There was no respite as the earthquake worsened, and now the tanker was leaking fuel. Soon the power lines could resist no longer and came crashing to the ground sending sparks dancing in all directions. Rivers of gasoline were ignited and within seconds the truck exploded in a huge fire ball.

The rain had been relentless and without any further warning a flash flood hurtled down the canyon walls towards us. The foaming wall of water threatens our very existence but mercifully stops just short of our tram. As the cascade subsides we can see that the fires have been extinguished and the ground is no longer shaking…but it had been a close call.

This was Catastrophe Canyon, the highlight of Hollywood Studios Back Lot Tour.

The excitement begins after exiting the Harbour Attack special effects movie shoot and as you board the tram there is no inkling of the terror you are about to face.

In fact, at this time, your knowledgeable guide is happy to point out photo opportunities for the iconic Earful Tower and bombard you with a plethora of mesmerising statistics about its height and weight.

Even moving on through the Boneyard which is home to a number of props from some major film successes such as Star Wars, Herbie the Love Bug and Pirates of the Caribbean,  there was still no indication of what dangers lay ahead.

Then we slowly turned the corner and entered through the narrow walls of the canyon ….you know what happened next.

The fascinating thing, after the flash flood subsides, is to watch the whole set reset itself ready for the next tram load of unsuspecting guests.

Our ride continues around the back of Catastrophe Canyon where the huge tanks and water canon are housed. Another chance for our guide to shower us (forgive the pun) with more mind blowing facts and figures. But it was interesting to understand how the special effects were performed.

Towards the end of the ride the tram passes an old Dakota aircraft affectionately known as ‘The Mouse’. This, we are informed, was the original plane that Walt Disney flew in when looking for the ideal location in Florida to build his theme park dream.

We are returned to our start point and guide bids us a cheery farewell.

It had certainly been an eventful trip.