The new Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! attraction will open May 27 at Disney California Adventure, Disney announced this morning. The new ride is part of what Disney calls “an ever-expanding universe of stories that will grow even bigger over time” at the park.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! was built using the show building from the former Tower of Terror attraction, which closed at the start of 2017. The ride is based on the popular Guardians of the Galaxy movie, and opens just three weeks after the sequel, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, hits theaters.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! opens May 27 at Disney California Adventure. Photo © Disney.
The former Hollywood Tower Hotel building is transformed into The Collectors' Fortress for the new attraction. Photo © Disney.
Disney says, “This new adventure blasts you straight into the “Guardians of the Galaxy” story for the first time ever, alongside characters from the blockbuster films and comics. As you help Rocket bust his pals out of the Collector's Fortress, you will experience randomized ride experiences complete with all-new visual and audio effects and music inspired by the popular film soundtracks. You never know which adventure you will get!”
The grand opening of the new ride kicks off Disney's Summer of Heroes marketing campaign, which promises to bring more of the Marvel universe into the Disneyland Resort. During the promotion, Disney will introduce both limited-time offerings, and also debut new year-round experiences.
A portion of the exterior of the new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction is visible in DCA. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Pipes and satellite dishes accent the metallic motif of the Guardians of the Galaxy exterior. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
“It's going to be a thrilling summer at the Disneyland Resort,” said David Duffy, Director, Creative Entertainment. “You can celebrate the arrival of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission BREAKOUT! and join forces with legendary Super Heroes. You can choose an awesome encounter with Star-Lord, Black Widow, Spider-Man, Hawkeye or Captain America, step up to meet Groot for the first time, and find out if you have what it takes to join the Avengers. It's all part of the adventure with Summer of Heroes.”
Limited offerings for the Summer of Heroes promotion include the Avengers Training Initiative, which sounds like a Marvel take on the Jedi Training Academy. “Black Widow and Hawkeye assemble young recruits for a series of tests to see if they have what it takes to join the ranks of the Avengers.” Black Widow will also appear in Disney California Adventure throughout the day in an “armored Avengers vehicle” for a ” heroic encounter with park guests.”
The Guardians of the Galaxy will star in the newest Disneyland Resort attraction, and also appear in new entertainment offerings. Photo © Disney.
Of course, there will be Avengers-themed food, beverage and merchandise offerings throughout the park for the Summer of Heroes promotion, as well as the new Guardians of the Galaxy attractions.
Also coming in May, but billed as a year-round experience, is a new Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off! show. Disney's announcement reads, ” Don't be surprised if you run into the Guardians of the Galaxy on their way to the Milano, with Star-Lord firing up his old-school boom box to get the party started. Gamora may prefer to stand back and observe, but everyone else is bound to get in the groove and show off their moves during this awesome rock 'n' roll bash!”
Possibly the best news for Guardians fans is a first-ever meet-and-greet opportunity with Groot. Groot will join Captain America and Spider-Man in Disney California Adventure.
The Summer of Heroes promotion runs May 27 through September 10, 2017.
May 27 is also the opening date for Pandora – The World of Avatar, at Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom park, giving the Disney Resorts on both coasts a marketing focus for the summer.
