Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a roller coaster at Epcot.
The attraction is inspired by the Marvel film of the same name and is taking over the area where Ellen’s Energy Adventure used to be.
In this article
Quick Facts
- Location: Epcot, New World Discovery neighborhood (formerly Future World)
- Height Requirement: 42 inches
- Description: Storytelling coaster themed to Guardians of the Galaxy with a reverse launch.
- When to Visit: Whenever your boarding group is called or your Individual Lightning Lane time slot is open
- Recommended: Yes, especially for Marvel fans
- Tip(s): The only way to ride is by joining the virtual queue or purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane in the My Disney Experience app
- Genie+, Individual Lightning Lane Selection, or Virtual Queue: You can purchase an Individual Lightning Lane selection, along with requesting to join a virtual queue. Genie+ and a Standby Line are not available here.
- Scheduled Refurbishments
Everything You Need To Know About Cosmic Rewind
Location
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is located in the new World Discovery neighborhood in the former Future World area. It’s taken over the area where Ellen’s Energy Adventure used to be in what is now called the “Wonders of Xandar pavilion.”
Height Requirement
The height requirement for Cosmic Rewind is 42 inches. We also have guides on other WDW thrill rides and height requirements for attractions at other theme parks and water parks.
Rider Switch & Single Rider
You can use Rider Switch for Cosmic Rewind. Rider Switch is Disney’s system that allows guests with small children to take turns riding bigger rides, while another person/people wait with the little one.
At this time, a Single Rider Line is not available. Single Rider means you’d ride alone and enter this queue, instead of the Standby Line or the Lightning Lane.
Virtual Queue
If you want to ride Cosmic Rewind, there are only 2 ways to do so — via virtual queue or by purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane Selection.
A Standby Line is not available at this time.
Keep in mind that Individual Lightning Lane selections are not included with Disney Genie+ (the new paid FastPass service at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland). These are sold separately and are pay-per-use.
Pricing for paid individual Lightning Lane options varies by date, attraction, and park.
History
Cosmic Rewind was first announced at the 2017 D23 Expo. At the time of the announcement, Disney also said the attraction would open in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021.
However, due to the pandemic, the opening date got pushed. Cosmic Rewind opened on May 27, 2022 over Memorial Day weekend.
Cosmic Rewind is a whole new experience at Walt Disney World.
Not only does the coaster have a reverse launch (the first for a Disney coaster!), but the ride vehicles rotate 360 degrees and this is one of the world’s longest enclosed coasters.
This is a first-of-its-kind programmable Omnicoaster ride system, where guests can be rotated along the ride track towards the action.
Queue
Cosmic Rewind doesn’t have any interactive queue elements, but it is an impressive indoor queue.
When guests first enter the Wonders of Xandar Pavilion (the name for where Cosmic Rewind is housed), they’ll step inside the “Galaxarium.”
This is a planetarium-like exhibition showcasing the connections between Xandar and Terra (Earth).
The Galaxarium’s full viewing experience is over 30 minutes long and shows Xandar, Earth, the Andromeda, Milky Way Galaxies, and Star-Lord’s iconic Awesome Mix Vol. 1.
There’s also a pre-show featuring Guardians of the Galaxy characters, including Star-Lord, Gamora, Groot, Rocket, and Drax.
Keep in mind that there is also a gift shop called Treasures of Xandar that is operated by The Broker, where you can find Xandar-inspired merchandise, along with other Guardians of the Galaxy items.
Once guests get off the ride and exit via the stairs or elevator, Treasures of Xandar is around the corner.
Motion Sickness
It’s possible this ride will cause motion sickness for some.
There is a reverse launch and the ride vehicles have a controlled spin of 360 degrees. Though, keep in mind that this is a very smooth roller coaster.
Whether you get motion sickness or not will simply depend on what you and your body can handle.
FYI: We have a guide on motion sickness that’s filled with information and tips, so feel free to check that out.
Ride Vehicles
Here are the ride vehicles for Cosmic Rewind.
The ride vehicles have 2 rows with 4 seats, so a total of 2 individuals will be in one ride vehicle. There’s also a pull-down lap bar for safety.
The ride is an “Ominicoaster,” which is a new term crafted by Disney combining “Omnimover and roller coaster” together.
Attractions with an Omnimover system have continuously-moving ride vehicles with the ability to swivel 360 degrees so ride goers are pointed towards most of the action.
Cosmic Rewind features “a first-of-its-kind programmable Omnicoaster ride system, where guests can be rotated along the ride track towards the action.”
To be clear, the ride vehicles spin in a controlled turn, not a free-spinning motion. This way, you’re being directed towards the action, while the coaster track travels in another direction.
Is It Kid-Friendly?
Disney describes Cosmic Rewind as “family-friendly,” but this particular ride probably won’t be for all little ones.
Between the reverse launch, being a roller coaster, spinning ride vehicles, and dark moments, some kids may be scared.
Feel free to check out our list of some other things that might scare little ones at WDW.
PhotoPass/On-Ride Photos
Your photo is taken on Cosmic Rewind. The camera goes off at the beginning of the ride, so be prepared!
Keep in mind that when you ride with a MagicBand and a linked Memory Maker entitlement, your photo will automatically be uploaded to your My Disney Experience account. The same can be said if you’re a WDW Annual Passholder.
Be sure to read more on PhotoPass and how Memory Maker works.
Ride-through Video
Here is a ride-through video of Cosmic Rewind. The following obviously contains spoilers, so do not watch if you want to be completely surprised.
Other Fun Details
- Easter Eggs: The sign above the exit at the bottom of the stairs after you get off the ride reads “Epcot” in Xandarian. Drax calling the “big bang” “ding dang” is a Universe of Energy reference. When the Guardians fly in at the beginning of the ride they’re listening to a rock version of the Universe of Energy theme song. There’s a hidden Mickey in the queue’s Xandarian City model. Walt Disney and Progress City are seen in the pre-show.
- Play Disney Parks: N/A
- Movie Connections: This attraction is inspired by Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.
VIDEO: 5 Tips for Riding Cosmic Rewind at Epcot
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