On the last word of Serling 's narration, the elevator starts its drop sequence. Rather than a simple gravity - powered drop, however, the elevator is pulled downwards, causing most riders to rise off their seats, held down by a seat belt. At least once during the drop sequence, wide elevator doors in front of the riders open to reveal a view of the park from a height of 157 ft (48 m), however the drop is only 130 ft (40 m), the height of a 13 - story building. The elevator drops at a top speed of 39 miles per hour (63 km / h). In the Hollywood Studios version, the back of the "Hollywood Tower Hotel '' sign partially obstructs the view (the on - ride camera is located here, recording the ride for video or a photograph to be purchased later).
how tall is the hollywood tower of terror
157 ft