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Theme Parks
Creating the magic

As Disney launched the highly anticipated Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction at EPCOT, Imagineers have offered a peek into how the ride was created


As they launched the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride at EPCOT in Walt Disney World Orlando, Florida this summer, Disney Imagineers shared some of the behind-the-scenes secrets of the attraction.

One of the most anticipated new rides of 2022, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ‘takes guests on an intergalactic chase through time and space with the heroes of Xandar’.

Part of the ongoing transformation of EPCOT, it is Disney’s first backwards-launched roller coaster and EPCOT’s first coaster, and was made by Vekoma.

The ride takes place in the new Wonders of Xandar pavilion, which is marked by a 51-ft tall Nova Corps Starblaster ship. It replaces the old Universe of Energy pavilion, which closed in 2017.

The adventure starts in the Galaxarium, a planetarium-style exhibition exploring the similarities and mysteries of the formation of Earth’s galaxy and Xandar. While guests queue for the ‘storycoaster’, they learn about Xandar’s culture and technologies, before Eson the Celestial arrives and tells Terrans they must help the Guardians of the Galaxy save the universe on an intergalactic chase through time and space.

Actors from the Guardians of the Galaxy movies were filmed for the attraction – Glenn Close also makes an appearance as Nova Prime Irani Rael, and Terry Crews plays a new character created for the ride.

The attraction is one of the longest fully enclosed coasters in the world, and each vehicle rotates 360 degrees to focus guests on the action, including the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster.

Released by Disney as the ride launched, a behind-the-scenes video features Disney Imagineers Alex Wright, Bette Lombardi, Kelsey Roberts, and Evan Miga sharing insights into the inspiration, storytelling and design of the new attraction, as well as what it was like to work with the Marvel actors featured.

Watch the video here

Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine

View contents of Attractions Management 2022 issue 3
A full size Starblaster marks the entrance to the new attraction
A full size Starblaster marks the entrance to the new attraction / Photo: Walt Disney World/Kent Phillips
‘Legendary outlaws’ Rocket and Groot appear in the attraction
‘Legendary outlaws’ Rocket and Groot appear in the attraction / Photo: Walt Disney World/Kent Phillips
Guests at the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in May
Guests at the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in May / Photo: Disney/Preston Mack
EPCOT guests board their Xandarian Starjumper
EPCOT guests board their Xandarian Starjumper / Photo: Walt Disney World/Kent Phillips
The Treasures of Xandar shop sells related merchandising
The Treasures of Xandar shop sells related merchandising / Photo: Walt Disney World/Kent Phillips
The attraction features the first reverse launch on a DIsney coaster
The attraction features the first reverse launch on a DIsney coaster / Photo: Disney
Guests learn about Xandarian culture in the Xandar Gallery
Guests learn about Xandarian culture in the Xandar Gallery / Photo: Walt Disney World/Kent Phillips
The Xandarian Phase Chamber is part of the pre-ride experience
The Xandarian Phase Chamber is part of the pre-ride experience / Photo: Walt Disney World/Kent Phillips
COMPANY PROFILES
DJW

David & Lynn Willrich started the Company over thirty years ago, from the Audio Visual Department [more...]
Sally Corporation

Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
IDEATTACK

IDEATTACK is a full-service planning and design company with headquarters in Los Angeles. [more...]
TechnoAlpin Indoor

TechnoAlpin is the world leader for snowmaking systems. With the Indoor snow division, TechnoAlpin c [more...]
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23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
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Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
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Theme Parks
Creating the magic

As Disney launched the highly anticipated Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction at EPCOT, Imagineers have offered a peek into how the ride was created


As they launched the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride at EPCOT in Walt Disney World Orlando, Florida this summer, Disney Imagineers shared some of the behind-the-scenes secrets of the attraction.

One of the most anticipated new rides of 2022, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ‘takes guests on an intergalactic chase through time and space with the heroes of Xandar’.

Part of the ongoing transformation of EPCOT, it is Disney’s first backwards-launched roller coaster and EPCOT’s first coaster, and was made by Vekoma.

