OpEd: Tower of Terror Is Better Than Guardians of the Galaxy – Here’s Why

It’s a tale as old as time. West Coast vs. East Coast, now Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! vs. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

For frequent visitors of Disneyland Resort and Disney’s California Adventure, you’ll be missing your beloved Tower of Terror and for Disney World goers, you’ll be missing out on a one-of-a-kind Guardians of the Galaxy attraction.

When Disney’s California Adventure debuted The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror back in 2004, it was simply the best. Walking through a California-themed Disney Park IN California, and just miles away from the actual hotel that inspired the ride and the movie Tower of Terror (1997).

The attraction had existed in WDW since the 90s and eventually made its way to California. The gigantic pink Tower of Terror building could be seen from miles away, a new Disney landmark that could be seen from the freeway.

The pastel pink-colored building used to blend into the Californian sunsets and the surrounding palm trees, while its old-timey architecture just gave it an extra special aesthetic. The ride became not only a landmark but a favorite amongst visitors to Disney’s California Aventure.

Fast-forward 13 years (suspicious since the whole premise of the attraction is there is no 13th floor?!) and the Tower of Terror was permanently shut down. Several months later we were greeted by a shockingly ugly monstrosity that was covered in multicolored pipes and metallic paneling and we all thought what on earth is that.

Well turns out it wasn’t from this Earth at all. It was actually the new Guardians of the Galaxy- Mission: Breakout! attraction.

For those Walt Disney World goers that aren’t familiar with California Adventure, this new attraction is still a drop coaster, like Tower of Terror, but instead takes you on a mission to rescue Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket (Bradley Cooper), and Groot (Vin Diesel).

There are 6 different storylines to experience on this new-ish Marvel Studios attraction, each with its own soundtrack, which does make it exciting that Guests might have a slightly different experience each time.

So which is better? Well, we think it comes down to what you are familiar with, but based on its long-standing popularity, we would have to say Tower of Terror. Maybe it’s the nostalgia but Tower of Terror always puts the “thriller” in thrill rides. We get that Disney Parks have to adjust with the times and the new Avengers Campus in California Adventure is awesome and just makes sense, but we still secretly miss Tower of Terror.

For those based in California, you can still enjoy Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Flordia (for now…), Toyko DisneySea, and Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris. And for all of our Walt Disney World Resort regulars, you might want to hop over to California to experience this original Marvel ride for yourself!

Marvel fans will be getting a taste of the MCU in EPCOT soon when Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opens on Memorial Day weekend.

Insider Tip: Sit in row 1 or 6 on Guardian’s of the Galaxy- Mission: Breakout for the best spot to be seen in the ride photo!