ANAHEIM, Calif. (April 25, 2017)–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.