Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! Announced
Confirming months of rumors, Disney announced today that Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! will be coming to Disneyland Resort, specifically to Disney California Adventure’s Tower of Terror. The new attraction will anchor a future Marvel Land (although not explicitly using the word “Marvel” due to contractual limitations on that) in the park, the rest of which will be developed over time. (Concept Art © Disney.)
The premise of the new-look Guardians of the Tower of the Galaxy of Terror will be that The Collector is displaying his newest acquisitions, the Guardians of the Galaxy, deep inside his fortress-like compound. The Guardians are trapped in customized cases, suspended in an abyss. Guests, who are on a VIP tour of the Collector’s fortress (this has some parallels to the plot of Tower of Terror at Tokyo DisneySea) are enlisted by Rocket Raccoon to help the other Guardians of the Galaxy escape. From there, the whole drop sequence bit starts.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! will use the existing building (obviously, given that concept art) for Tower of Terror, as well as the freefall ride system. It will feature all-new visual and audio effects to create a variety of ride experiences. To make way for Mission: BREAKOUT, Tower of Terror will close in early 2017 with the Guardians of the Galaxy experience opening Summer 2017.
Any idiot can copy and paste a press release, so I’ll spare you further rehashing of the details that were just announced on the Disney Parks Blog, and instead focus on my reaction…
My Reaction
I’ll start with the good: the concept art and premise for the attraction don’t sound totally phoned in, and if the released art resembles the finished product, this looks like it will definitely be more than a light re-skinning of Tower of Terror. So at the very least, there’s that silver lining in this. That’s about as positive as this reaction is going to get.
Admittedly, I’m a bit surprised this is the first Marvel announcement to be made. It’s been nearly 7 years since Disney spent $4 billion to acquire Marvel, and so far, no Disney theme park in the world has received a new Marvel attraction. This is excusable at Walt Disney World, where contractual limitations prevent the vast majority of popular Marvel characters and other branding elements from being used.
It’s less justifiable at the other parks, where only minor restrictions (or none at all) exist. When you consider box office receipts and merchandise sales, it’s downright puzzling that the only Marvel attraction in development from 2009 until present has been the Iron Man Experience for Hong Kong Disneyland, an attraction that looks like a sad imitation of Star Wars, with visuals ripped straight from Mission: Space.
Many people, myself included, have pleaded for Disney to return to building original attractions, not those based on intellectual property. However, even I am baffled that something with as much pop culture appeal and longevity has not been a priority for an incredible, immersive area in the parks.
Today’s announcement does nothing to address that befuddlement. Just as Marvel’s rich universe deserves something more than a Star Tours knock-off, it deserves something more than a retrofit of an existing attraction. This is what happened with Frozen Ever After, and it appears what’s about to occur with Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
In my Frozen Ever After Review, I harped on how the current direction of Parks & Resorts seems rather risk averse. This could probably be countered with the capex numbers for the next 5 years, but I stand by that sentiment. Frozen and Guardians of the Galaxy are two of Disney’s most successful and imaginative films in recent memory–deserving of original attractions both due to their popularity and given their rich environments and interesting characters.
While I praised the Imagineers who worked on Frozen Ever After as, essentially, making lemonade out of lemons, it should not be a matter of that. These stories should be done proper justice in the parks, not be “best case scenarios” as they are crammed into existing spots.
Further, I think that shoehorning Marvel into an existing attraction in a corner of Disney California Adventure is not a pragmatic long-term decision. It shows a desire to minimize investment while still cashing in on the Marvel phenomenon in the parks, with the hope that Marvel fans and families will turn out in droves for anything Marvel, irrespective of scope, scale, and quality. It is demonstrative of risk averse mentality.
Marvel, along with Star Wars, is one of the most bankable brands in the Disney empire. Disney’s long-term plans call for a third gate in the Anaheim Resort District, and the bold move–rather than shoehorning Star Wars into a park where it doesn’t belong and playing it safe with Marvel in an existing attraction–would’ve been developing that third gate with these brands as the cornerstones. I understand converting Tower of Terror into Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! is a quick and dirty way to inject Marvel into Disneyland Resort, but we’ve already waited 7 years, I’d just as soon wait several more and have it done right.
As for the specific attraction, I don’t doubt for a second that the average guest will love it and it will do wonderful numbers on guest satisfaction surveys, thereby vindicating the decision in some eyes. The thing is, Tower of Terror presently commands some of the longest waits in Disney California Adventure and similarly high guest satisfaction scores. The real question is whether Disney will push the envelope and innovate with their first stateside Marvel attraction, and I’m not holding my breath on that one. (Not optimistic enough of a post? Hooray that Disney isn’t trifling with the best version of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, the one in Walt Disney World!!!1!!)
I’m incredibly excited for Star Wars Land and Pandora, and I think both will really push the envelope, offering incredible, immersive experiences. However, my excitement for the anticipated substance of these lands is starting to feel at odds with my regard for other decisions, as well as the long-term vision for the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. The fact that Disney is a creative company should not need any reiteration in these news stories about the parks.
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Your Thoughts
Do you agree or disagree with our take ofGuardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! in Disney California Adventure (and potentially beyond)? Are you excited for it? Share any questions or additional thoughts you have in the comments!
Tom, as the Spirit who told the fan community of this ugly development MONTHS AGO in the hopes they would rise up and pepper Disney (I think a few hundred people called and a few thousand wrote according to my sources) with complaints and that the blogging/Lifestyler community would write impassioned columns blasting this, it was met with largely vitriol but no action. That is typical. I think many would-be critics of Disney are afraid the company will fire them as customers (yes, companies in the USA, including Disney, do play that game). BTW, have to love how Disney blatantly lied to anyone who contacted them and even took personal shots at “that Internet guy” …yeah, this still is Walt’s company!
I wrote on WDWMAGIC.com my feelings on this at length both before it became official and yesterday. It is astounding how ignorant many fans can be. They don’t understand concepts like thematic cohesion and sense of place. The fact that Disney spent $2 billion to make over DCA and has a corner that looks pitch perfect with the Red Cars running in front of a haunted Hollywood hotel from the 1930s and will now be some abomination that looks almost like parts of the Transformers building/attraction at UNI is astounding.
This is cheap- This is lazy. This is Walmarting (remember when you and I argued about the use of this term and you hadn’t even made it to Anaheim yet? Yeah, time flies!)
The ONLY reason why this isn’t happening at WDW is because TDO flat out refused it because if they close one more thing in The Corpse of The Disney-MGM Studios they will have to basically call it Disney’s Star Wars BRAND Marketing and Cupcake park. That is why the Guardians will further destroy EPCOT in a unique attraction.
Just like the tumor on the back of Disneyland that will be the Star Wars Experience, this attraction has no business being in DCA and certainly not replacing a classic.
And as I have said on MAGIC, if people think it’s OK to do in Anaheim under the guise that it is a lesser attraction than WDW’s or Tokyo’s, then I think Disney really needs to rip out the world’s most pathetic — by far — version of Pirates. Keep the building and the boat ride system and make a Jungle Book ride!
I’ve told you as much before, but I still don’t agree with your style or buzzwords like that. I get why you do it, but that doesn’t mean I like it. In any case, that’s neither here nor there right now…
I’ll admit that I totally dismissed the Tower of Terror rumors at first, but part of that was not realizing you were the origin of them. Even then, I hoped it was blue sky or one of your rare ones that didn’t have traction. (And in my defense, I’ve railed against Guardians in Epcot in a previous post: https://www.disneytouristblog.com/disney-world-rumors-guardians-galaxy-epcot-liberty-square-muppets/)
It baffles me that even as Disney is finally starting to show a commitment to invest substantial sums in the domestic parks, they are doing so in as risk-averse of a way as possible. It’s almost difficult to reconcile, but it’s painfully obvious to me that this is the case. I think *this* is the big thing a lot of fans are missing–and it’s especially true in Anaheim where decisions are not being made with any sort of long term vision.
The trajectory of Disneyland that I’ve observed since moving here has been really off-putting. Prior to moving here, I would’ve never dreamed of letting our Annual Passes lapse, but that’s exactly what we’ve done, and I feel no urgency to renew. We’ll probably go back once for Halloween and Christmas, but beyond that…I don’t know.
Your last line rings true, as I have seen this sentiment elsewhere, and it’s really concerning. Not to get hyperbolic, but it reminds me of Niemöller’s “first they came for…” quote. That people would be okay with it because it’s happening at a park that isn’t their home park (or to a lesser version of the attraction) is beyond me. They won’t be so flippant when (what’s left of) Epcot’s thematic integrity is destroyed in similar fashion.
And if one were to begin peppering Disney for the once and future ridiculous decisions… which email accounts are the best ones to contact?
I can take my answer off the air if needed.
Maybe it is time I admitted to myself that what is called Disney these days simply does not have much to do with the Disney I fell in love with many years ago.. Fact is, I am not going to set foot in any park that has attractions based on those insipid Marvel “characters”.
Ugh, I was dreading the confirmation of this retrofit! It’s going to feel so out of place in DCA. I’m just thanking my lucky stars that the one in Hollywood Studios–my favorite parks ride by far–will remain intact.
From one Valorie to another, DITTO!
the refurbished ride will clash with Disney California Adventure overall park theme, the tower of terror fit in perfectly over there, looking like some run down Roosevelt hotel in the midst of Hollywood.
Now they’re going to have some space age eye sore fortress sticking out and clashing with the whole park. not a good idea.
The DCA version has always been a pale comparison to the original (you walk through an elevator door to a hallway to a door!?). I like the drop ride but the story and execution were really poor. For that I am willing to hold judgement until Joe and his crew complete the work. The drop ride will still exist, likely better audio, random drop patterns all improvements. The unknown is how this corner will evolve and “fit” into the park; right now it seems suspect.
Well this completely destroys the “Old Hollywood” theming for that area, ironic since they’ve rethemed Buena Vista Street, Paradise and Grizzly to that time period. Two steps forward, one step back. I’m wondering if the idea of unified theming isn’t a top priority anymore.
As long as they don’t muck up ToT in TDS, I can’t get too upset. Maybe it’s fortunate Disney doesn’t own TDR given some recent decisions they’ve made…
I’m surprisingly OK with this. I like the idea of differently themed drop rides for the various parks – not clones. And that end of the park is pretty sad right now so Marvel could be an improvement. My big worry is how the new exterior will look from Buena Vista Street. Hopefully Rohde and crew have something in mind. The view of TOT from Carsland has always bugged me as well.
Another move not on creativity but on the almighty dollar I’m sure. It’s shameful in my opinion. I just hope some people got to keep there jobs in order for the ToT to die an unnatural death.
Mike D
Hmmm… I have to say that I am not thrilled about this change! Hollywood Tower of Terror does hold a good deal of nostalgia for me, and with the lines for it always being long, I can’t imagine why they feel they would need to change it. I liked that TOT brought a more “vintage” theme into a park that otherwise uses a lot of newer movies/branding as theming. I mean, Guardians of the Galaxy was a good movie and all, but are people really going to still be excited about it in ten years?
I just saw Guardians on cable again last night and while I think the movie is hilarious, I am scratching my head on why they would take the thematic anchor of that corner of the park and turn it into a steam-punk-looking monstrosity. The ride might actually be cool, but unless that thing was dropped into the center of “Marvel Adventure Park” it’s going to look pretty horrible. You’re going to see that thing from all over DCA. The Tower of Terror made sense and fit well as it was the cornerstone of that side of DCA. I was never a huge fan of DCA when it was originally announced, but the re-theme of the park was definitely an improvement. They just took a huge step in the wrong direction, IMO.
We all likely knew this was coming from the rumors, however, I want Tom and others who have touched on the property rights to Marvel over on the east coast, to again, reassure those of us who love WDW’s Tower of Terror, that it is indeed not likely to go anywhere, anytime soon. Can you explain in more detail as to why Disney would be unable to change the ToT at WDW and even if they could, do you think they would, particularly after this recent announcement.
I can’t give you that reassurance. While I do think that Walt Disney World’s Tower of Terror is safe (for now), Guardians of the Galaxy is one of the few, popular Marvel properties Walt Disney World can use (with restrictions), and there are plans that are moving forward for it in Epcot. Whether those plans actually come to fruition remains to be seen, but I would peg it as “more likely than not” at this point.
