The Guardians of the Galaxy Arrive May 27 at Disney California Adventure Park

Whether guests know the quirky characters from Guardians of the Galaxy through comic books, animated television series or films, they have yet to step into their story – until now! Beginning May 27, this popular gang of misfits arrives at Disney California Adventure Park in the irreverent, new attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! In addition, guests will come face to face with Groot for the first time in a Disney theme park, and they’ll discover some of his pals in live entertainment shows and heroic encounters.

Groot, Rocket, Star-Lord and the rest of the Guardians are cosmic adventurers who travel the galaxy to defend it from those who wish it harm. They are a few of the characters guests will encounter during Summer of Heroes, starting May 27, only at Disney California Adventure Park.

Guardians of the Galaxy­ – Mission: BREAKOUT! is a thrilling, hilarious adventure that blasts guests into the story of these characters with all-new visual and audio effects, plus the attraction’s own “awesome mix tape” of music inspired by the films’ soundtracks. Guests will experience multiple, random ride experiences as they join Rocket, one of the galaxy’s most unusual heroes, in a daring plan to free the captive Guardians from The Collector’s Fortress.

Characters in Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

Rocket (aka Subject 89P13)

Distinctive trait: Among his many quirks is an uncanny ability to break out of any confined space or prison.

A unique genetic creation, the tough-talking Rocket may resemble a certain Earth rodent, but it’s unlikely one of his kind could be found anywhere else in the galaxy. Rocket’s abrasive attitude sometimes causes friction with his partners, though his unparalleled genius in mechanics and engineering usually make up for any disagreeable tendencies.

Star-Lord (aka Peter Quill)

Distinctive trait: The leader of these cosmic adventurers likes to dance and has a passion for 60s and ‘70s music.

A headstrong intergalactic adventurer, Star-Lord (aka Peter Quill) was taken from his Earthly home at a young age, growing up in outer space alongside the pirate-like Ravagers. As the intrepid Star-Lord, Quill travels the cosmos in his spaceship, the Milano, seeking his fortune. Equipped with a high-tech blaster and a mix-tape of music from home, Star-Lord leads an unlikely team of interstellar misfits–the Guardians of the Galaxy–in their attempts to do a little good, a little bad, or a little of both.

Guests may also join Star-Lord in “Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off!” several times daily near Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!


Gamora

Distinctive trait: Highly skilled in hand-to-hand combat, martial arts and stealth techniques

A daughter of the evil Thanos, Gamora sought to escape her violent past and build a new life free from her prior sins. When an unlikely twist of fate caused her to join the Guardians, the one-time Most Dangerous Woman in the Galaxy found her skills put to a better use saving countless lives.

Guests also will see Gamora during “Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off!” several times daily near Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

Drax the Destroyer

Distinctive trait: Super-human strength, stamina and durability

Drax is a headstrong warrior whose reputation as The Destroyer is both feared and respected throughout the sector. Despite his formidable outward appearance, the fierce fighter’s lust for battle conceals a compassionate heart. Though once scarred by the loss of his family, the peculiar Drax has found a new home with his equally eccentric allies in the Guardians of the Galaxy.

 

Groot (aka Flora Colossus)

Distinctive trait: Only says three words–“I am Groot!”

A tree-like creature of few words, Groot formed a bond with the creature known as Rocket. Joining the Guardians of the Galaxy, Groot and his best friend Rocket travel through space getting into trouble wherever they go.  Extremely powerful and resilient, Groot has the power of regeneration, allowing him to re-grow limbs and even his entire form very quickly.

Groot makes an appearance near the end of the “Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off!” show as he arrives for heroic encounters with guests.

The Collector (aka Taneleer Tivan)

Distinctive trait: Eerie obsession with collecting one-of-a-kind items, be they objects or species.

After foreseeing a vision showing the end of all life, Taneleer Tivan devoted his life to finding and preserving unique beings and artifacts from throughout the universe, which is how he became known as The Collector. He runs his large fortress like a dictator and threatens his employees if they do not comply. These employees have been “collected” from various planets throughout the galaxy. If The Collector is not pleased with their performance, they might find themselves as permanent parts of the collection.
Apheta

Distinctive trait: She is original to the. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!  attraction.

A Krylorian female, Apheta is the director of operations for the Tivan Collection. Although this sounds somewhat important, she remains under the thumb of the Collector with her every order and every move scrutinized.


