With Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind now opening to limited cast member and journalist impressions, some “reviews” are starting to hit the web. Today, I’d like to share some impressions we received from a source about the coaster, although we should clarify that the ride has been available to executives, engineers, etc, for a month or more.
Here’s what the source relayed to us:
Guardians of the Galaxy is a fun coaster with a very different gimmick: going backwards. The good is that a reverse launch is something you won’t experience anywhere in Disney World. The negative is that it can be nauseating to some people that would enjoy other thrill rides. As far as the coaster itself goes, it is smooth and not at all jarring. Rotating feels more likely a Haunted Mansion doom buggy turning around than a teacup spin. However, if you’re hoping for a Rock’n Roller Coaster or Hulk type of thrill level, you’re going to be disappointed. This is a little bit below even Slinky Dog Dash. It is definitely a family coaster with an intense start that will feel very different from anything you’ve been on before.
That means the ride will succeed in some ways and fail in others. For teenagers and young adults wanting something intense at Epcot, this won’t make them happy. For eating crowds and making families smile when they get off the ride, it’s a success. If you’re hoping this attraction will be thematically at the same level as Rise of the Resistance, prepare for disappointment. If you want a really fun indoor coaster that goes about three-minutes, you’ll love this attraction. I personally think it will be one of the top rides in Orlando for years to come, but it’s not arguably the best. That may make the money they spent not worth it if you just have one of the best but not the best ride.
As for the details, the queue is fine, but nothing on par with Avatar’s. There are no animatronics and the ride is screen-dependent. The soundtrack is fine, but it’s not on equal footing with the movie soundtracks. It might have been a better idea to pay for the music from the films instead. The ride vehicles themselves are very comfortable and should accommodate most body types. The lap bar means you’re not going upside down but it also means claustrophobia shouldn’t be an issue. Overall it’s a top-end roller coaster for Epcot but nothing industry-changing like you saw with Rise of the Resistance, Tower of Terror or Flight of Passage.
I guess if I’m giving it a score, maybe an A- or a B+. Somewhere in that ballpark. It’s much needed for Epcot.
And from other individuals that we thought reflected what we had been told:
Shout out to all the people who say that Cosmic Rewind is just “alright”. Takes a lot of bravery to not come out declaring it’s the “best ride ever” or “worst ride ever”
— HISTA Stan Account (@HereatEPCOT) April 17, 2022
Sounds like a fun ride! Make sure to let us know in the comments below if you’re really excited to hop aboard. And, as always, keep checking That Park Place for all the news that should be fun!
