[vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]This is just humongous news! Disney has announced the transformation of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure into Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! opening Summer 2017.
As articulated on Disney Parks Blog via the following link…
… the story behind the new concept is as follows:
“Deep inside his fortress-like collection, the mysterious Taneleer Tivan (aka The Collector) is displaying his newest acquisitions, the Guardians of the Galaxy. They are trapped in customized display cases, suspended over a vast abyss. Unbeknownst to their unscrupulous captor, the intrepid Rocket has escaped and is enlisting the Collector’s VIP guests for help. Guests board a gantry lift, which launches them into a chaotic and hilarious adventure as they join Rocket in an attempt to break his fellow Guardians out of captivity.”
As far as the experience itself:
“The new attraction will anchor a broader universe of Super Heroes that will grow over time at Disney California Adventure park. This exciting new presence will transform the structure currently housing The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ (scheduled to close in early 2017) into an epic new adventure, enhancing the breathtaking free fall sensation with all-new visual and audio effects to create a variety of ride experiences.”
I have to admit, when rumors of this transformation first surfaced a few months ago, I was skeptical. It seemed thematically out-of-place and gimmicky. But looking at this concept art and reading about what they are planning, this doesn’t seem like a cheap overlay in the slightest. There is a sizable budget being put into this. This isn’t the same thing as turning Space Mountain into Ghost Galaxy for a seasonal experience.
“Guests will experience multiple random, unique ride profiles in which the rise and fall of the gantry lift will rock to the beat of music inspired by the film’s popular soundtrack.”
I love that they are implementing a random ride profile concept to the experience. No two rides will be alike, making the repeat riding aspect hugely desirable. This should keep this attraction incredibly popular for a very long time. No, this isn’t any sort of patch on a tire or a temporary fix. Disney is looking at this is a permanent replacement, and the start of what is going to be a transformation of this entire section of the park.
“The new attraction will anchor a broader universe of Super Heroes that will grow over time at Disney California Adventure park.”
While no details about further expansion into the land were provided, on this alone, it seems a very realistic possibility that Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure will permanently transform into some sort of Marvel-themed world, with new rides and attractions, superhero character interactions, the works.
Those nostalgic about the Twilight Zone concept and the 1930’s theming will likely feel bittersweet. The thing is – this isn’t like turning the failed dark ride concept, Superstar Limo into Monsters Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue! The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, as an attraction, is a bona fide success. The original at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando is considered one of the great achievements in Disney ride history. And in Orlando, where nothing has been announced just yet, where the Hollywood theming is more flushed out and purposeful, perhaps there is a possibility this concept survives.
But at Disney California Adventure, a transformation as drastic as this is a great indicator the Imagineers recognize an even more impactful purpose for this land, and perhaps the entire theme park itself.
This is truly an unexpected gift for this park, and a really interesting sign of things to come in the very near future.
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