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The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at California Adventure

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Parker and I just returned from Disneyland where we attended the grand opening media event for The Summer of Heroes and the Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT attraction (thanks to Disney for hosting us)! There are many amazing things in store for families this summer so we’ve put together a comprehensive list for you to make sure you don’t miss a thing! Parker will have a full list just for teens later this week.The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure

The Main Attraction Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! is sure to be the main attraction. The official opening day was Saturday May 27th and it gathered quite the crowd. I promise it’s worth it! From your first look at the incredible Fortress to that moment you see your family photo, you’ll have plenty to take in. Inside the Fortress is a collection of more than 2,200 rare galactic artifacts from around the galaxy. Some of our favorites were Figment from Walt Disney World, Cosmo a test dog from the Russian space program, a Tower of Terror bellman hat, a book written by Parker’s favorite imagineer Joe Rohde, “Harold” the original Abominable Snowman from the Matterhorn and a tool from Doctor Strange.The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure aftb-summer-of-heroes-disneyland-37 aftb-summer-of-heroes-disneyland-2 aftb-summer-of-heroes-disneyland-3 The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure aftb-summer-of-heroes-disneyland-34 aftb-summer-of-heroes-disneyland-36 aftb-summer-of-heroes-disneyland-10 aftb-summer-of-heroes-disneyland-8 The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure

Be sure to look out for fun details too (like Cosmo’s paw prints or signs of Rocket escaping) throughout the Fortress.

The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT feels even more “powerful” than the original Tower of Terror did and we loved it even more (didn’t think that was possible). It felt like you got more “air” time and was just so much fun. It might even be more appealing to younger kids/tweens as it doesn’t have that “creepy” feeling the Twilight Zone gave you if that was a concern from before. Add in the fun characters, music and interactive story and your family will be so involved they can’t help but love it. Want to see it in action? Here’s a video of me on the attraction!

Be prepared to want to ride again and again. There are SIX different ride profiles each synchronized to a different song from the “awesome mix tape”

  • “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar
  • “Give Up The Funk” by Parliament
  • “Born To Be Wild” by Steppenwolf
  • “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5
  • “Free Ride” by The Edgar Winter Group
  • “Burning Love” by Elvis Presley

Along with unique music the vignettes (video you see during the ride) changes as well so it truly is a unique experience every time you ride!

The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure

*Note: if you have kids too short or who don’t want to ride, ask a Cast Member about the Rider Switch service so you don’t have to miss out!

Become or Interact with a Superhero!

It isn’t called the “Summer of Heroes” for nothing! Your favorite Guardians will host an Awesome Dance Off throughout the day where guests can show off their dance moves with Star-Lord, Gamora and even Groot! Groot may even hang out for a fun photo opp afterwards.

Awesome Dance Off
Photo: Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort
Groot at Disneyland
Photo: Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort

You can catch Spider-Man and Captain America for photos in Hollywood Land if you haven’t had a chance to meet them yet! And for a limited time you can meet Black Widow near the Avengers Armored Transport vehicle.

The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California AdventureThe Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure

For a limited time your little ones can attend an Avengers Training Initiative where they can participate in a daring adventure on the Hollywood Backlot (think Jedi training if you’ve participated in that). Young Avengers learn defensive attack maneuvers to defeat the villain Arnim Zola from Black Widow, Hawkeye and even a video appearance from Tony Stark. At one point the kids get to “attack” the robotic body of Arnim Zola with Captain America shields. The kids LOVE this and even get to walk away with a special Avengers Training Initiative security clearance band upon completing the training program.

The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure

My teen really did enjoy watching this so if you have a family with little ones and teens, they should enjoy the show starring their younger family members.

*Note – Avengers Training Initiative is open to children ages 6 to 12, and you’ll need to register your child(res) the morning of your visit and your child MUST be present when you register. You can sign up at a kiosk in the Hollywood Backlot near Stage 17 near Monsters Inc.: Mike and Sully to the Rescue! Or just ask a Cast Member to direct you! Registration begins when Disney California Adventure Park first opens. Registration for the training is on a first-come basis and availability is obviously limited. If this is important to your kiddo make sure to go back and sign up first thing!

Learn about your inner Super Hero and grab a collectible comic book at the Hero Action Center in Hollywood Land. It’s a fun photo spot with interactive quizzes.

The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure

Heroic Food & Merchandise

OF COURSE there are some awesome heroic food options during the Summer of Heroes at California Adventure. There are 6 different spots to grab your Super Hero eats including Schmoozes, Award Wieners and Market Place. A Groot inspired angry little pudding cup (chocolate pudding with crumbled chocolate sandwich cookie, whipped cream and funnel cake fries) is sure to be a little one’s favorite.

The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure

The “Most Dangerous Tacos in the Galaxy” features barbacoa, green onion slaw and habanero salsa that is perfect for those who are adventurous with spicy foods. Parker & I agreed that the “Obviously Nachos” were our top pick!

The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure

You’ll also be able to find superhero inspired treats including a Hulk sized donut. The Groot sourdough and jalapeño bread might be hard to resist for those carb loving Groot fans! See more on the Disney Parks blog here.

The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure

And I’m betting that the Groot sipper cup is going to be the merchandise hit of the summer! Our favorite was the Groot, Cosmo, Rocket and Howard the Duck plush, packaged in a vitrine case and available from The Collector’s personal collection (in the gifts shop when you exit the attraction).

The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure

Some of the fun Summer of Heroes experiences are only available this summer to be sure to check them out when you visit before they’re gone! Have any questions? Ask away in the comments below!

The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure The Ultimate Family Guide to the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure

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Allison Waken is a wife, mom of boys and Phoenix, AZ native. She has been creating inspiring content for All for the Boys since 2011. Allison loves travel, movies and spending as much time as possible with her family while she can!

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