but it makes this version even more similar to Paris and Cali.
What is missing that the DHS verison has is the build up to the attraction itself (with all of Sunset Boulevard, being located on a hill and the creepy gardens), the motion of the elevator moving not only through the 5th dimension, but also backwards into the basement (which really is awesome because you don't end up back where you started) and the randomized drop patterns. Though I will say that the disappearing has to be the most impressive effect I've ever seen. But the idol doesn't change my vote.
And is Journey to the Center of the Earth being saved for the final round, or did I miss something? Haha.
I haven't been to any theme parks overseas, but based upon what I've encountered in the U.S., I don't think that any other ride/attraction presently compares to FB. This ride set a new standard in themed entertainment, and I can't wait to see what else Universal has in store for us.
I had to think back to the first time I experienced each of these attractions to make my decision.
The first time on FJ: I thought the queue was the best of any ride I have ever seen! Then I thought the ride itself was "pretty darn good". That's just my honest opinion.
First time on ToT: I thought the queue was great and the build up to the ride very well thought out. The ride itself blew me away the first time. I had never had such an experience and the execution of the ride was just insane.
For that reason I voted Tower of Terror.
EDIT: Oops, I didn't see that Journey got defeated by Haunted Mansion... :(
Unless Spiderman pulls an upset we are looking at a rematch
Can't see Splash Mtn beating Potter
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