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Experience a thrilling and divine ride like no other with the Guardians of the Galaxy Ride in Epcot. This roller coaster is sure to leave you breathless and exhilarated as you embark on a journey through the cosmos with your favorite Marvel Galaxy characters. If you’re a fan of high-speed thrills, intergalactic adventures, and heart-pumping excitement, then you won’t want to miss this Disney coaster at Epcot.
From the moment you enter the attraction, you’ll transport to a world beyond your wildest dreams. And there, you’ll join forces with Star-Lord and the rest of the Guardians to save the galaxy from certain destruction. Get ready for a spoiler-free adventure of a lifetime that you won’t soon forget.
Opening Date At Walt Disney World
Guardians Of The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind was first announced at the D23 Expo in 2017. Disney World was all set to introduce the attraction in 2021, but they postponed the ride due to the pandemic. Cosmic Rewind opened on May 27, 2022, over Memorial Day weekend.
This new ride was a major milestone for Disney Parks. It is not only the first-ever reverse launch coaster but also the first programmable OmniCoaster theme park ride to keep the guests entertained and attracted to the attraction.
Location Of Guardians Of The Galaxy Ride At EPCOT
Guardians of the Galaxy ride is located in the former site of Ellen’s Energy Adventure. It is at the Universe Of Energy Building in the World Discovery neighborhood. Since this neighborhood is all about modern science and advancements, you’ll also find Space 220, Mission: Space, and Test Track there.
Disney World’s Universe Of Energy Pavilion is now called the Wonders of Xandar Pavilion. There are many rides at the World Showcase, but this huge Xandarian Star Blaster Spaceship over-qualifies to be there. It is undoubtedly one of the thrill rides that World Discovery has needed for a long time.
When you enter the attraction, you’ll find a planetarium-like exhibition. This exhibition will teach you about the Xandar pavilion, cultural exchange, history, and more. It is similar to the way nations in the World Showcase are set up.
5 Cosmic Rewind Quick Facts
Since Guardians Of The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a family ride, it is not made very intense. If you are a fan of Marvel movies, you are sure to have fun on this thrill ride. The intensity of this ride is similar to Expedition Everest.
Following are some amazing facts about the ride that will surely get you excited for this ride:
Technological Advancements For A Wonderful Galaxy Ride
EPCOT’s latest addition, the Guardians of the Galaxy Epcot (GOTG) roller coaster, is a technological wonder that will leave you breathless.
The Imagineers have outdone themselves with a plethora of firsts. It includes a never-seen-before reverse launch, a brand-new ride system that rotates 360 degrees, and an enormous building that houses one of the largest fully enclosed coasters in the world.
Multiple other rides inspire the OmniCoaster ride system. It includes the Haunted Mansion and Spaceship Earth and has been reimagined for this roller coaster.
With each OmniCoaster rotating cars moving in a way that directs your eyes to the story happening around you, you won’t miss any of the action. This truly unique experience cannot be duplicated anywhere else in the parks.
Not only is the Disney Imagineering impressive, but you’ll also get to share the ride with Star-Lord, Drax, Gamora, Nova-Prime Irani Rale, and Centurion Tal Marik, played by their original GOTG cast.
Although Cosmic Rewind occasionally goes offline, the wait is well worth it. Be prepared to wait for your Boarding Groups to be called, and pack your patience.
In summary, EPCOT’s GOTG roller coaster is a technological masterpiece that offers a unique experience. It’s the perfect attraction for those seeking an adrenaline rush combined with a captivating storyline.
Height Requirements For Guardians Of The Galaxy Ride At EPCOT
Guests are required to meet a minimum height requirement of 42 inches to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
Disney has strictly enforced this rule, even though it is a family ride. Since the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride vehicle goes through a dark tunnel and has bright lighting features, it can be a reason for epilepsy in younger kids.
Strollers/Kids
As you prepare to visit Cosmic Rewind, keep in mind that this thrilling ride comes with a height requirement. It requires a height of 42 inches, making it more suitable for older children, such as tweens and teens. If your child is sensitive to darkness or fast and spinning rides, it may be best to skip this one.
