Well, all this talk sent me back to the contract, and here's my latest take--they can use the Guardians (except maybe Drax, for reasons
@BriMan pointed out), but they can't advertise them locally.
First, why StarLord and Gamora (and maybe others) are clear:
East of The Mississippi - any other theme park is limited to using characters not currently being used by MCA at the time such other license is granted. [For purpose of this subsection and subsection iv, a character is “being used by MCA” if (x) it or another character of the same “family” (e.g., any member of THE FANTASTIC FOUR, THE AVENGERS or villains associated with a hero being used) is more than an incidental element of an attraction, is presented as a costumed character, or is more than an incidental element of the theming of a retail store or food facility; and, (y) in addition, if such character or another character from the same “family” is an element in any MCA marketing during the previous year. Any character who is only used as a costume character will not be considered to be “being used by MCA” unless it appears as more than an incidental element in MCA’s marketing.]
Sounds like you had to be a full member or a villain. So if Gamora or Rocket were just an ally to the Avengers, probably cool. Also clears WDW to open an Aunt May ride (or, less snarkily, could probably have set up an Agent Carter meet & greet in DHS).
BUT ...
East or West of The Mississippi - ... Marvel may not permit a licensee to use the name “Marvel” as part of the attraction name or marketing.
Hence "Super Hero Store." And guessing the Stark Exhibit at DLR didn't have a Marvel logo either.
And the real kicker ...
East or West of The Mississippi - The foregoing permitted uses will be subject to the following marketing restrictions:
If the particular character is not used by MCA, such character will not be advertised or promoted by means of (x) spot television buys, billboards, personal appearances, or print advertisements which are (y) viewed, located or primarily directed to persons within 300 miles of Orlando. In other words, regional (i.e. covering a multi-state geographic region) or national television or print media buys, or brochures would not be prohibited within such 300 mile radius.
This means even if WDW builds a StarLord/Gamora ride they can't call it "Marvel," and they can't put up billboards or do local TV buys in Florida. Probably can't invite Good Day Orlando out for a live remote either. Print ads in the Sentinel and other Florida papers definitely out, possibly online ads on those websites out as well. Even brochures/mailings--if targeted to locals (say that 3-day deal), can't mention the new ride at all. That's a lot of restrictions on promotion of a new ride.
I was already dubious, but now fairly convinced this isn't happening, unless Disney Legal flat out dropped the ball. Too many limitations on marketing.