Mantis

Distinctive trait: Ability to sense the emotions of others

A strange alien, Mantis slowly ingratiates herself with the Guardians with the help of her empathic powers. These abilities allow her to read the underlying emotions at play within the group, which make for some embarrassing, hilarious, and touching moments in the new film, “Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2.” Mantis forms a special bond with Drax, who teaches her about the universe, and the meaning of family from his own unique perspective.

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Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! Delivers Epic Action and Awesome Music!

Moviegoers know that “Guardians of the Galaxy” adventures usually are accompanied by vintage pop and rock songs from Star-Lord’s awesome mix tape. So, when the new Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! attraction opens May 27 at Disney California Adventure Park, it’s natural that this breathtaking experience will unfold to its own musical accompaniment.

Six of them, in fact.

Each time guests board this new attraction–a mission to rescue the Guardians of the Galaxy from a giant fortress–they will experience one of six randomized scenarios created by Disney Imagineers. Each ride profile utilizes the attraction’s hair-raising ascend-and-drop thrill, synchronized with a popular song from the ‘60s, ‘70s or early ‘80s.

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! launches guests into a chaotic and hilarious adventure filled with exhilarating visual and sound effects. They will assist Rocket, one of the most unusual heroes, as he leads the escape mission. An “awesome mix” of songs, inspired by the films’ soundtracks, adds to the epic action.

  • “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 Winters Group (1973)
  • “Burning Love” by Elvis Presley (1972)

Each song accompanies a different version of the escape scenario, with a corresponding ride profile and visuals.

The multiple ride experiences are the result of extensive research, experimentation and ride testing by the creative team from Walt Disney Imagineering.

The Imagineering team worked from a list of nearly 100 fun, high-energy songs, winnowing the list to the final six as they boarded the attraction’s gantry lift, donned headsets, and played the different tracks to see which songs worked best with potential ride profiles.

“A strong identifiable back beat and a memorable hook were key points,” said John Dennis, executive creative director of music with Walt Disney Imagineering. “For example, ‘Free Ride’ has an iconic guitar hook to open the song, a killer bass line in the verse and, in the chorus, the backing vocals have this great ascending line. The rock ‘n’ roll music playing on board the ride is just plain fun. The songs, each paired with its own ride profile, give us six unique experiences.”

The songs enhancing the adventure in Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! are just one way the attraction incorporates music from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies. “Guardians of the Galaxy” composer Tyler Bates wrote the music for The Collector’s Fortress lobby and office scenes. The attraction exit features additional songs from, and inspired by, the films’ soundtracks. And if guests listen closely, they might also hear sounds of some of the creatures from the Tivan Collection as they exit the attraction.

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT is the result of a collaboration between the creative minds behind the comic books, the films and Walt Disney Imagineering.

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DISNEY QUICK-SERVICE DINE GIFT CARD AVAILABLE WITH SELECT WALT DISNEY TRAVEL COMPANY PACKAGES

For a limited time, Guests who book a Walt Disney Travel Company package at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels or a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel with a minimum 3-day ticket, can enjoy the convenience of prepaid dining at Quick-Service Restaurant locations at Walt Disney World Resort. Booking dates for this additional package option are now-Dec. 1, 2017 and travel dates are now-Dec. 31, 2017.

For each day of theme park admission, adults in the party will receive $40 and children will receive $15 on their Quick-Service Dine Gift Cards. However, Guests will only be charged $35 per adult/per day and $12.50 per child/per day. For example, a Guest with a 3-day ticket included in their package would receive a $120 Disney Quick-Service Dine Gift Card for only $105. A child with the same ticket would receive a $45 dine gift card for only $37.50. The Quick-Service Dine Gift Cards may be redeemed at select Quick-Service Dining locations, or food carts, in Walt Disney World Theme Parks, Water Parks, Disney Springs and Disney Resort hotels.

Guests can upgrade their Disney Quick-Service Dine Gift Card (up to a maximum value of $400 USD for adults and $150 USD for children) as long as they include a 3-day Theme Park admission ticket. And, just as with our other dining plans, every Guest on the package must purchase a Walt Disney World Quick-Service Dine Gift Card with the same equivalent value. The Disney Quick-Service Dine Gift Card can be purchased for 3 to 10 days and no longer needs to match the duration of the theme park ticket purchased.

Please note the Disney Quick-Service Dine Card package add-on will follow the standard Walt Disney Travel Company booking, modification and cancellation policies.

