At a Glance
Duration: 3 minutes
Look Out For: high speeds, motion sickness, disorienting/scary visuals, twists, turns, and drops
Opening on May 27, 2022, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is an innovative indoor coaster that truly takes you out of this world. But how scary is Cosmic Rewind? Let’s take a look at the ratings:
1. Ride Length
Cosmic Rewind has a ride duration of 3 minutes. However, this does not include the elaborate pre-show, which many would consider part of the ride experience as well.
2. Height Requirement and Warnings
Cosmic Rewind has a height requirement of 42 inches. For reference, this restriction puts it between Thunder Mountain and Tower of Terror (at 40 inches) and Space Mountain and Expedition Everest (at 44 inches). It is also advised that riders with high blood pressure or heart, back, or neck problems do not ride.
3. Ride Vehicles and Restraints
The Cosmic Rewind ride vehicles consist of a 5-car train, each seating 4 passengers in 2 rows of 2. In addition, each rider gets their own lap bar.
4. How Does Cosmic Rewind Work?
Cosmic Rewind works like a standard roller coaster, but has rotating cars that swivel you towards the intended show scenes. While the track itself is not all that unique (save for the reverse launch, of course) the dynamic motion in the revolving cars – as well as the massive screens and great sound design – make for a much more immersive experience.
5. Is Cosmic Rewind Scary?
Cosmic Rewind could definitely be scary to some riders. While lacking any outright spooky theming, there are certainly moments of peril, huge cosmic beings, and an overall very disorienting ride experience which could be upsetting to some. I would, personally, compare this ride to Space Mountain – in the sense that it is a fairly “tame” indoor coaster made much more intense by darkness. Its drops, turns, and sudden movements are absolutely heightened by the dark, and not being able to see where you’re going can be both disorienting and frightening to some.
In addition to the thrill elements, there are also some flashing lights, loud noises, explosions/implosions, and an overall very action-packed and chaotic pacing throughout the ride. The pre-show also involves a pretty overwhelming “demonstration of the cosmic generator” that involves more flashing lights and loud noises. Because of this, those prone to sensory sensitivity may want to take a moment to consider this attraction.
6. How High is Cosmic Rewind?
Cosmic Rewind does not technically involve heights. As an indoor coaster, the track remains fairly close to the ground and the darkness prevents you from having any idea how high up you are at any time. However, this attraction is set in space, and has the same cosmic vibe you’d find at Space Mountain. While this doesn’t necessarily make you feel like you’re looking down from a great height, the ride is still extremely immersive and involves space travel.
7. How Fast is Cosmic Rewind?
Cosmic Rewind is very fast with a top speed of 60 miles per hour. This ride is just a bit faster than Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in Hollywood Studios – but doesn’t involve any inversions or loops. While this is a fast coaster in its own right, the swiveling ride vehicles and darkness definitely heighten the speed factor. Personally, I felt that this ride was just as intense as any other coaster in the park – though many people find it less thrilling. What do you think?
8. Does Cosmic Rewind Have Drops?
Cosmic Rewind does have drops. With its fairly standard roller coaster track, this attraction has its fair share of twists, turns, and drops. More notably, however, this ride has a reverse launch that hurtles you backwards at a high speed. While it’s not a drop, it certainly gives you that stomach-in-your-throat feeling all the same.
While the actual track is pretty “tame” by roller coaster standards, it’s important to note that the swiveling cars and disorienting visuals make for a much more intense ride. To get an idea of what the actual track looks like with the lights on, go check out this brief video by Disney Parks.
9. Does Cosmic Rewind Cause Motion Sickness?
Cosmic Rewind may cause motion sickness to some riders. While certainly fast-paced and immersive, this attraction does involve both spinning ride vehicles and massive screens with rushing visuals. Those prone to motion sickness may want to take a moment to consider this one.
10. Is Cosmic Rewind Claustrophobic?
Cosmic Rewind should not feel claustrophobic to most riders. With it’s short ride duration, non-stop thrills, and very immersive ride experience, this attraction didn’t give me much time to feel confined. While the ride itself might not feel claustrophobic, it does involve a lap bar and the long, windowless queue could pose a problem for some. This is another attraction I’d recommend getting a lightning lane for, so that you can bypass most of the queue and still enjoy the ride.
11. Are There Animatronics on Cosmic Rewind?
There are no animatronics on Cosmic Rewind.
Cosmic Rewind Queue Walkthrough
The queue entrance is located outside in the World Discovery area of Epcot. After winding around outside for a bit, the line will take you inside where you’ll make your way down a hallway and into an exquisitely themed atrium area. There is a massive, circular screen above you as the line snakes around the large room. You’ll head up several ramps and find yourself in a series of rooms filled with amazing props and elaborate queue elements. Finally, you’ll be queued up in front of several doors leading to the pre-show room.
Once you’re inside, you’ll be shown a 2 and-a-half minute video introducing to the planet of Xandar and the plan to get you there. You’ll then be led into the next room where you’ll be “transported” for a “demonstration of the cosmic generator.” This sequence lasts about 3 minutes and involves the cosmic generator “revving up” – with flashing lights and loud noises – before “teleporting” you to an entirely different location. Don’t worry, though – it’s just a really cool practical effect and you never actually leave the room.
Things start to go awry, however, when a massive celestial named Eson crashes the party. You’ll see him through the ship’s window (just a screen) as he takes the cosmic generator and creates a jump point through time and space. You’re left to follow after him in an escape pod and help restore order with the Guardians of the Galaxy.
After exiting the second pre-show room, you’ll make your way down another series of hallways before finally making your way to the loading station.
Cosmic Rewind Ride Walkthrough
Once boarding the ride vehicles, you’ll set off towards the jump point and prepare to launch. There’s often a short delay here, but soon you’ll be on your way, flying slowly through the jump point (a light tunnel) before coming face to face with Eson on the other side. The Guardians are too late, however, and the massive celestial takes us back in time – the cosmic generator imploding and then exploding – sending you hurtling backwards in a reverse launch.
Your ride vehicle will rotate around so that you’re facing forward again, and you’ll soar through several elaborate show scenes involving both screens and cool practical effects. The cars will swivel, twist, turn, and drop but never go upside down at any point. However, as mentioned earlier, this is a very disorienting ride and every thrill element is heightened by the darkness. After zooming through space to a classic 80s soundtrack, you’ll somehow save the day and make your way back to the loading station where you’ll be thanked by the Guardians on your way out.
That’s it! Remember, everyone’s riding experience is a little bit different and only you can decide whether to hop on that ride vehicle or not. I just hope this guide helps you be prepared and enjoy every second of your Disney experience!
So what do you think? How scary is Cosmic Rewind? Leave a comment to help keep this guide up to date!
Be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW for a full visual of the ride and queue, and this video from Disney Parks to see how the ride vehicles work:
