The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror has been a fixture on Sunset Boulevard since 1994, and after more than three decades of scaring guests, the Hollywood Studios landmark is getting a cosmetic refresh. Exterior refurbishment work has been progressing steadily, and as of early September 2026, the transformation is hard to miss.
Scaffolding now extends across a significant portion of the tower's upper facade, including the corner section near the shaft, with the majority of the exterior above the attraction's sign currently obscured. Crews have also erected additional scaffolding along the building's right side. Alongside the structural work, repainting is advancing — the balcony and chimney stack areas are taking on a fresh gray finish, with more surface area receiving the new color each week.
The project traces its roots to early May 2026, when work began in the outdoor queue area. Through late May and into summer, decorative flags were removed, a scrim went up, and scaffolding gradually crept up the facade above the gift shop. By August, crews had started applying new paint to the upper exterior, setting the stage for the more extensive work now visible in September.
Despite the construction footprint, Tower of Terror has not skipped a beat operationally. Disney has kept deliberate gaps in the scaffolding aligned with the ride vehicle's windows, so guests still get those signature external views during the attraction. Wait times, Lightning Lane access, and the in-ride experience are all expected to remain unaffected as the refurbishment continues.
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Visitors heading to Disney's Hollywood Studios in the coming weeks should expect a partially scaffolded, partially repainted tower — a temporary look for an attraction that shows no signs of slowing down. This story was reported by Disney Fanatic.