Guests will receive their Disney Quick-Service Dine Gift Cards along with their Theme Park tickets upon check-in at their hotel. At that time, the Quick-Service Dine Gift Card will then follow these standard gift card policies:

  • Cannot be redeemed for cash
  • Will not be replaced if lost or stolen
  • Unused Dining Gift Card balances are not eligible for a refund
  • Cannot be used for merchandise
  • Only eligible at Disney Quick-Service Restaurant locations
  • Remaining balances will be printed on receipts
  • Disney Quick-Service Dine Gift Cards do not expire
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FEAST ON A DELICIOUS OFFER AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

Guests can get a FREE dining plan when they purchase a non-discounted 5-night/6-day Magic Your Way® package that includes a room at a select Walt Disney World® Resort hotel and ticket with a Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus Option Aug. 21-Sept. 30, Nov. 14-20, Nov. 25-27, Dec. 8-23, 2017 when they book by July 7, 2017.

With this offer, guests can enjoy distinctive Disney Resort Guest benefits and amenities – including early access to Disney FastPass+ planning, Extra Magic Hours, complimentary Resort transportation, standard parking and entertaining amenities!

Plus, guests can uncover a magical mix of new and unforgettable experiences, including Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park.

The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Tickets and options must be used within 14 days of first use. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Ask about packages of other lengths of stay. Advance reservations required. Offer excludes campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort—The Little Mermaid standard rooms. Dining plan excludes gratuities and alcoholic beverages. Children ages 3-9 must order from children’s menu, if available. Some Table-Service restaurants may have limited or no availability at time of package purchase.

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The Most Epic Disney Concert Ever is Happening This Summer

Disney fans, rejoice! This summer you can enjoy a show like no other when legendary composer Alan Menken takes the stage in Anaheim, California (just steps from Disneyland!), at the 2017 D23 Expo, where he’ll debut his brand new one-man show, A Whole New World of Alan Menken, on July 16.

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Walt Disney World and LaLiga Announce World-Class Soccer Training Program at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

The youth soccer opportunities at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex just got even more prestigious, as Walt Disney World Resort is teaming with IdeaSport, LLC to host a soccer program for youth athletes at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando, Florida that will be sponsored by LaLiga, one of the most successful professional soccer leagues in the world.

Through this multi-year agreement, the training program presented by LaLiga and Walt Disney World Resort will provide a holistic approach to soccer education with proven, year-round training, education and development for youth soccer athletes, developing them on and off the field, as well as training for coaches and officials.

LaLiga is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world and has produced Europe’s top-rated club more times (18) than any other league. This new soccer program presented by LaLiga and Walt Disney World presents youth athletes with a rare opportunity to learn the Spanish style of soccer from the world-class coaches, players and officials associated with LaLiga.

The new soccer training program also further cements ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex as the place to be for unparalleled youth sports experiences.

“For the last 20 years, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex has been a top venue for athletes of all ages and levels to pursue their sports dreams,” said Faron Kelley, vice president of Disney Sports. “As we continue to expand our growing portfolio of youth soccer events, we are excited to work with IdeaSport and LaLiga to provide this world-class development opportunity for youth soccer athletes.”

An open house will be hosted by LaLiga and Walt Disney World on June 1-4 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and training and development are scheduled to begin in late June. In addition, the partnership will bring multiple events and exhibitions to the complex each year, including a tournament, on-site events with current and former LaLiga players, summer camps with current and former players and coaches, visits from LaLiga legends and ambassadors, and more events to be announced throughout the multi-year relationship.

“This represents the coming together of two strong brands where passion, drive and authenticity meet,” said Javier Tebas, president of LaLiga. “This unique opportunity will help aspiring youth soccer players to learn the LaLiga style of soccer from our world-class coaches, players and officials associated with our league.”

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex annually hosts elite youth soccer events such as Disney Cup International and Disney Soccer Showcase and from 2010-2014, hosted the Walt Disney Pro Soccer Classic, which featured professional soccer clubs from North America. Over the past 20 years, the sports complex also had partnerships with Chelsea Football Club (English Premier League), Italian football club AS Roma and Major League Soccer’s Orlando City SC.

For more information on this exciting new soccer program, visit www.idea-sports.com.

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BOOK 2018 STAR WARS HALF MARATHON – THE DARK SIDE PACKAGES FOR LIMITED TIME!

It’s a weekend of galactic fun and fantastic runs during the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side – at the Walt Disney World® Resort!  And now for a limited time, April 20 – May 1, 2017, you can book Race Registration with a Magic Your Way® Package for the 2018 Star WarsHalf Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend, which takes place April 19-22, 2018.

Guests will be able to Book 2018 Star Wars™ Half Marathon – The Dark Side Packages with Race Registration at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo During The 2017 Star Wars™ Half Marathon – The Dark Side!

