When Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind was first announced, excitement skyrocketed. Epcot’s first roller coaster and Walt Disney World’s first Marvel attraction promised a groundbreaking ride. Before its grand opening, I explored the attraction and got an early look at what would become one of Disney’s most innovative coasters.
Walt Disney World | Guardians of the Galaxy | Cosmic Rewind | Epcot | OmniCoaster | Roller Coaster
A New Era for Epcot
Epcot has always focused on innovation and storytelling. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind takes that legacy to new heights. Located in the reimagined World Discovery neighborhood, it replaces the former Universe of Energy pavilion. The massive show building houses a unique storytelling coaster with a groundbreaking ride system. This makes it one of the most dynamic coasters ever built at a Disney park.
The Ride Experience
Unlike traditional coasters, Cosmic Rewind is an OmniCoaster. This first-of-its-kind system rotates each ride vehicle to focus guests on the action. The ride experience features an epic soundtrack with six randomly selected songs from the Guardians’ Awesome Mix. The backward launch—a first for a Disney coaster—kicks off a high-speed intergalactic chase with Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot.
Pre-Opening First Look
Before the official opening, I had the opportunity to explore the queue, pre-show, and ride elements. From the moment you enter the Wonders of Xandar pavilion, you’re immersed in the story. The queue features an informative exhibit from the Xandarians, offering a glimpse into their culture, history, and technology. The pre-show introduces guests to Nova Prime (Glenn Close) and the Guardians, setting up the mission that unfolds on the ride.
Final Thoughts
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a must-ride attraction for Marvel fans and thrill-seekers alike. Its combination of storytelling, music, and coaster technology delivers an unparalleled experience. If you haven’t yet experienced it, be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for virtual queue and Lightning Lane availability.
Walt Disney World | Guardians of the Galaxy | Cosmic Rewind | Epcot | OmniCoaster | Roller Coaster
Disney Imagineers inspect the Omnicoaster vehicles for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, coming to EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. This new adventure will feature a first-of-its-kind programmable roller coaster ride system, where guests can be rotated along the ride track in any direction while traveling at high speeds. (Disney)
A Disney Imagineer oversees “push/pull” testing of vehicles on the track for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, the new attraction in development inside EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The out-of-this-world coaster experience will take guests on a thrilling adventure across the cosmos with the Guardians of the Galaxy. (Disney)
Disney Imagineers inspect some of the show scenery for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, the new attraction in development inside EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The out-of-this-world coaster experience will take guests on a thrilling adventure across the cosmos with the Guardians of the Galaxy. (David Roark, photographer)
Artist concept rendering: As part of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, the new EPCOT attraction opening in 2022, guests will walk through the Xandarian Galaxarium inside the theme park’s Wonders of Xandar pavilion at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney/Marvel)
Artist concept rendering: The Wonders of Xandar pavilion debuting in 2022 inside EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., will be home to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, a new attraction inviting guests to join the Guardians of the Galaxy on an intergalactic chase through space and time. (Disney/Marvel)
Artist concept rendering: In Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, the new EPCOT attraction opening in 2022 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., guests will join the Guardians on an intergalactic chase through space and time. The attraction will feature a new storycoaster that rotates to focus guests on the action, and will include the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster. (Disney/Marvel)
