Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! Comes to Disney California Adventure

Entertainment
Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT! Photo Credit: Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort

Arturo Hilario

El Observador

On the eve of the May 27th opening weekend of Marvel’s first ride based at the Anaheim Disneyland site, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, guests and media were presented with an opportunity to try out the ride beforehand.

At the grand unveiling on Thursday May 25th, writer/director of the Guardians films James Gunn, along with cast members Pom Klementieff (Mantis), Michael Rooker (Yondu) and Zoe Saldana (Gamora) presented the ride to the audience. Gunn spoke a bit about his inspiration and how his childhood fantasy had come to life.

This is exciting for me, this is the best time of my entire life. A lot of kids dream about being writers and directors and they dream of winning Oscars. For me, I dreamed of this, of having a ride at a Disney theme park based on movies that I helped to create. I have had an amazing time working with the imagineers over the past year and a half to create something special for all of your. This is a chance for all of you to come into the world of the Guardians and experience what it’s like to be with them and to help them out of this jam that they’re in, with the Collector, this no good jerk.”

Gunn went on to say that his role in the ride development was helped by the Imagineers who helped craft a funny and quirky thrill ride, all original to Disneyland California Adventure.

Before the official inauguration of the ride, a surprises guest came to the stage. Taneleer Tivan the Collector himself, aka Benicio del Toro, showed up to officiate the opening on behalf of Tivan. “I don’t think he’ll mind, we’re very close,” added del Toro.

After this, fireworks flew, and the ride was officially open.

As for the ride’s storyline, we get to be part of a “tour” of Taneleer Tivan’s Collector Fortress where, as guests, we should be getting treated to a nice little tour of the collection, supposedly. As you get into the facility, aesthetically once an old hotel for The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride, you immediately see how much it’s been changed for this new ride.

The switch from a jinxed 1920’s hotel to a space-fortress is evident in the various glass cases (or maybe it’s some sort of special space glass?) with various critters, creatures and artifacts – such as weapons, jewels and artwork – adorning the walls and hanging from the ceilings in what is called “the annex”. Gunn had a hand in helping create the annex, which hosts the various artifacts and beings in glass cases as you make your way towards the entrance to the actual ride.

Story wise, Rocket Raccoon (Voiced by Bradley Cooper) takes over at one point in the tour introduction and changes up the reason for the visit. Disney’s famed Imagineering animatronics and witty Guardians of the Galaxy humor bring to life the rest of this setup, asking of riders to help Rocket in breaking out the trapped members of his Galaxy crew.

At this point you get into the queue, where there is a lot to admire and decode. The “galactic language” that is visible on warning signs and notices to the crew are riddled throughout the wait to the ride, and legend has it (someone working at the ride actually told me) one can decipher all 26 symbols through a few signs that are translated into English phrasing. Thus, you can use the language yourself, or decode the rest of the signs throughout the ride and the annex.

The ride itself is a fun thrill with multiple ride experiences. This Guardians of the Galaxy- Mission: BREAKOUT! ride boasts six different iterations that are based off one of six songs, with different visuals to boot. The songs include: “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar (1980), “Give Up The Funk” by Parliament (1975), “Born To Be Wild” by Steppenwolf (1968), “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5 (1969), “Free Ride” by The Edgar Winter Group (1973), “Burning Love” by Elvis Presley (1972). The ride is something that needs to be experienced alongside this wonderful mixtape of music, as words can only go so far to say it has the drops and rises that will have  you wanting to go on over and over. I could only handle twice in a row before needing a break though.

In the first attraction inspired by this action-packed superhero universe, Guardians of the Galaxy – MIssion: BREAKOUT! Is sure to delight people of all ages. It is a great addition to the interesting mix of attractions Disney California Adventure and gives a hint of what’s in store for the “Marvel Land” (name pending) that will eventually call the park a home.

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