As you approach the queue for Cosmic Rewind at Disney World, please note that Disney has permitted strollers inside.
However, a designated area is outside the attraction. It’s conveniently located between Cosmic Rewind and Mission: SPACE, where you can safely park your stroller.
Before leaving your stroller, gather all your valuables, including phones, wallets, and keys. Additionally, consider covering your stroller in case of a sudden Florida rainstorm, which can occur when you least expect them. Enjoy your smooth ride on Cosmic Rewind!
Attraction Time Length Of Guardians Of The Galaxy Ride At EPCOT
The Disney World Epcot Guardians Of The Galaxy ride has an attraction time of 4 minutes. Since this ride is more in demand, you cannot ride twice on the same day. Although, it is a must-do for any Marvel fan.
In some ways, the ride might remind you of classics like Space Mountain — the beloved indoor coaster at Magic Kingdom that takes guests on a trip to the stars. You will surely have a fascinating ride experience at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
The Only Marvel-Themed Ride At Walt Disney World Resort
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is the only Marvel-themed ride at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. There aren’t many Marvel-themed rides at Disney due to complicated legal issues surrounding the characters’ ownership rights.
Marvel sold the film rights to several of its popular characters before Disney acquired them in 2009, which has limited Disney’s ability to use them in its theme parks.
However, Disney’s ownership of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise has allowed them to create this unique ride, which takes guests on a thrilling adventure through space with the beloved characters from the films.
Visitors will transport into the cosmic world of the Guardians Of The Galaxy. They will encounter thrilling twists and turns, exciting visuals, and engaging sensory elements.
How To Ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Currently, only two methods exist to experience the thrills of Cosmic Rewind: either by gaining access to the virtual queue or securing an Individual Lightning Lane pass.
Unfortunately, the options of a Standby Line or a Single Rider line are not available at this attraction, rendering it impossible to ride without boarding groups or a return time.
The process of obtaining a spot in the queue commences by using the My Disney Experience app on the morning of your park visit.
It is essential to ensure that your park tickets and Epcot reservation are linked and that you are logged in.
However, obtaining a boarding group can be quite a challenge, particularly during peak times of the year. Therefore, it is imperative to be prepared ahead of time to increase your chances of success.
Guardians Of The Galaxy Ride Virtual Queue At EPCOT
The cutting-edge technology of a virtual queue enables you to obtain a coveted spot in the queue without the hassle of waiting in line physically for the entire day.
The reservation system gives you a digital spot in the line. Although the virtual queue is a relatively straightforward process, it’s fiercely competitive, demanding that you bring your A-game.
The Guardians of the Galaxy virtual queue follows the same pattern as the Rise of the Resistance and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure virtual queues. Despite going through various iterations, Disney seems to have settled on a method that satisfies them.
You can only access the virtual queue system through your mobile device’s My Disney Experience app. Every guest aspiring to secure a spot in the Guardians of the Galaxy boarding group must possess a valid park ticket for that day and a park pass reservation.
Individual Lightning Lane For Guardians Of The Galaxy Ride At EPCOT
If you want to ride the Guardians of the Galaxy fun park attraction, you can use Disney’s Individual Lightning Lane reservation system by paying extra.
However, it’s important to note that paying extra doesn’t guarantee you a spot. The most popular Lightning Lane ride reservation process can be very competitive and confusing.
If Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind starts a standby line, the lightning lane would become more in demand.
Rider Switch/Child Swap
As you prepare to embark on the thrill ride that is Cosmic Rewind at Disney’s amusement park, you may be wondering how to accommodate guests with little ones who cannot meet the height requirements.
Fear not, as Disney World has created a unique system called Rider Switch. It allows you to take turns experiencing the ride while your little one is with a trusted companion.
But before you start planning your ride schedule, it’s essential to note that participation in Rider Switch requires a boarding group (through a virtual queue) or an Individual Lightning Lane purchase.
