Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (A Resorts Gal Ride Guide)

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is an indoor roller coaster at Epcot in Walt Disney World. It uses some of the same technology as Disney’s Omnimover ride system. This Omnicoaster is the first of its kind and is one of the longest indoor roller coasters in the world.

Below, we’ll discuss the details for experiencing Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. We’ll walk through the queue, check out the height requirements, and discuss what to expect. So close your eyes (or pretend it’s dark), put on the Guardians Awesome Mix Soundtrack in the background, and get ready for the ride of a lifetime. That’s the best way I know how to describe this riveting roller-coaster ride that quickly became a personal and guest favorite.

Here is a quick reference chart for experiencing Cosmic Rewind at Epcot.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind	Epcot Attractions
Location:	World Discovery
Disney Height Requirement:	42 inches or taller (42″)
Lightning Lane:	Yes, with Lightning Lane Single Pass
Ride Type:	Roller Coaster
Seats Per Vehicle:	2 per row, 4 per car
Rider Switch:	Yes
Early Theme Park Entry:	No
Extended Evening Hours:	Yes
Good For:	Thrill-seekers
Scare Factor:	Medium
Must-Do List:	High
Special Mention:	This attraction has an on-ride photo opportunity.

Additional Info: To experience this attraction, guests must transfer from a wheelchair or ECV to the ride vehicle. Audio description, handheld captioning, and assistive listening are available. Details for those with mobility issues (i.e., wheelchair, ECVs) are available on Disney.com.

Make sure to check our one-stop Lightning Lane Guide to plan your attractions.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Cosmic Rewind is part of the Wonders of Xandar Pavilion at Epcot’s World Discovery, formerly home to the Universe of Energy Pavilion. The Guardians of the Galaxy Starship sits at the entrance of this otherworldly area. If you want your photo taken, a PhotoPass photographer is usually available to the right of the Milano (ship).

To join either queue for this attraction, head toward the left side of the Starship. Cosmic Rewind has a standby and a Lightning Lane Single Pass entrance. The interior portion of the queue doubles as an exhibit, The Wonders of Xandar.

This Galaxarium compares the similarities and differences between our world and the galaxy of Xandar.

A large overhead screen shares things we “Terrans” enjoy, like this turkey leg, a popular theme park snack.

For the record, planet Earth is called Terra in galaxy-speak, and humans are considered Terrans.

The queue winds around while narration provides a backstory of how things supposedly came into existence. I say supposedly because there’s mention of the Big Bang. As a Christian, I believe in God. While I wasn’t offended by the queue, I felt it was worth mentioning. You got the same spiel if you ever rode Ellen’s Energy Adventure.

Anyway, the queue continues into a room with several exhibits.

You’ll see some unique maps of the galaxy.

And there is a fabulous scale model of a city in Xandar.

The starship model sits on the opposite side.

Several screens have various characters pop up, relaying messages.

You’ll see Rocket and Groot. They are interviewed about how they helped save the galaxy.

Groot said something along the lines of, “I am Groot.”

Most will find the entire interior portion of the queue entertaining. Better yet, it’s air-conditioned.

As you approach the ride, you’ll enter a pre-show area. Glenn Close and Terry Crews appear on screen as Nova Prime and Centurion Tal Marik. They are soon joined by the Guardians, who quickly hatch a plan to save the galaxy. Rocket will share your mission and a few ride details.

Cosmic Rewind has several warnings posted throughout the queue. As already discussed, the ride has a 42″ height requirement. Disney also has ride rules regarding riding with children: All children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by a person 14 years or older.

After the preshow, you’ll enter a long hallway that looks down to the loading area on each side. A cast member will direct you to either the right or left side. Both sides are the same, so it doesn’t matter which one you board.

Then it’s time to ride!

Each set of cars (Nova Corps Starjumper shuttles) holds four guests, with two riders per row. The ride vehicle has a front and a back row.

After getting seated, you’ll pull the restraint over your lap. A cast member will come by to double-check it’s secured. Then you’re off on the ride of a lifetime! Initially, you’ll move forward and around an upcoming bend on the track before entering the galaxy. After that, there’s a brief pause where it appears you’re straightening up. That’s about the same time the bad guy, Celestial Eson, appears.

Before you know it, you’re launching backward in a “cosmic rewind,” and one of the following songs plays in the background:

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

Besides the reverse launch, the surprise factor is that your car spins from side to side, potentially resulting in motion sickness for some. While I’ve had some dealings with vertigo and motion sickness, I haven’t had any issues with the ride. The best way I can describe this attraction is that it feels like you’re swinging from side to side while continuing on a roller coaster track. The first time I rode Cosmic Rewind, I had a bit of a headache after exiting the ride. But I’m not sure the ride caused it. Since then, we’ve experienced the attraction at least a hundred times without trouble. It is our favorite thrill ride at Walt Disney World.

The most significant impact was how the background music enhanced the ride. My first song was “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” and it was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. While I don’t believe the ride is scary, children who meet the height requirement might be intimidated because most of the ride is pitch black, and you cannot see the track ahead. However, there are no inversions or significant drops.

Lightning Lane for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind requires that guests purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass to skip the standby queue. We have a separate guide that discusses how and when guests can purchase Lightning Lanes. It will depend on whether you’re visiting as a resort guest or from off-site. It is important to remember that a Lightning Lane allows you to skip the standby queue, so you will still have to wait. But it won’t be as long as it would if you waited in standby.

Does Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Have a Virtual Queue?

If a virtual queue is required, you must obtain one to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind via the standby queue. Disney has a list of current virtual queues on their site. We recommend checking the status of any virtual queues before your visit. They change occasionally and could be implemented when high crowds are forecasted.

Here’s what Disney has to say about virtual queues:

From time to time, a virtual queue—accessible via the My Disney Experience app—may be used for select attractions or experiences. When a virtual queue is in place, you can request to enjoy that attraction or experience later in the day, so you can enjoy other experiences while you wait. When the virtual queue is in place, a standby queue will not be available, and Guests must use the My Disney Experience app to enter the attraction or experience.

Reference Virtual Queues

Virtual queues are released at 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Guests must be in the park to obtain a 1:00 p.m. boarding group. Availability is limited. You’ll receive a notification from the My Disney Experience app when your boarding group has been called. You do not have to be in the park to obtain a queue for the first release.

The Resorts Gal Spin on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

We give Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind the green light! It’s one of the few rides we would consider purchasing a Lightning Lane Single Pass to experience. But you might consider giving it the red light if you’re prone to motion sickness or if you’re not feeling your usual self.

Final Thoughts

Overall, we love Cosmic Rewind and think it’s one of Disney’s best thrill attractions! I hope you’ll love it as much as my family does!

For more Epcot Planning, try the following:

• Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• Mission: SPACE Ride Guide
• Test Track Ride Guide

In the comments

Have you ridden the new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster yet? If so, what do you think? What song did you get? We love to hear from you. Leave your thoughts in the comments below.