Fans of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction in Disney’s California Adventure (the sibling park to Disneyland in Anaheim) gathered in droves last night to give the classic attraction a send-off in a big ticketed event at the park. It was the last night that the ride would be in operation—in its current form, at least.
As we shared late last year, the attraction was slated to be remodeled into a Guardians of the Galaxy-themed experience. Whereas the original attraction was a spooky thrill ride experience inspired by the Twilight Zone, the new attraction is going to be based on the Guardians of the Galaxy, featuring the characters from the Marvel movie. The premise is that the tower is the Collector’s Tower (a bit like what was shown in the film), and riders are guests who have come to check out his newest additions, the Guardians themselves. As the ride’s full name (Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission: Breakout) implies, they eventually break out, bringing the audience along for the ride.
The ride’s structure and flow are essentially the same. It’s still going to feature a big drop and pre-show elements and things like that. But again, it’s only the theme that’s changing.
While many fans were either supportive or at least cautiously optimistic about the revamp, many more fans were disappointed upon hearing about the replacement. Those were the fans who showed up to the party last night, many of whom came dressed in costume, according to the LA Times. Many of the fans cited disappointment with the loss of a spooky, chilling attraction in the otherwise peppy, happy, upbeat California Adventure park. Disneyland has its Haunted Mansion, and California Adventure had its Tower of Terror.
Personally speaking, I find myself curious to see what the new ride will look like and how it’ll feel. It’s supposed to be one of the first stateside Marvel-based attractions in a Disney park since the mouse acquired Marvel. (Hong Kong Disneyland just opened the Iron Man Experience, making that the first Marvel ride in a Disney park anywhere.)
Given that, it’s kind of disappointing that their first introduction to Marvel in the stateside parks is merely a re-themed overlay. It would have been much more excellent to see a completely new experience as opposed to as redone old one, disappointment at the loss of a classic attraction completely aside. Of course, this is easier said than done as space is at a bit of a premium, especially in the California park area.
I guess this is to say that I’m not sure what else the Imagineers could have done here. They were under a lot of pressure to bring Marvel to the Disney parks, and while it sucks that this had to be the way to do it, it seems like they may not have had any other option.
(image via screengrab)
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Published: Jan 6, 2017 01:08 pm