Guardians Of The Galaxy To Take Over 'The Tower Of Terror', As Disney's Iconic Ride Gets Shot Into Space!

Next stop, thirteenth floor - The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride is undoubtedly a staple of Disney's catalogue of attractions, even inspiring the company's very first ride-to-film creation. Who could forget plummeting thirteen floors as your Pluto hot dog came back up? Well, dreams are shattered and magic is made, as there is a bittersweet ending to the Californian version of Disney's Tower of Terror ride. San Diego Comic-Con broke the rumoured news that the Tower Terror is getting an out- of-this-world update, and is to be replaced by “Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!” Star Lord and co. could occupy the former ToT building as early as summer next year, just in time for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

Announced by President of Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige, Disney's blog confirms that it is goodbye Twilight Zone, and hello Rocket Raccoon (who will be your guide on this journey). The ride is described as a warehouse/fortress/power-plant...hmmmm:

Deep inside his fortress-like collection, the mysterious Taneleer Tivan (aka The Collector) is displaying his newest acquisitions, the Guardians of the Galaxy. They are trapped in customized display cases, suspended over a vast abyss. Unbeknownst to their unscrupulous captor, the intrepid Rocket has escaped and is enlisting the Collector’s VIP guests for help. Guests board a gantry lift, which launches them into a chaotic and hilarious adventure as they join Rocket in an attempt to break his fellow Guardians out of captivity.

Thankfully the concept art looks like it has been pulled straight from the films, and with GotG director James Gunn on board, we can surely expect some pretty fantastic craftsmanship to go into the ride. The Tower of Terror isn't quite dead yet, as reportedly the new ride will use the bones of the existing ToT, and still encompass the final 'lunch-losing' lift drop.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror premiered in 1994 at Disney's MGM studios, before later being adapted to 1997's film of the same name, which starred Steve Guttenberg and a young Kirsten Dunst - the made-for-television film used the ride's location, but had no connection to The Twilight Zone series. The ride went on to be rolled out, and currently features at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney California Adventure, Tokyo DisneySea, and Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris.

Guardians fans aside, some people seem pretty miffed to be losing the Tower of Terror ride, which has been in operation in California since 2004:

A petition to save the tower has now reached over 25,000 signatures and is climbing by the minute! There is no denying that a Guardians ride will certainly pull in the punters of 'Generation X', but it seems sad to close one of the park's most popular rides - I guess that ToT will be joining the long list of forgotten Disney rides. For those of you still wanting to take the plunge, you can head on over to the Tower of Terror at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios, which (for now) remains the same. The Californian ride will take its last plunge in January 2017, so jump in there quick!