Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout Dedication Is Just the Beginning of Marvel at California Adventure

It was a big week for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts as following the Grand Opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar at Walt Disney World, Disney California Adventure opened Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission BREAKOUT. Many folks, including Bob Chapek, Joe Rhode, and Zoe Saldana were present at both events.

To debut the reimagining of the former Tower of Terror attraction, Taneleer Tivan (a.k.a. The Collector) held a gala to debut his collection on Terra (a.k.a. Earth), including his prized acquisition, the Guardians of the Galaxy. As guests partaked in food, drink, and photo ops, a DJ and Polyester Express entertained the crowd. After everyone enjoyed the Collector’s hospitality, it was time to officially dedicate his fortress, home of the Tivan Collection.

While the show featured the typical speeches, pagentry, and pyrotechnic, perhaps the most exciting part of the cermony was the reconfirmation that this is just the beginning of a growing Marvel presence at Disney California Adventure. While we don’t know what form that will take beyond the Summer of Heroes, it is fun to know there is more coming our way.

Here is how the ceremony went down.

Collector’s Assistant: Ladies and gentlemen of Terra, thank you for joining us at the Tivan collection opening. The Collector, Taneleer Tivan, has brought his magnificent fortress here, to enlighten your species. Inside those walls you will find some of the rarest objects in the galaxy. While he has taken the Tivan collection to planets all over the universe, The Collector has been most curious about what’s happening here. Very curious lately, more like obsessed, he can’t stop talking about Terra. So, tonight The Collector has a tremendous surprise for everyone, you will be allowed into the innermost sanctum of his fortress to see his newest and most prized collection, The Guardians of the Galaxy.

First, in a manner most befitting this occasion, it is my pleasure to welcome to the stage a very special Terran who has come to celebrate the grand arrival of The Collector’s fortress. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Bob Chapek.

Bob Chapek: Thank you all for joining us, and thank you for that colorful introduction. We’re thrilled that The Collector chose Disney California Adventure as the home of his fortress, and that we were given the distinct honor of hosting this newest exhibit. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout has arrived. You know, it’s the park’s first attraction that’s inspired by this action packed, superhero universe. In true Guardians of the Galaxy fashion it’s full of the irreverent humor that’s infused throughout both smash hit films. With Rocket in control you’re in for one heck of a ride. This jaw-dropping experience is only possible because of the brilliant and creative minds across the Walt Disney company. I would like to recognize a few of them. Marvel’s Kevin Feige and Joe Quesada. Their insight into the Guardians and their unique personalities really helps shaped The Collector exhibit. Of course Disney Parks’ Bob Weis and Joe Rohde. Their team of Imagineers who brought it to life in this spectacular way. Thanks to them and many others, we’re able to unveil the fortress for all of you tonight.

Now this is a momentous occasion, but it’s just the beginning of what will become an even bigger superhero presence at Disney’s California Adventure. With the strong partnership between Marvel and Walt Disney Imagineering, we’re very excited with what’s to come. It is sure to please Marvel fans hungry for more magic at Disney Parks. Now I’d like to introduce the visionary writer and director of both Guardians of the Galaxy films. He was also a great partner in creating this attraction, working with a star studded cast on the annex you’ll see inside. Ladies and gentlemen please join me in welcoming a very important Terran, James Gunn.

James Gunn:  Thank you. Thank you, Bob. Hey everybody. What’s up? This is exciting for me, this is the best time of all my entire life. You know, a lot of kids when they’re kids they dream of being writers and directors and they dream of winning Oscars. For me I dreamed of this, of having a ride at a Disney theme park based on movies that I helped create. So I am really happy to be here. I have had an amazing time working with the Imagineers over the past year and a half or so to create something special for all of you. I think that people have really enjoyed watching Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 for the past few weeks in theaters. This is a chance for all of you to be able to come into the world of the Guardians to experience them first hand, what it’s like to be with them and to help them out of this jam that they’re in with The Collector, this no good jerk.

I just want to say, when I was a little kid my earliest memories are when I was four years old, coming to Disneyland, riding Haunted Mansion, and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, and Dumbo. These are the greatest memories I had and it makes me so excited that families and friends are going to be able to come here to the park and experience with their families and their friends what I was able to experience here and through the Guardians of the Galaxy. Without anything else, I would like to introduce to you a few of the stars of Guardians of the Galaxy. First of all she plays Mantis, Pom Klementieff. Now this next guy, his name is Michael Rooker. Finally I’d like to introduce to you the one, the only, Zoe Saldana.

Bob Chapek: Thank you, James and to all of you here tonight.

Collectors Assistant: Oh my, he’s here. He’s here. Everyone, prepare yourselves. Terrans, it is time to introduce to you the man who has traveled a great distance to come to your planet and to humbly grace you with his presence. May I present to you …

Benicio Del Toro: Were you expecting someone else?

Collector’s Assistant: You’re Benicio Del Toro.

Benicio Del Toro: Yeah, hello.

Collector’s Assistant: But you can’t be here, The Collector would not be pleased. A Terran cannot stand in his place.

Benicio Del Toro: I don’t think he’ll mind, we’re very close. Now if you don’t mind, I’m here to officiate the opening of the Tivan collection. Ladies and gentlemen of Terra, the Tivan collection is officially open.

Collector’s Assistant: Terrans, in just a few moments you will be led to the Tivan collection. Please remain in this sector while we prepare the gallery for your arrival. For our very important Terrans here on stage, please remain in place while we capture your unauthorized image for use and perpetuity throughout the galaxy. Thank you. (singing)