Comparing Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to Tron

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.

The outline for this podcast along with photos and more are below. But the podcast carries the narrative and is available on PodbeaniTunesSpotify,  and ListenNotes. Please subscribe to the podcast and to this website so you can be notified of upcoming posts and podcasts! 

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

Come Join Our Patreon Group!

We thank you for visiting and listening to us. We appreciate your patronage and your friendship. To help make these websites and podcasts possible, there are several easy ways you can help:

  1. In addition to the podcast channel you listen to, please visit DisneyatPlay.com and DisneyatWork.com and subscribe to our website. That way you get notices of new posts and podcasts coming out.
  2. If you like what we have to offer, please visit iTunes and offer us a favorable rating and even a review. This helps notify others of what we have to offer. 
  3. If you like videos not just of Walt Disney World but of parks throughout the world, visit J. Jeff Kober on YouTube and subscribe there.
  4. Finally, join the Wayfinder Society. For as little as a dollar a month, this Patreon group not only helps to support this podcast and attending websites, but also gives you access to one of our Disney at Play Interactive Guides. 

NOTE! with any Wayfinder membership, you will also get an in-depth look at the Metaverse at Disney and in other world-class organizations. Sign up today!

There are four tiers to our society, two of which are available to all who love Disney and are fans. The second two tiers not only celebrate all things Disney, but focus on best-in-business practices from the happiest and most magical places on earth that can be applied to your own organization. All of them offer unique offerings only available here at Disney at Work and Play. For instance, right now subscribers to the three top tiers can experience a deep dive into Pirates of the Caribbean unlike any other.

And now we’re happy to announce that first Explorer tier is only $1.00 a month. And with that you not only help to support us but will receive access to one of our Disney at Play Discoveries: Pandora World of Avatar: To see a sneak peek at all that’s offered on this truly unique interactive guide, please visit us at the Wayfinder Society. While there you can also get a sneak peek at our Disney at Work Interactive Tour of Disneyland, available to our Navigator and Adventurer levels. We promise you content and experiences you can’t get elsewhere. And your patronage goes to help support these podcasts and posts.

Check out the Wayfinder’s Society to see these two new Sneak Peeks!

Ready to Visit the Disney Parks?

Hopefully this podcast has made you realize you need help and support in planning your next trip to Disney. David and Leah with Out the Door Travel know Disney in ways few do and they can make your next trip on land or sea an exciting one–or at least less stressful! Be sure to contact them as you explore your next vacation, whether it is a Disney theme park vacation, a cruise, or an Adventure by Disney. There is no charge to utilize their services, but it will save you enormous time getting all the details right, and with their insight you can be assured you’re going to experience the best trip possible. Contact them today!

David and Leah Zanolla
Owner/Agents
(309) 863-5469
zanolla@otdtravel.com
Facebook: facebook.com/OTDwithDavid
Instagram: @otdwithdavid

J. Jeff Kober

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

YouTube
YouTube
LinkedIn
LinkedIn
Share