ANAHEIM, Calif. (April 25, 2017)–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.