It was originally set to open in 2021. However, it was delayed to May 27, 2022, as part of the park's 40th anniversary celebration, which is part of Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary celebration, since the opening was postponed indefinitely following the closure of the park due to the coronavirus pandemic.[9]
Following the announcement, the attraction became part of the Wonders of Xandar Pavilion, EPCOT's very first Other-World Showcase Pavilion.[10]
The ride was announced as part of an overall overhaul of Epcot at the 2017 D23 Expo.[3] On August 13, 2017, Ellen's Energy Adventure was closed so that construction could begin on the attraction.[11] At D23 Japan in 2018, it was confirmed that the ride would be one of the world's longest enclosed roller coasters and that the ride would open in 2021.[12]
The name of the ride, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, was announced on August 25, 2019 at the D23 Expo 2019.[13]
Construction[]
Construction began in late August 2017. The existing Universe of Energy show building will be reused and retrofitted for the new attraction; the roller coaster itself will be housed in a new, massive show building situated backstage behind the Universe of Energy building and the former Wonders of Life pavilion.[14][15] On May 4, 2018, the Disney Parks Blog released a video stating that 960 truckloads of concrete had been poured for the foundation of the new ride show building.[2]
Looking for a place to establish a peaceful connection to Earth, and at the suggestion of nostalgic Epcot fan Peter Quill, the planet Xandar and its Nova Corps have decided to establish Epcot's first "Other-World Showcase" Pavilion. For their presentation, they have decided to focus on deep space travel, with an elaborate planetarium called the "Galaxarium" serving as a way to give guests a look at the formation of the universe as well as offering a hyperjump visit to Xandar. However, our field trip to Xandar is interrupted when the Celestial Eson, AKA, The Searcher, comes to Earth to reset reality, resulting in the Guardians of the Galaxy coming in to try and defeat him. In the chaos, guests are sent back in time to witness the Big Bang.
Soundtrack[]
Tyler Bates, who composed the scores for the Guardians of the Galaxy films, contributed two hours worth of music for the attraction's queues and pre-shows.[22] A rock instrumental cover of the original Universe of Energy attraction's self-titled theme song can be briefly heard when the Guardians are called in the pre-show and in the first scene of the ride.
The attraction's Awesome Mix selection includes six songs selected from 100 potential candidates. The playlist includes:
"September" by Earth, Wind, and Fire
"Disco Inferno" by the Trammps
"Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction poster
Concept art[]
A young Peter Quill at Epcot
Original version of concept art
Updated version of concept art
The Galaxarium
The Xandar Gallery
Loading area
Nova Corps Starblaster Ship
A new villain, Celestial Eson appears in this attraction
Trivia[]
On Avengers Campus maps highlighting all the various Marvel attractions around the globe, the attraction is referred to as the Xandarian Outpost. At Epcot itself, it is referred to as the Wonders of Xandar pavilion, a reference to the former Wonders of Life pavilion.
During the pre-show, Star-Lord (who is said to have last visited Epcot in the '80s) expresses his excitement to visit several attractions that currently no longer exist, while being unaware of it. He mentions wanting to ride Horizons, see "the Energy dinosaurs", and hear the "Veggie Veggie Fruit Fruit".
The news broadcasts that play during the queue are of "Good Morning Xandar", a potential homage to Good Morning America, an American morning television program that is broadcast on ABC.
The exit of the attraction is made to resemble backstage areas of EPCOT. There is even a mirror next to the door, similar to one Cast Members check themselves in before stepping into the park.
Unlike Mission: BREAKOUT!, Bradley Cooper does not reprise his role as Rocket.
Whereas Mission: BREAKOUT! is based primarily on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, this attraction instead takes inspiration from the first film. This is evident by the presence of the character Nova Prime (who only appeared in the first film), Groot being fully grown instead of a baby, and Mantis being absent.
