Guardians Of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – Story And Amazing Visuals (Photos, Video)

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind approaches its official opening day on May 22, 2022.  We are getting the chance to see more and more of Disney’s latest attraction, including learning more about the details of the story and seeing some of the amazing visuals in this out-of-this-world EPCOT attraction.

Located in the former Universe of Energy location,  Disney’s new family-thrill coaster includes the fun music and popular characters from the Marvel “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, featuring those legendary cosmic outlaws – Rocket, Groot, Drax, Gamora and Star-Lord (a.k.a. Peter Quill).

The Wonders of Xandar pavilion features three main sections: a Galaxarium, the Xandar Gallery, and the Phase Chamber (which leads to the ride itself0.

Guests are allowed to take photos in the Galaxarium and the Xandar Gallery, but are prohibited from taking them in the Phase Chamber.

Entrance

Let’s check out the entrance area.

Ship on display outside the attraction.
Ship on display outside the attraction.

 

Welcome to the Wonders of Xandar pavailion, a play on the name of the long closed Wonders of Life pavilion next door which will someday by the Play Pavilion.
Welcome to the Wonders of Xandar pavilion, a play on the name of the long closed Wonders of Life pavilion next door which will someday be the Play Pavilion.

 

The Xandar people created the pavilion to share information and technology with Terrans, or earthlings.
The Xandar people created the pavilion to share information and technology with Terrans, or earthlings.

 

Great Disney details everywhere - keep terra (earth) clean!
Great Disney details everywhere – keep terra (earth) clean!

Galaxarium

In the Galaxarium, you will explore a planetarium-style space showcasing planets, stars, and other intergalactic wonders (like turkey legs!) that are common between our earth, known as Terra, and Xandar.

Welcome to the Galaxarium!
Welcome to the Galaxarium!

 

The Galaxarium is a huge space with amazing visuals.
The Galaxarium is a huge space with amazing visuals.

 

Many things connect Xandar and Earth.
Many things connect Xandar and Earth.

 

The visuals in this area are huge and beautifully stunning.
The visuals in this area are huge and beautifully stunning.

 

So many connections between our worlds - including turkey legs?!?!
So many connections between our worlds – including turkey legs?!?!

Xandar Gallery

Check out artifacts and videos to learn more about Xandar.

Enjoy a chat with Star-Lord.
Enjoy a chat with Star-Lord.

 

Check out the model ships on display.
Check out the model ships on display.

 

Glenn Close as Nova Prime.
Glenn Close as Nova Prime.

 

The colors of Cosmic Rewind are beautiful.
The colors of Cosmic Rewind are beautiful.

 

Phase Chamber

The Centurian says he does not allow any photos here.  He is serious about that!

Centurion Tal Marik tell us photography is not allowed in the Phase Chamber!
Centurion Tal Marik tells us photography is not allowed in the Phase Chamber!

Story

Learn more about the sorry behind the attraction in this video from Steve who worked on the project.

Ride

After you get through the pre-show, it’s time for the ride – a Disney-first coaster that features a backward launch and ride vehicles that rotate.

The main portion of the coaster ride includes one of these songs – you won’t know which one you will get until you are on the ride:

  • September
  • Disco Inferno
  • Conga
  • I Ran
  • One Way or Another
  • Everybody Wants to Rule the World (a personal favorite and a good fit in many ways).

The ride itself is smooth – very much so in the front, but a bit less in the back.

For me, the forward motion of the coaster combined with ride vehicles that rotate to direct your attention throughout the journey was fun and innovative.  That said, if you are bothered by effects like the backward ride section in Expedition Everest, you might want to think carefully about whether this attraction is for you.

Conclusion

Fun, thrilling, and visually stunning, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will be a game changer for EPCOT.  It adds thrills and a “cool factor” that many will enjoy.  It also combines well-known, beloved characters from the blockbuster film with fun music to create an experience that many will enjoy.

Do you plan to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind?