The summer of 2018 was packed with excitement across Walt Disney World Resort, from Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios to Donald’s Dino-Bash at Animal Kingdom. But over at Epcot, something cosmic took the stage: Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!
The Xandarian Chamber Orchestra brings some traditional Xandaran music to the Guardians of the Galaxy. Awesome Mix Live! That is until Peter Quill saves the planet from a galactic mistake.
Presented at the America Gardens Theatre, this limited-time show brought together Star-Lord, Gamora, and Baby Groot for a musical experience inspired by Peter Quill’s beloved Awesome Mix tapes. It wasn’t just a concert—it was the Guardians’ official Epcot debut.
The Backstory That Connects the Cosmos to Epcot
First announced at D23 Expo 2017, the Guardians’ presence in Epcot ties into an in-universe visit Peter Quill made to the park as a child. The new Guardians of the Galaxy E-Ticket attraction was confirmed to be coming to Future World (replacing Ellen’s Energy Adventure), with a massive show building visible from nearly every corner of the park.
Peter Quill aka Star-Lord helps take guests on a musical journey during the Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live at Epcot. Summer 2018
A 2018 update at D23 Expo Japan teased more: the attraction would feature an innovative ride system and become one of the longest enclosed coasters in the world. But with the ride still years away, Awesome Mix Live! served as a high-energy appetizer for what was to come.
The Xandarian Cultural Exchange
The show kicked off with the Xandarian Chamber Orchestra attempting to share traditional Xandarian music with earthlings. The results? Let’s just say they didn’t hit the right notes.
The Xandarian Chamber Orchestra brings some traditional Xandaran music to the Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix Live! That is until Peter Quill saves the planet from a galactic mistake.
Enter Peter Quill, who stopped the performance mid-song and explained that Earth has its own brand of music—and his Awesome Mix tapes are the true hits. With Gamora reluctantly joining in and Baby Groot patching in the playlist, guests were treated to hits like “Hooked on a Feeling,” “Come and Get Your Love,” and more intergalactic bangers.
The Xandarian Chamber Orchestra brings some traditional Xandaran music to the Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix Live! That is until Peter Quill saves the planet from a galactic mistake.
The humor, energy, and interactivity made this show feel like a rock concert from another planet. Plus, it was a clever in-world explanation for bringing Marvel’s Guardians to Epcot long before the coaster’s debut.
Gamora helps take guests on a musical journey during the Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live at Epcot. Summer 2018
An Incredible Summer and a Promising Future
Running through August 19, 2018, Awesome Mix Live! was part of Disney’s Incredible Summer lineup. It not only entertained but paved the way for greater Marvel presence in Epcot. It marked the first time characters from Guardians of the Galaxy appeared in the park—and teased just how immersive their future presence would be.
Peter Quill aka Star-Lord helps take guests on a musical journey during the Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live at Epcot. Summer 2018
Peter Quill aka Star-Lord helps take guests on a musical journey during the Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live at Epcot. Summer 2018
The Xandarian Chamber Orchestra brings some traditional Xandaran music to the Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix Live! That is until Peter Quill saves the planet from a galactic mistake.
The Xandarian Chamber Orchestra brings some traditional Xandaran music to the Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix Live! That is until Peter Quill saves the planet from a galactic mistake.
The Xandarian Chamber Orchestra brings some traditional Xandaran music to the Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix Live! That is until Peter Quill saves the planet from a galactic mistake.
Peter Quill aka Star-Lord helps take guests on a musical journey during the Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live at Epcot. Summer 2018
Gamora helps take guests on a musical journey during the Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live at Epcot. Summer 2018
Gamora helps take guests on a musical journey during the Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live at Epcot. Summer 2018
Peter Quill aka Star-Lord helps take guests on a musical journey during the Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live at Epcot. Summer 2018
The Xandarian Chamber Orchestra brings some traditional Xandaran music to the Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix Live! That is until Peter Quill saves the planet from a galactic mistake.
The Xandarian Chamber Orchestra brings some traditional Xandaran music to the Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix Live! That is until Peter Quill saves the planet from a galactic mistake.
Peter Quill aka Star-Lord helps take guests on a musical journey during the Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live at Epcot. Summer 2018
The Xandarian Chamber Orchestra brings some traditional Xandaran music to the Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix Live! That is until Peter Quill saves the planet from a galactic mistake.
Gamora helps take guests on a musical journey during the Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live at Epcot. Summer 2018
The Xandarian Chamber Orchestra brings some traditional Xandaran music to the Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix Live! That is until Peter Quill saves the planet from a galactic mistake.
The Xandarian Chamber Orchestra brings some traditional Xandaran music to the Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix Live! That is until Peter Quill saves the planet from a galactic mistake.
The Xandarian Chamber Orchestra brings some traditional Xandaran music to the Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix Live! That is until Peter Quill saves the planet from a galactic mistake.
The Xandarian Chamber Orchestra brings some traditional Xandaran music to the Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix Live! That is until Peter Quill saves the planet from a galactic mistake.
Peter Quill aka Star-Lord helps take guests on a musical journey during the Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live at Epcot. Summer 2018
The Xandarian Chamber Orchestra brings some traditional Xandaran music to the Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix Live! That is until Peter Quill saves the planet from a galactic mistake.
The Xandarian Chamber Orchestra brings some traditional Xandaran music to the Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix Live! That is until Peter Quill saves the planet from a galactic mistake.
Peter Quill aka Star-Lord helps take guests on a musical journey during the Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live at Epcot. Summer 2018
The Xandarian Chamber Orchestra brings some traditional Xandaran music to the Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix Live! That is until Peter Quill saves the planet from a galactic mistake.
The Xandarian Chamber Orchestra brings some traditional Xandaran music to the Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix Live! That is until Peter Quill saves the planet from a galactic mistake.
Gamora helps take guests on a musical journey during the Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live at Epcot. Summer 2018
The Xandarian Chamber Orchestra brings some traditional Xandaran music to the Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix Live! That is until Peter Quill saves the planet from a galactic mistake.
