What We Know So Far About Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Last Updated on January 20, 2024 by Allison Lancaster

With the uprise in popularity of Marvel Movies and the partnership between Marvel and Disney, it is only natural that Disney is incorporating more and more Marvel-themed attractions and events within the parks. It was previously announced (FOUR YEARS AGO!) that there will be a new Guardians of the Galaxy themed attraction coming to Disney World Parks in the summer of 2022. Today, we are going to be diving into all of the details we know so far and what we can expect upon the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

Because of the extensive title of this attraction, throughout the remainder of this article we will refer to it simply as “Cosmic Rewind”. Here is what we know so far:

Location

Cosmic Rewind is going to be an addition to Disney World’s Epcot. It is confirmed to be located at World Discovery, formally known as Future World East. World Discovery is described as the neighborhood in which “guests will go on journeys of science, technology, space, and adventure” which only makes it fitting that a ride based on the Guardians of the Galaxy would be placed here. The attraction is being built on the former Universe of Energy Pavilion. They have completely cleared out the pavilion and provided some reconstruction to better suit the plans for Cosmic Rewind. At the launch of Cosmic Rewind, the Pavilion will now be re-named “Xandar Pavilion”.

Expected Opening Date

Its original launch was expected for 2021 in order to partake in the Walt Disney World 50^th Anniversary celebration, but with the park closures, it has delayed its opening and has since been pushed back to the summer of 2022. Unfortunately, at this time there has not been an official opening date announced or even a general month/range. Currently all that we know is that it is expected for opening in the summer of 2022, and as of right now, is currently still under construction.

Ride Queue and Waiting Area

It has been announced by Disney that when waiting in the queue to board Cosmic Rewind, passengers will enter into Galaxarium where they will explore the mysteries and the formation of the Earth’s galaxy and Xandar, a planet introduced in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies. As you make your way through the queue, you will enter into a room where you will view the pre-show before boarding the attraction. Here, riders will be greeted by the Guardians of the Galaxy and they will welcome you onto Cosmic Rewind and get your experience started.

What to Expect When Riding

Disney has introduced Cosmic Rewind as an “OmniCoaster,” meaning that the ride vehicle can rotate in a 360-degree circle and face any direction. The rotating vehicles, which have been designed to mimic the look of the Milano starship from the Guardians film franchise, will provide accessibility for the coaster to direct passengers to specific visuals and storylines throughout the attraction, but it also provides a factor of thrill for riders. Rumors speculate that the attraction will begin with a scene to kickstart the ride, and then the coaster will move into a dead end leading to a sudden reverse launch, and off you go. As to be expected with Disney, they are making Disney Parks history with the first ever Reverse Launch Attraction at a Disney Park. The ride is expected to have some inclines throughout the track, but it is not expected to go upside-down or have inversions of any kind. Disney has gauged Cosmic Rewind to be in the “high thrill” category, so you can certainly expect some speed and maybe a few crazy twists and turns along the way.

The Storyline

Disney has advertised the attraction as a “story coaster,” meaning that the storyline will be a big part of the attraction. Not much of the storyline has been revealed, but we do know that it has been confirmed that the story will take us back in time to the “The Big Bang”.

Confirmed Facts About Cosmic Rewind

As with the launch of any other new Disney attraction, there is always a ton of rumors and speculation, but let’s go ahead and recap the facts we know about the attraction confirmed to be true by Disney.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a brand new ride to Disney Parks. It is common for Disney to introduce a ride or attraction at one of its park locations and then it will follow into the others but Epcot is the first to host this brand new attraction.
There will be rotating ride vehicles and no upside-down or inversion features.
This is a fully enclosed/indoor rollercoaster.
Cosmic Rewind will be one of the longest fully enclosed rollercoasters in the world.
Marketed as a “Family-friendly storytelling rollercoaster.”

Are you excited for the launch of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind? I know my family certainly is! The Guardians films are some of my personal favorites from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Be on the lookout for more updates and information as we approach the summer and expected launch date of the attraction.