<P> 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 ) . </P>
<P> 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 ) . </P>
how tall is the hollywood tower of terror
how tall is the hollywood tower of terror
157 ft
157 ft