Once you’ve secured your spot, you can take your turn on Cosmic Rewind while your companion stays behind with the little one. While you wait, there are plenty of ways to occupy your time, including browsing the Treasures of Xandar gift shop located conveniently at the ride’s exit.
Marvel enthusiasts will particularly enjoy perusing the shop’s collection of souvenirs. So, whether you’re taking on the twists and turns of your favorite ride or waiting patiently with your little one, Disney has you covered with Rider Switch.
Pre Show Of Guardians Of The Galaxy Ride At EPCOT
There are two pre-shows for this attraction, both conducted in a separate pre-show room.
In the first true pre-show, Nova Prime (Glenn Close) educates the audience on the Xandarians’ use of the Cosmic Generator, which creates “jump points” through space. As a Terran from Epcot, you will teleport into a Nova ship to witness the device in action.
The pre-show then transitions to Tal Marik, played by Terry Crews. He instructs the audience to stow away their phones before guiding them to the next room.
The second pre-show involves teleportation to the ship through the classic disappearing-wall-when-the-lights-go-out trick. However, in typical theme park ride fashion, something goes wrong as the Cosmic Generator is stolen via an enormous Celestial named Eson, briefly seen in the first “Guardians” film.
The Guardians watch as Eson creates a massive “jump point” to obliterate Earth, prompting Rocket Raccoon to suggest that the Terrans track down Eson before the jump point closes.
Despite the excitement of the second pre-show, the ride’s biggest flaw is its failure to feature Bradley Cooper’s voice as Rocket. While the reason for this is unknown, the average imitation of Cooper’s voice is noticeable enough to detract from the experience, particularly since the character has multiple lines in the preshow and ride.
What To Expect When You Ride
Queue
The entrance to the Cosmic Rewind ride is located just outside the main building, and visitors are transported to an intergalactic wonderland once inside.
The queue itself is an indoor oasis, providing a refreshing escape from the sweltering Florida sun. While not an interactive experience, there is no shortage of things to see and explore.
Upon entering the “Galaxarium,” guests are treated to a mesmerizing exhibition. It showcases the intricate and fascinating links between Xandar and Terra. This exhibition is conducted to make your ride experience worthwhile.
The exhibit lasts an impressive 30 minutes and features stunning visual representations of the Andromeda and Milky Way galaxies, narrated by the sentient supercomputer World Mind. While catching the entire show may be challenging, the parts visitors experience are truly remarkable.
As visitors make their way through the queue, they are treated to a plethora of museum-like displays. From Nova Corps uniforms to a detailed model of the Starblaster ship, there is plenty to capture the imagination. The high-tech projections are also a sight to behold, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling experience.
Overall, the Cosmic Rewind queue is a must-see for anyone visiting the park. Its blend of education and entertainment provides a unique and memorable experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. You’ll also meet the Guardians, including their leader, Peter Quill.
Ride Vehicles
The innovative ride vehicles at Cosmic Rewind called “Starjumpers,” are truly one-of-a-kind. In fact, the ride is an unprecedented “Omnicoaster” – a term that Disney coined by merging “Omnimover” and “roller coasters” together.
Omnimover attractions are known for their continuously moving ride vehicles that rotate 360 degrees, ensuring you get a front-row seat to all the action. Disney World has several rides like this, such as the iconic Haunted Mansion and the futuristic Spaceship Earth.
But here’s the kicker – the Starjumpers don’t just spin freely. Instead, they move in a controlled turn, directing you toward the most exciting moments while the coaster track races in another direction.
Each ride vehicle has two rows of seats, with four seats per row, accommodating a total of four passengers. And, of course, safety is paramount, so there’s a reliable pull-down lap bar to keep you secure throughout your ride.
Accessibility Information
When preparing to board the ride, guests using an ECV or wheelchair must transfer into the vehicle. Fortunately, the last car of each ride vehicle boasts a generously sized door, which swings open wider, ensuring a smoother transfer process.
