5 Things You Must Do at Disney California Adventure’s Summer of Heroes

Last week, I had the chance to visit Disneyland and Disney California Adventure for the FIRST time! While I was excited about exploring Disneyland, I couldn’t wait to check out Disney California Adventure’s Summer of Heroes!

I love everything that has to do with Marvel so I was excited to geek out over everything there was to find at Disney California Adventure. Below, you’ll find 5 things you MUST do when visiting Disney California Adventure for Summer of Heroes!

Ride Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT!

This is #1 on my list, surprisingly. I say that because even though I LOVE Guardians of the Galaxy, it’s been years since I rode Tower of Terror at Walt Disney World because my stomach just got too queasy. So I was very anxious about going on this ride but it was SO worth it. I even rode it a second time…and I’m so bummed I didn’t go on it more than that.

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! entices guests with an original storyline based on “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, comics and animated television series, with a rapid rise into chaotic adventure and surprising visuals. The fast-paced action rocks to the beat of music inspired by the films’ soundtracks, including classic rock and pop music from the ‘60s, ‘70s and early ‘80s. And with multiple ride profiles, guests never know which adventure they’ll get. 

If you plan on riding Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT!, make that the first thing you do when getting to Disney California Adventure (and ideally you’re there at park opening). When we got there at park opening, the line to get a Fastpass was almost 40 minutes long and then actual line quickly filled to a 2 hour wait.

When you get inside The Collector’s Fortress, there’s a ton of artifacts that The Collector has obtained and put in glass cases for you to see.

Then, you’ll step into The Collector’s Office where you’ll see Rocket appear telling you he needs your help. Watch the video below!

Then you’re up the Gantry Life and boarding the ride! You’ll be able to experience the ride with one of 6 different mix tapes.

“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

We actually got “Give Up The Funk” both times which I loved. It’s so fun that you never know which song you will get!

I LOVED the ride (even if my picture shows I’m terrified!). If you love Guardians of the Galaxy then you will absolutely love the ride, just be prepared to hold on! After the ride, I was very hot which I think was the adrenaline pumping!

Free Face Painting

Free at Disney? Yup, they offered up free face painting and since I’m a kid at heart, I had to take advantage of it! There was a variety of super hero paintings to choose from but I had to go with the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D for my cheek! And don’t worry, there were plenty of adults waiting in line with the kids!

Meet the Super Heroes

Yes, you can actually meet your favorite super heroes! You’ll want to check your times when you arrive but you can meet Captain America, Spider-Man and Black Widow. Along with Tania of Lola Lambchops, meeting Captain America was a must for me!

Captain America stayed in character too, asking who the “Squad” was on my shirt. When I told him it was the Guardians of the Galaxy, he said he didn’t know who they were but maybe he would meet them soon!

Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance-Off! 

We all know that Peter Quill loves to dance, right? You won’t want to miss the Awesome Dance-Off with a Star Lord lookalike, right in front of the Guardians of the Galaxy ride. Gamora is there too casting a side eye at Peter’s silliness. Watch the video below!

Summer of Heroes Food and Drink

I’m all about the food when visiting a Disney park and the special Summer of Heroes eats do not disappoint! But like the Guardians of the Galaxy ride, be prepared to wait in line for these eats too! Karen of Desert Chica kindly waited in line for 40 minutes to get some snacks for us and it was worth it!

The guest in front of us let us take a pic of his Gamma Size Donut which seriously was the size of his head.

We all ordered the Spider Bite donut, the Friendly Neighborhood Macaron and I had to try the Rocket Fuel!

I wanted to get some Groot bread but that sold out fast at both locations! So if you have your heart set on it, make sure to get in line early!

My friend AJ of Disney Food Blog has a full review of the Summer of Hero eats too!

Avengers Training Initiative

For the little ones, they are going to love the Avengers Training Initiative. It’s recommended for ages 6-12 and like everything else, you’ll want to sign up early.  You’ll sign up at the kiosk in the Hollywood Backlot near Stage 17 and Sunset Showcase Theater and they will tell you what time to come back. The kids are the stars of the show―along with Black Widow and Hawkeye―and just may find themselves Avenger trainees.

We were able to watch the show while waiting in line to meet Captain America and the kids looked like they were having so much fun!

If you have the chance, make sure to visit Disney California Adventure this summer to experience their Summer of Heroes event. It’s time to Hero Up!

And, of course, you’ll want to visit Cars Land, still a big guest favorite after opening five years ago this month! Walk down iconic Route 66 and visit your favorite Radiator Springs residents, Lighting McQueen and Mater. Put your racing skills to the test at Radiator Springs Racers, join the famiglia at Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters or go for a swing at Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree. And be sure to check out the Disney Parks Blog on Friday for some exciting news about Cars Land! Read all about my experience at the Cars 3 afterparty in Carsland!

Learn more about Cars Land and its attractions on the Disneyland Resort website.

Later this summer, some of the classics re-open at Disneyland Park: “Fantasmic!” and the Disneyland Railroad and the Rivers of America attractions.

Read more about the Rivers of America attractions.

What do you look forward to experiencing the most? 

Thank you so much to Disney and Pixar for bringing me to Anaheim for this fun event!