Comparing Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to Tron

I was fortunate to experience Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind during previews at Epcot, and so I’m excited to share the entire experience with you. We’ll go in depth on the entire layout of this attraction, and without really sharing too many details of the story, what you’ll experience as you move throughout. This has an impressive queue, but nothing holds a light when it comes to the ride experience. We’ll talk about why this is really a fantastic roller coaster experience. We’ll compare it to other attractions not only Epcot but at Walt Disney World and even beyond. Moreover, I’ll discuss how it compares to Tron Light Cycles coming to the Magic Kingdom. Having done both, I’m excited to share my insights on what works and what doesn’t and why you want to put Guardians of the Galaxy on your next Walt Disney World Epcot visit.

Note that this is not intended to give out spoilers. But it is intended to make a case as to why you may or may not want to visit this attraction, and that means offering some important details that make this ride what it is.

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Layout

Exterior

• Angular Features Found in World Discovery
• Lack of Water
• Impressive Nova Corps Star Blaster-with Dinosaur Pedestal
• Beautiful at Night
• Best Access Through Connections

The Galaxarium

• Probably where you will spend the most time, especially if you are in a virtual queue.
• Perhaps the only real “educational” aspect of this attraction

The Xandar Gallery

• Lots of great models
• Projection of the city of Xandar
• Interviews with the heroes: The Guardians of the Galaxy
• Homage to Epcot extinct attractions

Phase Chamber Pre-Show

• Foyer assembly area
• Cosmic Generator Overview with Glenn Close & Terry Crews–Former defensive end and linebacker
• Demonstration Room: Eson the Celestial–You need to watch the eternals

Loading Area

• Dual boarding area
• Multiple vehicle train
• Second row sits higher
• No overhead bar, seatbelts, or narrow pull-down

Ride

• Fast & Smooth Ride Design
• Omnimover makes you feel you’re in the front of the train
• Beyond Space Mountain stars
• Physical props impressive
• Projection imagery too squared off
• Probably very difficult once the attraction is down to egress
• Music
  • “September”
  • “Disco Inferno”
  • “Conga”
  • “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”
  • “I Ran”
  • “One Way or Another”

Disembark & Treasures of Xandar Store

This store is operated by The Broker, a proud Xandarian, who’s been awarded the contract and brought part of his famous store here to EPCOT. Some of the merchandise pays tribute to Xandar and items acquired throughout the galaxy and, of course, some items celebrate The Heroes of Xandar, the Guardians of the Galaxy.

The Broker also shared the following with the WDI team recently: “I am so delighted to bring my wares to the Wonders of Xandar pavilion. As a proud Xandarian, it gives me great pleasure to represent my planet to you Terrans and allow you to bring home a small bit of Xandar from my shop: Treasures of Xandar. I only hope that it brings our two cultures that much closer together.”

Comparisons

Key Issues

• Intellectual Property/Story
• Thematic Detail
• Ride Vehicle/Size & Height
• Ride Track & Feel
• Queue Experience
• Capacity–THRC
• Beyond the Ride/Queue/Gift Shop/

• To Other Epcot Attractions
  • Universe of Energy
  • How it compares to other Epcot attractions
    • Spaceship Earth
    • Mission Space
    • Other E-Ticket Attractions
  • This is nearly the most perfect complement to the Epcot attraction roster
  • Drawing the long line between Cosmic Rewind and Ratatouille
• To Other Walt Disney World Coasters
  • Space Mountain
  • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
  • Expedition Everest
  • To Tron Lightcyle
• To Outside Disney Parks
  • Universal Orlando
  • Tampa Busch Gardens
  • Sea World Orlando

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