A Magic Your Way Package allows guests to enjoy Disney fun for the whole family throughout the race weekend.  They pick their favorite Disney Resort hotel and the number of days for their Theme Park ticket.

Plus, when guests stay at a Disney Resort hotel they’ll enjoy special benefits, including complimentary MagicBands and early access to Disney FastPass+ planning up to 60 days before they arrive!

Booking Window:  April 20 – May 1, 2017

Travel Window:  April 12 – April 30, 2018

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Your Complete Guide to All the Things Owned by Disney

The Walt Disney Company DIS is one of the biggest media and entertainment corporations in the world. Known best for its popular animated feature films and tourist-favorite theme parks and resorts, Disney has held a major piece of America’s media identity since its founding in 1923.

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Awe-Inspiring New Land, Attractions and Breathtaking New Shows Coming this Summer to Magic Kingdom

Starting May 12, guests will be treated to one of the most elaborate fireworks displays ever created – a brand-new show called “Happily Ever After.” It will feature the latest in fireworks, pyrotechnics and projection technology, plus fresh animation, and a new musical score and theme song.

“Happily Ever After” will take guests on an inspiring journey filled with heart and humor, as Cinderella Castle itself becomes part of the story. Dazzling projections bring heartfelt Disney stories to life on and around the iconic castle. The 18-minute spectacle will feature moments from beloved Disney films such as “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin,” as well as modern blockbusters “Moana” and “Zootopia.”

“Happily Ever After” will be presented nightly, with show times varying based on park hours.

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Oscar®-Winner and Disney Legend Alan Menken to Present New One-Man Show at D23 Expo 2017

Disney aficionados, film buffs, and musical theater fans can expect a show like no other when eight-time Oscar®-winner Alan Menken performs his own music and shares entertaining anecdotes about his unrivaled career at D23 Expo 2017. His songs and music have enchanted audiences around the world, and now they will thrill D23 Expo guests with two performances of his exciting new one-man show, A Whole New World of Alan Menken, on Sunday, July 16, 2017, at 1:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. in Hall D23 of the Anaheim Convention Center.

Menken has won more Academy Awards® than any other living individual. He has received 11 Grammy® Awards, seven Golden Globes, a Tony Award,® and 19 Academy Award® nominations. He has been credited with introducing a whole new generation to musicals through such box office hits as Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Enchanted, and Tangled, as well as the Broadway shows Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act, Newsies, A Bronx Tale, and the ABC television series Galavant.

The one-man show is written and performed by Menken and directed by Richard Kraft, the creative director of the highly acclaimed Disney’s The Little Mermaid in Concert at The Hollywood Bowl starring Sara Bareilles and Rebel Wilson, as well as the upcoming La La Land in Concert: A Live-To-Film Celebration at the Hollywood Bowl.

A Whole New World of Alan Menken is produced by Laura Engel and Richard Kraft and Alison Ahart Williams and Tim Fox, whose credits include The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert at the Hollywood BowlDisney’s The Little Mermaid in Concert at The Hollywood BowlLive from Lincoln Center: Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton, which recently won two Emmy® awards for its PBS broadcast, and the upcoming La La Land in Concert: A Live-To-Film Celebration at the Hollywood Bowl.

Alan Menken’s music and lyrics have been an integral part of the fabric of our lives since his first works were produced nearly 40 years ago. Song and score credits for film musicals include The Little Mermaid, Beauty and The Beast (animated and live-action versions), Newsies, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Home on the Range, Enchanted, and Tangled. His stage musicals include Little Shop of Horrors, Beauty and the Beast, A Christmas Carol, The Little Mermaid, Sister Act, Leap of Faith, Newsies, Aladdin, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and A Bronx Tale. His television credits include writing songs for the ABC series Galavant, and his chart-topping songs include “Beauty and the Beast,” “A Whole New World,” “Colors of the Wind,” and “Go the Distance.” Menken’s notable achievements include induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Billboard’s No. 1 single (“A Whole New World”) and No. 1 album (Pocahontas). In 2001, he received the distinction of being named a Disney Legend.

Experiences are subject to change. Additional details are available at D23expo.com.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2017 are available for $81 for one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $72 for a one-day adult admission and $53 for children 3–9. Multi-day tickets are also available. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2017, visit D23expo.com.

About D23 Expo 2017

D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. For the latest D23 Expo 2017 news, visit D23expo.com. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change. To join the D23 Expo conversation, be sure to follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube, and use the hashtag #D23Expo.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold and General Membership levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

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