Years have passed since Disney bought Marvel, and while the resulting movies have already been a huge success, on May 27 Marvel’s invasion of the Disney theme parks officially begins.
May 27 marks the start of the “Summer of Heroes”, a season-long event at Disney’s California Adventure theme park in Anaheim, CA. The biggest news is that’s the day Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout opens. It’s the ride taking over for Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror and, unlike that ride, will include randomised events.
Other permanent additions debuting that day are a Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off, which will feature Star-Lord himself blasting his “Awesome Mix” from a boom box so fans can dance along. A meet-and-greet with Groot is also becoming permanent, joining the already ongoing meet-and-greets with Captain America and Spider-Man.
Then there are some events that will just take place during the opening celebration. Through to September 10, Black Widow will be around for fans to meet and take photos with. She’ll also be part of an Avengers Training Initiative where she and Hawkeye will train kids to join the team.
Plus, of course, there will be all-new Marvel-themed food and merchandise.
Marvel truly cementing its presence in the Disney theme parks is a long time coming. The first ride, the Iron Man Experience, just opened in Hong Kong, eight years after the purchase. Mission Breakout will be the second.
And that won’t be it. Though it’s not explicitly stated in the news release, this is likely the start of even more Marvel coming into California Adventure. Rumour has it Mission Breakout is just the first of multiple rides coming in the next several years. Add that to the Star Wars-themed land opening across the street at Disneyland in 2019, and Disney is really flexing those geek muscles.
[Disney]