It’s going to be a big summer for Disney’s theme parks, with new attractions opening in May.
- Pandora-The World of Avatar opens May 27
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout! opens May 27
- RELATED: Disney shares glimpse of Pandora's specialty drinks
One is a new land based on the James Cameron film “Avatar.” The other is based on the Marvel superheroes from “Guardians of the Galaxy.”
Pandora-The World of Avatar is scheduled to open May 27 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. The 12-acre land will feature two new rides, two eateries and a retail store.
Na’vi River Journey is a boat ride that will take riders through the bioluminescent forest. Along the way, they will encounter creatures and exotic glowing plants. On Flight of Passage, riders will fly on the backs creatures called banshees.
A new restaurant—Satu’li Canteen—will be modeled after a former mess hall and feature healthy dishes with grains, vegetables and proteins.
On the West Coast, Guardians of the Galaxy: Misson Breakout! will open on May 27 at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, California.
The attraction replaces the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, which closed in January.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout! at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, Calif. (Disneyland)
The “tower” is now The Collector’s Fortress. The exterior of the building is covered with a series of brightly-colored pipes and metallic details. Inside, riders will find rare items from the Tivan Collection, including the newest acquisitions: The Guardians of the Galaxy.
Per the ride’s storyline, the Guardians have been captured by Taneleer Tivan. Rocket, who has managed to free himself, is now recruiting riders to help him free his friends.
The ride’s opening marks what Disney has dubbed its “Summer of Heroes,” which will run May 27 through Sept. 10.
Throughout the event, visitors will be able to meet several Marvel characters, including Captain America, Groot and Black Widow.
With the opening of Pandora, Disney plans to revamp Animal Kingdom into an all-day park. It will be the most significant expansion in the eco-focused park’s 19-year history.
Meanwhile, Mission Breakout! illustrates the growing Marvel presence at Disney theme parks. Earlier this year, the Iron Man Experience opened at Hong Kong Disneyland. It became the first-ever Marvel-themed attraction at a Disney park.