Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Epcot's newest thrill ride, blasts off as Disney World's fastest coaster. Beyond the high-speed launch and intense turns, riders are treated to stunning visuals. The ride integrates music and impressive projections creating an immersive experience. Blending storytelling with a roller coaster, this innovative attraction delivers a unique Disney adventure.
One of the most distinctive features of Cosmic Rewind is its reverse launch. Riders are propelled backward into the vastness of space, setting the stage for an intergalactic chase. This is a first for any Disney coaster in the United States, adding a unique element of surprise and excitement right from the start. Forget the traditional slow climb and anticipation; you're immediately thrust into the action.
Forget simply facing forward. The ride vehicles, known as Omnicoasters, rotate 360 degrees during the ride. This ensures that riders never miss a moment of the action, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the story unfolding around them. The vehicles are programmed to direct your gaze towards key scenes and characters, making you feel like you're right in the middle of a Guardians of the Galaxy adventure. It is a key technology contributing to the unparalleled immersion of this coaster.
The ride is set to a classic 70s and 80s soundtrack. These classic tunes help set the atmosphere. And to enhance the immersion, Cosmic Rewind boasts spectacular visuals. Giant screens display breathtaking scenes of space, celestial bodies, and the Guardians battling their foes. The seamless integration of physical sets and digital projections creates a truly believable and captivating environment. The combination of high-speed thrills and immersive storytelling is what sets this Disney World coaster apart.
While Cosmic Rewind is undeniably thrilling, it's designed to be a family-friendly coaster. The speed and intensity are balanced with smooth maneuvers and engaging visuals. The ride is incredibly smooth thanks to its advanced ride technology and the fact that it is enclosed. This helps to reduce any fear for kids who are used to the older, outdoor coaster. However, it's still important to consider individual sensitivities to motion sickness, as the rotating ride vehicles can be disorienting for some.
How does Cosmic Rewind stack up against other thrill rides at Disney World? Let's take a look:
Coaster Speed Inversions Thrill Level Unique Features Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind 60 mph None High Reverse launch, rotating vehicles, indoor, immersive storytelling, retro soundtrack. Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain 50 mph None Medium-High Backward sections, Yeti encounter, mountainous terrain. Space Mountain 28 mph None Medium Indoor, dark, sudden drops, classic Disney experience. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith 57 mph 3 High Launch start, inversions, rock music soundtrack, indoor.
Due to its immense popularity, experiencing Cosmic Rewind requires some planning. Guests can join a virtual queue via the My Disney Experience app at 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM each day. Securing a spot in the virtual queue is highly competitive, so be sure to be ready to join right when the queue opens. Another option is to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane entry, which allows you to bypass the standby line for a fee. This is the only paid option, other than buying Genie+, to get on this ride. Arriving at EPCOT before park opening is advisable to increase your chances of success, especially if you are not purchasing the lightning lane. Having a strategy in place is crucial for minimizing wait times and maximizing your enjoyment of this incredible Disney World coaster.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is more than just a thrill ride; it's an immersive experience that blends speed, storytelling, and state-of-the-art technology. From the reverse launch to the rotating ride vehicles and stunning visuals, every element is designed to transport you to another galaxy and put you right in the heart of a Guardians of the Galaxy adventure. It solidifies its place as not only one of Disney World's fastest coasters, but also one of its most innovative and captivating attractions.
Trip Ideas
Airbnb Is Giving 32 People the Chance to Visit the Colosseum After Hours to Watch a Gladiator Fight — How to Enter
Trip Ideas
These Tech Tools and Apps Are Making LGBTQ Travel Easier and Better
Trip Ideas
This Cultural Wine District in Porto, Portugal, Has 12 Restaurants and Immersive Drink Experiences — Here's How to See It
Trip Ideas
These Black Female Travelers Aren’t Letting Their Disabilities Stop Them From Seeing the World: Episode 10 of Travel + Leisure’s New Podcast
Trip Ideas
10 Best Beach Towns in Costa Rica, According to Locals
Trip Ideas
10 Affordable Places to Travel for Thanksgiving This Year
Trip Ideas
Amtrak to Restore Service Along This Southern Route for the First Time in Nearly 20 Years
Trip Ideas
I Visited Some of Europe's Most Charming Spa Towns by Train — Here's What It Was Like
Trip Ideas
The Only Woman to Get Three Michelin Stars in the U.S. Is Changing the Cabo Culinary Game
Trip Ideas
Disney Water Park Guide: What to Know About Typhoon Lagoon vs. Blizzard Beach
Trip Ideas
Why I Spend My Summers Biking Around Osaka
Trip Ideas
Costa Rica's Indigenous Population Is Working to Save the Planet — and This Tour Is an Inside Peek
Trip Ideas
The World’s Strangest Natural Wonders
Trip Ideas
This Gorgeous Greek Island Has More Than 20 Beaches — How to Plan the Perfect Visit
Trip Ideas
I'm a Lifelong Skier, and These Are the 36 Ski Deals I'm Shopping During Amazon Prime Big Deal Days — From $6
Trip Ideas
This Often-overlooked Utah Ski Area Is the Nation’s Largest — With an Average 500 Inches of Snow a Year
