Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is Epcot’s first roller coaster and part of the park’s redesign.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is the first coaster at Epcot.
Carly Carmanna
epcot is experiencing a multiyear dramatic transformation that’s primarily focused on the Future World section of the park.
The plan, which launched in 2019, includes large-scale layout changes, new attractions, and new dining options.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is one of the largest projects of the transformation, and it’s Disney’s first reverse-launch coaster.
It opens to the public on May 27, but I was able to get a preview during a media event for journalists.
The attraction is housed in the Wonders of Xandar pavilion.
The building used to house Ellen’s Energy Adventure.
Carly Carmanna
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is housed in Wonders of Xandar, a new intergalactic pavilion at Epcot.
The building previously housed Universe of Energy, an opening-day attraction at Epcot. And it was redesigned as Ellen’s Energy Adventure from 1996 to 2017.
The storyline features fan-favorite characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Glenn Close makes a cameo in the preshow.
Carly Carmanna
The attraction features the beloved “Guardians of the Galaxy” characters. But I was surprised by one new face, actor Terry Crewswho portrays a commander.
Since the ride has an original storyline, you don’t need previous Marvel or “Guardians of the Galaxy” knowledge to enjoy it.
There were also Easter eggs hidden throughout that offered nods to the early days of Epcot.
The queue and preshow were just as good as the ride itself.
Fans probably won’t even mind if there’s a wait.
Carly Carmanna
The queue and preshow of the ride are some of the best displays of Disney storytelling I’ve seen.
Before boarding, the story begins as you move through a series of otherworldly scenes and rooms. These are completely immersive and take you through several set-up scenes before you’re thrown smack dab into an intergalactic mission through space and time.
I’m not a huge Marvel fan, but I still absolutely loved the attention to detail. It really felt like I was far away from planet Earth.
Riders cruise through the galaxy aboard Starjumpers.
The ride vehicles are being referred to as “omnicoasters.”
Carly Carmanna
Starjumpers, the ride’s vehicles, take the early technology used to create the Haunted Mansion’s Doom Buggy vehicle and pair it with cutting-edge advancements for speed.
These unique ride vehicles, referred to as “omnicoasters,” move forward and backward and have the ability to rotate 360 degrees.
The entire ride is almost all screen-based as the vehicles weave their way on the track alongside giant floor-to-ceiling visuals.
It reminded me of beloved elements of Space Mountain but with a few technological upgrades.
I was surprised by how smooth it was.
The technology is very advanced.
Carly Carmanna
This was one of the smoothest roller coasters I’ve ever been on, even with the spinning element.
I’m prone to motion sickness on some coasters but was pleasantly surprised to not get ill from riding.
After riding in different rows, my favorite was the front row as it offered an unobstructed vantage point of the thrilling visuals.
Music is a big element of the ride.
Just like the “Guardians” movies, there’s a great soundtrack.
Carly Carmanna
Music is an important element in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies, and the ride’s soundtrack proved to be one of my favorite parts of the experience.
There are six song options, but you don’t know which one you’re going to get until it begins, adding an extra level of fun.
My favorites were Blondie’s “One Way or Another” and Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.”
I would wait hours to ride this again if that was necessary.
The characters from “Guardians of the Galaxy” appear on the ride.
Carly Carmanna
I ended up riding the attraction a total of nine times during the preview event, and it quickly became my favorite ride at DisneyWorld. I think it will breathe new life into Epcot.
From start to finish, it was full of humor and music that had me dancing in my seat. The attraction exudes infectious joy and offers just the right amount of thrill, even for the timid.
The ride has a minimum height of 42 inches. But there are no loops or dramatic drops, so it’s more family-friendly than some of the thrill rides. The ride vehicles also seemed to be very accommodating.
When it officially opens, the ride won’t have a standby line. Instead, guests will need to sign up for a virtual queue available on Disney World’s mobile app. Ride times will also be available for purchase via Genie+.
But even if I had to wait hours to ride this again, it’d totally be worth it.