For guests with visual and hearing disabilities, handheld captioning devices are available, equipped with both audio description and assistive listening features. Unfortunately, service animals cannot ride.
It’s important to note that the ride may not be suitable for certain individuals. These include pregnant women and those with high blood pressure or heart, back, or neck problems. The ride could exacerbate these conditions.
Additionally, the ride features flashing lights, which may be a concern for guests with sensitivities. Notably, these lights are present both during the ride and in the pre-show.
On-Ride Photos Delivered To My Disney Experience App
Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience on Guardians Of The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, but don’t forget to smile! The camera will snap your photo as soon as the ride begins, capturing the thrill on your face.
The best part? If you’re wearing a MagicBand or MagicBand+ (or have Bluetooth enabled on your phone), your photo will be automatically uploaded to the My Disney Experience app for easy access. But don’t worry if you don’t have any of these with you – you can still retrieve your photo shortly after the ride and download it within 45 days.
Not only is the photo included with MemoryMaker, but it can also be purchased separately for a tangible keepsake of your ride.
Plus, if you decide to purchase Genie+, you’ll get digital downloads of all your on-ride photos. The ones taken in the park on the day of your purchase at no extra cost – talk about a sweet deal!
But what if you can’t seem to locate your photo? Fear not! Simply swing by the PhotoPass office in the park for some assistance.
In Epcot, you can find this helpful resource at the Camera Center near the front entrance. So, get ready for a thrilling ride and a picture-perfect memory to take home with you!
Guardians Of The Galaxy Ride Motion Sickness
The Guardians Of The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a thrilling attraction that boasts a smooth and rapid ride experience. However, it can, unfortunately, amplify motion sickness symptoms for those who are susceptible.
Although the coaster doesn’t have any loops or inversions, it still moves quickly with spinning cars. It can also induce feelings of nausea in some people. Disney takes precautions by posting motion sickness advisories both outside the ride’s entrance and online.
If you are prone to motion sickness and change your mind at the last minute, there is a chicken exit that a cast member will guide you to. Similar rides are in Busch Gardens in Tampa. If you don’t feel motion sickness on those rides, you’ll be good on Disney World’s rides too.
Song List For Guardians Of The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
The soundtrack of the Guardians of the Galaxy movies is undeniably important. And you can say the same for the ride. Within the ride experience, you could potentially listen to any of the 6 featured songs.
Thanks to the wonderfully smooth and thrilling coaster design, an engaging storyline, and wisecracks from Star-Lord and the gang. And a throwback soundtrack featuring hits from the ’70s and ’80s like “Disco Inferno” and “Conga,” the attraction perfectly captures the pure fun found in the Guardians Of The Galaxy films.
The Imagineers responsible for curating the playlist initially had over 100 options to choose from. Still, they managed to whittle it down to the final six:
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“September” by Earth Wind and Fire
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“Disco Inferno” by The Trammps
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“Conga” by Miami Sound Machine
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“Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears
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“I Ran” by A Flock of Seagulls
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“One Way or Another” by Blondie.
It’s hard to imagine the daunting task these team members had. Repeatedly riding the attraction with all 100+ songs in order to narrow them down to just the right ones. That must have been quite a strenuous job!
One exciting feature of this ride is that you never know which song will play in your vehicle until you launch. This gives the ride an added element of spontaneity and provides six distinct ride experiences to enjoy.
Backstory Of The Ride
Once upon a time, in the vastness of the cosmos, a young Peter Quill, known as the infamous “Star-Lord,” visited Epcot alongside his beloved mother. Little did he know that this visit would mark the beginning of an extraordinary adventure that would defy time and space.
Fast forward to the present day, and we find ourselves in a world where Xandarians have established an outpost on Earth, specifically within the confines of Epcot.
However, this outpost has come under grave threat, and it’s up to the brave Guardians of the Galaxy to join forces with the unsuspecting guests of Epcot to travel back in time to the Big Bang and save the universe.