I just can’t seem to drum up enough nostalgia about Twilight Zone to be upset. I like the drop (even though it’s better at WDW) and I like the old Hollywood design, but I do not have any particular warmth for the Twilight Zone propert.
As for the new concept, we shall see The long title with the all caps and exclamation point makes me chuckle. It feels a little desperate like… Hey Disney fans, we know you are going to be angry , but here we are presenting… Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT (PLEASE LOVE ME)!
Wow the reaction over on Instagram is pretty negative! I hope they don’t change it at WDW, it’s my favourite attraction – guessing this won’t happen due to the legal restrictions. I’ve not been to DL yet so can’t comment on how it fits there but like Tom I’m not a fan of these quick fix overlay ideas. Personally, I don’t think they fit with Disney’s traditional imagineering style and I hope this isn’t a sign of things to come.
Very glad to be an East Coast-er right now. As a huge fan of Hench’s view on theming, I hate to see an existing attraction get a huge facelift to quickly accommodate new IP. WDW’s ToT is one of my favorite attractions, from theming to the thrill ride portion, so I’m glad it’s staying put for the time being.
I don’t say this much, but I’m actually glad Universal has most of the Marvel character theme park rights in Florida. Maybe I’m nostalgic, but I still see Star Wars and Marvel as separate brands from Disney, and I think each brand is worthy of its own gate. Or Disney could at least work SW and Marvel into one park.
I’m sure Disney will eventually reacquire the Marvel theme park rights in Florida, but I hope it takes them long enough so that in the interim the Imagineers have enough time to design completely new attractions and environments, and I hope management will give them the resources to do so.
FWIW, Guardians of the Galaxy is one of the Marvel properties that can be used in Florida, and there is a Guardians of the Galaxy concept on the table for Walt Disney World.
Adding these properties as lands in DHS wouldn’t bother me, as that seems to fit the spirit of that park, but I also wouldn’t be averse to seeing them anchor a new park. However, I think that ship sailed with SWL being announced for DHS. Disney cannot use enough Marvel material (or even the brand name!) in Florida to sustain an entire park.
The Tower of Terror’s twilight zone theme is thrilling and nostalgic. Disney’s choice to corporatize the parks can work for rides that need improvement, but not Tower of Terror.
I’ll try to look at the positive side that I’m a fan of each coast having attractions that aren’t clones of each other so now they will un-clone a ride. Yeah?
In general, I cannot summon excitement since ToT is probably my favorite Disney ride and I hate to lose it. And much like the Frozen ride, I’d really rather than CapEx spend went to new attractions and increasing overall park capacity than just updates of existing attractions (although I realize one of those scenarios also increases operating costs). But with the price increases they have passed through vs. wage/cost of living increases I cannot imagine that the parks could not fund the extra employees.
Wow. This kind of bums me out! As sad as that corner of California Adventure is, Tower of Terror is a bright spot…maybe my favorite in the park just for the theme. I’m not one to complain about Disney changes but surely something else is more deserving of a makeover?
When I first got your “breaking news” email, I was quite excited, but after reading the whole post, I’m kind of bummed out. The tower of terrors have become legendary Disney attractions, I’m actually shocked that they mess with one of them.
Is this a permanent change to the ride or (hopefully ) just a temporary overlay?
It’s an overlay, but it’s intended to be a permanent one.
I’m so sorry. Usually I don’t do this, but I really respect your blog so I can’t stand something so glaring that makes it look unedited—- “I’d just assume wait…” should be “I’d just as soon wait”.
Thanks, fixed!
TK, you have a different definition of “glaring” than I do.
Lol
Concernong the GOTG overlay, it’s actually got this So Cal local excited about this ride again.
Because California Adventure’s Tower has always been so inferior to Hollywood Studios’ version, I very rarely bother with it anymore. I just wait for my next WDW Trip for the experience.
That’ll change as long as the new version is done well.
no sarcasm here, that was a polite friendly way to point that out!
🙂
now on to the main topic…ill just say it and let the chips fall where they may:
the dca version is sub-par compared to wdw, and though id rather have the Tokyo disney sea version here, this looks like a vast improvement,in my opinion.
hope everyone has a great weekend!!
john hurley