Here's when Disney's newest Marvel-themed roller coaster is opening
It's been nearly five years since Disney World first announced that a "Guardians of the Galaxy"-themed roller coaster was coming as part of Epcot's massive overhaul. This also means we've spent the past five years impatiently waiting to find out when we could join Star-Lord, Groot, Rocket and the other Guardians on their next adventure.
Fellow Terrans, the wait is almost over.
On Monday, Disney announced that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is officially slated to open on May 27. Here's everything you need to know about Epcot's first-ever roller coaster before it opens this Memorial Day weekend.
New 'Guardians of the Galaxy' ride opening at Epcot
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, like many Disney attractions, has a story to tell.
Your journey begins in the queue area, which Disney refers to as Epcot's first “other-world” showcase pavilion, as a play on words. Rather than exploring the Disney version of Mexico or Italy, you enter the Wonders of Xandar pavilion to learn about the people of Xandar.
And not to get too nerdy, but you may remember that in the original "Guardians of the Galaxy" film, Star-Lord visits Xandar – the capital of the Nova Empire – and meets his Guardian buddies Gamora, Groot and Rocket for the first time.
The unlikely bunch eventually became teammates and friends and have since saved the galaxy ... more than once.
Your visit to the Wonders of Xandar pavilion begins with a tour of the Galaxarium – "a planetarium-like exhibition showcasing the similarities and differences between Xandar and Earth's galaxies" – before, as often happens when the Guardians of the Galaxy are involved, things go a little sideways.
Before you know it, the Guardians are enlisting you to help them save the galaxy yet again on "an urgent mission where you'll rewind, rotate and head towards the action through an exciting space pursuit." Of course, the whole adventure will be set to the timeless tunes the "Guardians" films are known for.
Cosmic Rewind marks a lot of firsts for both Disney and Epcot
Not only is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Epcot's first roller coaster, it is also Disney's first reverse-launch coaster, the first Disney World attraction to feature Marvel characters and one of the longest enclosed coasters in the world.
In other words, this is a big deal.
To put it into perspective, four Spaceship Earths could fit inside the massive Cosmic Rewind show building. TPG got a preview inside the building in late 2021 and to say the space is enormous is an understatement.
Building off of Disney's patented Omnimover technology (used on attractions like Haunted Mansion and Spaceship Earth), Cosmic Rewind's ride cars will have the ability to rotate a full 360 degrees so you can follow the action wherever it goes. During TPG's peek inside the show building last year, there appeared to be numerous large screens where the action will unfold before your eyes as you zoom by.
How to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Disney is billing Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind as a "family-thrill coaster" and in past interviews with TPG has described it as somewhere between Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster in terms of thrills.
The height requirement is rumored to be 42 inches, which places it between those two rides. This will make it the tallest height requirement in Epcot and in the top five across all the Disney World theme parks.
But, with that said, Disney's height requirements are still relatively low compared to other theme parks and even some 5-year-olds will be tall enough for this attraction, which lives up to the family-friendly claims.
Based on how Disney has managed recent attraction debuts, it is quite possible, though not yet confirmed, that Cosmic Rewind will utilize a virtual queue of some sort during its initial phase of operation. It is also likely to become one of the two individually sold Lightning Lane attractions in Epcot for those who wish to pay an additional fee to access a much shorter wait time, though that is also not yet confirmed. The "Ratatouille" attraction that debuted in fall 2021, also in Epcot, utilized both a virtual queue and paid Lightning Lane access during several of its initial months of operation.
If you are hoping to be one of the first in line when the ride opens, it's safe to assume a lot of other Disney visitors will have the same idea. You need to get your tickets and make a theme park reservation now to ensure you can even get into Epcot on the morning of May 27.
As of the time of publication, Epcot reservations are still available. If they run out, your only hope will be to enter the park after 2 p.m. when park hopping begins, but there's no guarantee park hopping will be available if the park is at capacity. Don't delay making your plans – the Guardians are counting on you.
Bottom line
With so many "firsts" and as just one part of the park's multiyear transformation, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is helping Epcot fast-forward into the future.
Keep your starships parked close by for a full review when Cosmic Rewind officially launches on May 27.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.