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Time is running out: Take one last ride on the 'Tower of Terror' before makeover

Scott Craven
The Republic | azcentral.com
Debuting in summer 2017, Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT! will take Disney California Adventure park guests through the fortress-like museum of the mysterious Collector, who is keeping his newest acquisitions, the Guardians of the Galaxy, as prisoners. Guests will board a gantry lift which launches them into a daring adventure as they join Rocket Raccoon in an attempt to set free his fellow Guardians.

Big changes are happening at Disney’s California Adventure where the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is dropping out of sight to make way for a Marvel-ous redesign.

The popular attraction, in which guests plunge down an elevator shaft, will shut down Jan. 2 and reopen in summer 2017 as Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout!

The ride itself will remain fundamentally the same, though the theme changes dramatically. The exterior will be completely redone to reflect the “Guardians of the Galaxy” world seen in comic books and the movie. Inside, guests will see the Guardians dangling in display cases above an abyss after being captured by The Collector.

The long-rumored makeover occurs as Disney makes better use of its Marvel Studios franchise. Disney officials  said the attraction anchors a broader universe of Marvel characters that will soon appear in California Adventure. The new theming coincides with the May 5 release of "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2."

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The redesign means “Twilight Zone” narrator Rod Serling checks out after a 12-year run. Tower of Terror, which opened in May 2004, centers on a mysterious, long-abandoned hotel where five unlucky guests vanished while on an elevator. Riders experience several freefalls before being delivered safely to the bottom floor.

Disney acquired Marvel Entertainment in 2009, and since then various superheroes have popped up at Disneyland for photo opportunities. This is Disney’s first major Marvel-themed attraction.

Even as the Tower of Terror prepares for its untimely, Twilight-Zonish disappearance, fans may take advantage of the "Late Check-Out" program, a chance to ride in complete darkness. No doubt Serling would give it his scream of approval.

The Tower of Terror at Disney World in Florida remains unaffected.

Work also continues on Star Wars Land, expected to open at Disneyland within three years. Disney purchased the franchise from George Lucas in 2012.