Guide To Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Disney World’s EPCOT

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a groundbreaking attraction at Disney World’s EPCOT, offering a unique blend of storytelling and technology. As one of the park’s most innovative experiences, this coaster takes guests on an intergalactic adventure with the beloved Guardians of the Galaxy characters. Unlike traditional roller coasters, Cosmic Rewind features a revolutionary ride system with vehicles that rotate 360 degrees, fully engaging passengers with immersive storytelling and stunning visuals.

The ride combines thrilling elements, such as high-speed turns and gentle drops, with an engaging narrative, making it a standout addition to EPCOT’s roster of attractions. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a fan of the Guardians franchise, Cosmic Rewind offers an unforgettable journey through space, filled with excitement, laughter, and the heartwarming camaraderie of the Guardians team.

Key Information

• Height Requirements: Guests must be at least 42 inches (107 cm) tall to experience this ride, ensuring safety and comfort for all riders.

• Suitability: The ride is designed to cater to a wide audience, including Adults, Teens, and Kids who meet the height requirement. It’s a family-friendly attraction that offers thrills while still accessible to younger guests.

• Type of Ride: Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind is a thrill ride incorporating innovative technology. It’s a roller coaster with a twist—literally. The vehicles rotate 360 degrees, offering a dynamic experience with gentle drops and dark ride elements.

• Category: This attraction is categorised as an Indoor Roller Coaster, setting it apart from traditional outdoor coasters and adding an element of surprise with its enclosed environment.

• Photography: Photography is not recommended during the ride due to its dynamic nature and the need to secure loose items. However, designated photo spots may exist before boarding or at the ride’s exit.

• Opening Date: While the exact opening date needs to be specified here, it’s crucial to note that the ride is a relatively new addition to EPCOT and showcases the latest theme park entertainment technology.

• Location: Located in EPCOT, specifically in the newly revamped area that pays homage to the future and space exploration, this ride is set in a prime location that complements its theme and story.

• Length: The ride offers a substantial experience in terms of length, providing enough time for guests to fully immerse themselves in the story and enjoy the innovative ride mechanics.

• Top Speed: The ride reaches an exhilarating top speed of 60mph, offering exciting thrills yet suitable for a family audience, aligning with the ride’s inclusive design philosophy.

Cosmic Rewind Ride Experience

• The Story: The ride is an exhilarating journey that ties into the larger Guardians of the Galaxy universe. Guests join the Guardians in a race through space and time to thwart a universe-threatening event. The storyline is engaging, filled with humour, action, and beloved characters from the franchise, making every moment on the ride an exciting narrative experience.

• Key Features: The ride boasts a unique, rotating roller coaster system that allows guests to always be in the middle of the action, no matter their position. It features state-of-the-art visuals and a soundtrack perfectly synced to the ride’s movements, enhancing the overall experience. Expect sudden turns, mild drops, and surprises that make the ride dynamically thrilling.

• Characters: During the adventure, guests will encounter several fan-favourite characters, including Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket, Groot, and Drax, who bring their distinct personalities and humour to the experience. Including these characters adds depth to the ride, making it a physical thrill and a memorable story-driven journey.

• Standout Moments: Cosmic Rewind stands out in its innovative ride system and how it integrates the narrative into the physical experience. Guests are not just passive riders but active participants in the Guardians’ mission, making every twist and turn feel like a crucial part of the unfolding story. The ride’s ability to blend high-speed excitement with engaging storytelling sets it apart in the theme park landscape.

The Queue Experience

• Queue Line Images: The queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is an experience designed to immerse guests into the world of the Guardians before the ride even begins. The gallery or virtual tour would showcase various sections of the queue, each themed to reflect the Guardians’ universe, with artefacts, interactive displays, and snippets of the storyline to engage guests as they wait.

• What’s Included: The queue includes a series of displays and interactive elements that provide backstory and context for the ride’s narrative. It’s designed to entertain and inform, setting the stage for the adventure with elements that might include mission briefings, artefacts from the Guardians’ adventures, and Easter eggs for fans to discover.

• Interactive Elements: The queue offers various interactive elements, including touch screens with games or trivia about the Guardians, augmented reality features, or pre-ride shows that involve the guests in the storyline, making the wait part of the adventure. These elements entertain and enhance the overall narrative immersion, preparing guests for the experience ahead.

Tips for the Best Experience

• Know the Lore / Franchise: Familiarise yourself with the Guardians of the Galaxy lore to enhance your ride experience. Understanding the characters and their backstories will add depth to your experience, making the ride more immersive and enjoyable.