The ride takes place in the new Wonders of Xandar pavilion, which is marked by a 51-ft tall Nova Corps Starblaster ship. It replaces the old Universe of Energy pavilion, which closed in 2017.

The adventure starts in the Galaxarium, a planetarium-style exhibition exploring the similarities and mysteries of the formation of Earth’s galaxy and Xandar. While guests queue for the ‘storycoaster’, they learn about Xandar’s culture and technologies, before Eson the Celestial arrives and tells Terrans they must help the Guardians of the Galaxy save the universe on an intergalactic chase through time and space.

Actors from the Guardians of the Galaxy movies were filmed for the attraction – Glenn Close also makes an appearance as Nova Prime Irani Rael, and Terry Crews plays a new character created for the ride.

The attraction is one of the longest fully enclosed coasters in the world, and each vehicle rotates 360 degrees to focus guests on the action, including the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster.

Released by Disney as the ride launched, a behind-the-scenes video features Disney Imagineers Alex Wright, Bette Lombardi, Kelsey Roberts, and Evan Miga sharing insights into the inspiration, storytelling and design of the new attraction, as well as what it was like to work with the Marvel actors featured.

Watch the video here

Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine

View contents of Attractions Management 2022 issue 3
A full size Starblaster marks the entrance to the new attraction
A full size Starblaster marks the entrance to the new attraction / Photo: Walt Disney World/Kent Phillips
‘Legendary outlaws’ Rocket and Groot appear in the attraction
‘Legendary outlaws’ Rocket and Groot appear in the attraction / Photo: Walt Disney World/Kent Phillips
Guests at the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in May
Guests at the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in May / Photo: Disney/Preston Mack
EPCOT guests board their Xandarian Starjumper
EPCOT guests board their Xandarian Starjumper / Photo: Walt Disney World/Kent Phillips
The Treasures of Xandar shop sells related merchandising
The Treasures of Xandar shop sells related merchandising / Photo: Walt Disney World/Kent Phillips
The attraction features the first reverse launch on a DIsney coaster
The attraction features the first reverse launch on a DIsney coaster / Photo: Disney
Guests learn about Xandarian culture in the Xandar Gallery
Guests learn about Xandarian culture in the Xandar Gallery / Photo: Walt Disney World/Kent Phillips
The Xandarian Phase Chamber is part of the pre-ride experience
The Xandarian Phase Chamber is part of the pre-ride experience / Photo: Walt Disney World/Kent Phillips
LATEST NEWS
San Antonio Zoo reports $283 million economic impact as expansion plans progress
San Antonio Zoo has reported a US$283 million economic impact for 2025, following a decade- long transformation programme that has seen almost US$200 million invested into the Texas attraction.
Great Barrier Reef attraction set for AU$180 million reinvention
Plans for the AU$180 million redevelopment of Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Australia, are progressing, with the project set to transform the attraction into a global centre for reef education and conservation.
Mubadala makes €1 billion bid for Pierre and Vacances
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed €1 billion offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the continental European Center Parcs business.
Disney confirms US$30 billion investment programme as it highlights its economic impact
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.
Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
Australian waterpark acquisition creates new leisure attractions group
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
London Museum reveals 2026 opening date for new Smithfield home
The London Museum’s new site will open in Smithfield, East London, on 28 November 2026.
Toverland unveils €98m expansion plan as park prepares to launch resort development
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi- day destination.
Butterfly sanctuary to host hot yoga during retreat at Jersey Zoo for Hotel de France
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while remaining actively involved with the company.
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
DJW

David & Lynn Willrich started the Company over thirty years ago, from the Audio Visual Department [more...]
Sally Corporation

Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
IDEATTACK

IDEATTACK is a full-service planning and design company with headquarters in Los Angeles. [more...]
TechnoAlpin Indoor

TechnoAlpin is the world leader for snowmaking systems. With the Indoor snow division, TechnoAlpin c [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

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Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
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