The Tower of Terror is being re-themed with Marvel characters. This summer, we’ll be getting our first look at ‘Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout’ in Disneyland’s California Adventure park. Beyond being a simple overlay, the new attraction promises plenty of hidden surprises for longtime Marvel Comics fans.
According to IGN, Walt Disney Imagineering legend Joe Rohde promises much more than a simple refurbishment. “I want to stress, there is a complete, tonal shift on what the ride will be like. It is the ride system [from Tower of Terror], but any ride system can be made to do many things,” explains Rohde.
The story of the ride will take park guests into the collection of Tanaleer Tivan — also known as The Collector. For those whose memories are a bit foggy, he was the eccentric character played by Benecio Del Toro in the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie that had a massive collection of rare alien artifacts. The Guardians have been imprisoned in his collection, and it’s up to an escaped Rocket Raccoon to lead guests to a jailbreak.
Of course we know how that escape plan will end — by going down!
Making The Collector the focus of the attraction makes perfect sense, as it certainly allows for many easter eggs. In the movie, eagle-eyed comics fans will have spotted items like Adam Warlock’s cocoon, Cosmo the Space Dog and even Howard the Duck (who had an extended post-credits scene.) There are bound to be many more Marvel curiosities to spot while waiting in the queue. I just hope they keep the “chicken exit” for comics fans who don’t feel like being dropped several stories!
In addition to the collection, fans will be treated to Starlord’s stellar 1970s “mix tape” — as well as some new era appropriate tunes.
Check out some of the concept art below for a taste of what is to come…
According to Rohde, Spider-Man was briefly considered for the retheme, but ruled out because it didn’t make sense for the ride system.
However, you shouldn’t rule out the webslinger getting his own attraction in Disneyland. The “Marvel-ification” has already begun on the west coast with Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout. Can a full blown Marvel Studios Park be far behind?
The attraction is set to open sometime this summer, but no concrete date has been set. Stay tuned to The Kingdom Insider for more details as they become available.