• Cool / Unknown Facts: Dive into some unique aspects of the ride to heighten your anticipation. For instance, Cosmic Rewind is known for its innovative ride system, which is a first of its kind. The soundtrack, synchronised with the ride’s movements, is specially curated to elevate the experience, featuring popular songs that resonate with the Guardians’ adventures.

• Minimise Queue Times: To avoid long waits, consider using Disney’s Genie+ service or arriving during less busy times, like early morning or during parade times. Staying on-site at a Disney resort can also offer early park entry benefits, giving you a head start.

• Best Ride Seating Placement: For the most dynamic experience, the middle section offers a balanced view of all the action. However, thrill-seekers may prefer the front for an unobstructed view or the back for a more intense ride sensation. Left or right doesn’t significantly impact the experience, as the ride’s rotating seats ensure a full view of the surroundings.

• Accessories: Wear comfortable clothing and secure any loose items. If you wear glasses, ensure they fit snugly or use a strap to secure them. Photography isn’t recommended during the ride due to its dynamic nature, so storing your devices securely is best.

The Ride’s Soundtrack

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind songs celebrate classic hits, adding an exciting layer to an exhilarating coaster attraction. Every ride experience can be different, though, as a different song is randomly selected each time. Riders can expect to hear:

• “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire
• “Disco Inferno” by The Trammps
• “Conga” by Gloria Estefan
• “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears
• “I Ran” by A Flock of Seagulls

View our Cosmic Rewind song ranking

Our Rating

Overall Rating: 9.8 out of 10

The Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride earns a stellar 9.8 out of 10 for its innovative approach to theme park entertainment. This rating is derived from several key factors:

1. Innovative Technology: The ride’s unique rotating coaster system and seamless integration of visuals and audio create an unparalleled immersive experience. The ability to rotate and focus on the action ensures that no two experiences are exactly alike, pushing the boundaries of traditional roller coaster design.
2. Storytelling: Unlike many thrill rides prioritising physical sensations over narrative, Cosmic Rewind excels in weaving a compelling story throughout the experience. The Guardians’ characters bring humour, excitement, and a touch of heart to the ride, making it resonate more with guests.
3. Guest Experience: From the detailed queue experience that sets the stage to the thrilling ride itself, every aspect is designed to engage and entertain. The ride is accessible to a broad audience, appealing to both fans of the franchise and those new to the Guardians’ world.
4. Repeatability: The combination of story elements, music, and the dynamic ride system offers a high replay value. Guests will likely discover new details and enjoy different aspects of the ride with each visit.
5. Queue Experience: While the queue is an integral part of the story, our rating was slightly lower than perfect due to the inherent nature of waiting and the current virtual x lightning lane queue options for this ride. However, the interactive and thematic design significantly enhances the overall experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the best age group for the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride?

The ride suits a broad age range, including kids (who meet the height requirement), teens, and adults. Its universal appeal is due to the engaging storyline, innovative ride mechanics, and balanced thrill level, making it enjoyable for families and individuals.

Q2: How long is the wait for the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind?

Wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day and season. To minimize wait times, consider visiting early in the morning or utilizing Disney’s Genie+ service. Checking the My Disney Experience app for real-time wait times can help you plan your visit more effectively.

Q3: Is there any merchandise related to the ride available for purchase?

Yes, Disney typically offers themed merchandise for their major attractions. For Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, you can expect apparel, accessories, and other memorabilia featuring characters and elements from the ride, available in the dedicated ride shop near the exit and shops throughout EPCOT.

Q4: Are there any photo opportunities related to the ride?

While photography on the ride is not recommended for safety reasons, there are designated photo spots near the entrance and exit. These spots are perfect for capturing memories with themed backdrops or props related to the Guardians of the Galaxy. The attraction also has an in-ride photo opportunity when you launch as the soundtrack starts.

Q5: Can I experience the ride if unfamiliar with the Guardians of the Galaxy movies?

Absolutely! While prior knowledge of the movies enhances the experience, the ride is designed to be enjoyable and accessible to everyone. The storyline within the ride is self-contained, ensuring that all guests, regardless of their familiarity with the franchise, can engage with and enjoy the adventure.

Q6: Are there any special considerations for guests with disabilities?

Disney is committed to accessibility for all guests. Special boarding procedures and ride vehicle accommodations are available for those with disabilities. Guests can visit Guest Relations or the ride’s entrance for more information on accessibility options and any necessary arrangements to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.