9 Fascinating Disney Attractions You Didn't Know Were Almost Built
2. Mel Brooks ' Hollywood Horror Hotel
Despite The Tower Of Terror being one of Disney World's most famous attractions, it was intitally planned to be completely different, offering an incredibly distinct experience than anything Disney currently offers.
The ride was originally going to be based on film-maker Mel Brooks. The premise was that ride-goers would be told they were entering the set of a Mel Brooks film, which was being shot on site at a genuinely haunted hotel (sort of similar to the ride Disaster! Ride at Universal Studios featuring Christopher Walken).
Guests would then interact with the various “actors”, witnessing various skits featuring classic horror icons like Frankenstein and the Mummy (one joke would have seen Dracula attempting to shave in a mirror with no reflection).
The idea was ultimately scrapped when Mel Brooks left the project, frustrated that Disney were pushing away from his original vision. Displeased at this (and eager to make his new movie Life Stinks), Mel exited and the idea gradually became the Tower Of Terror.