This past week, Disney was kind enough to invite me to visit Walt Disney World to experience the 50th Anniversary Celebration and preview Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, and let me tell you: everything is awesome!
I don’t even know how to describe the coaster besides telling you that it’s like if a newer, more high-tech Space Mountain and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster had a baby. It’s unbelievable, and I’ll refrain from spoiling the story, except to say that it extends beyond the pre-show and onto the coaster in a way that’s totally unique.
As guests step into the Wonders of Xandar pavilion they’ll be wow-ed by bright, innovative projection effects and futuristic set direction. Everything from the materials used in the queue to the lighting fixtures that hang above guests works to tell the story of the people of Xandar showcasing the best of their planet to EPCOT visitors.
While I was at EPCOT, I had the opportunity to talk to one of the Imagineers behind the attraction, take a look:
What I thought was the most impressive thing was the ride’s ability to mask the attraction’s layout, making the ride feel really lengthy, in the best way. I was in awe of how that much ride could be squeezed into the attraction’s footprint. It’s truly a masterpiece of spatial design.
The ride is a giggle machine. I was laughing and grinning like a madman the whole time, even on my sixth ride. It’s more fun than thrilling, at least for me, but then again I’m a coaster buff who’s always looking for the most thrilling new coaster.
The music is what really set the ride over the top for me, whipping around space to the “One Way or Another” or “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” is an unbeatable experience and I was singing and dancing along the entire time.
Sitting at home in Mississippi, I’m looking forward to my next ride.
