There are LOTS of changes happening over in EPCOT right now.
Spaceship Earth
As part of the park’s big transformation, we’re getting new rides, restaurants, shops — and even an all-new fireworks show! And while we’ve been keepin’ an eye on plenty of the construction, Disney has left a few BIG questions unanswered. That means we’ve been trying to figure out what, exactly, is going on with that giant building towards the front of the park, aka the future home of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
This new coaster is a big deal, people. It’ll be one of the longest indoor coasters ever built — and the first to feature a “reverse-launch into space.” Whatever THAT means, we’re pretty excited! But while the ride was slated to open this year, in time for Disney World’s 50th anniversary on October 1st, Disney has given no update on if this is still the case.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Concept Art ©Disney
So why might its opening not line up with the projected timeline? When the parks closed in 2020, several construction projects were halted, and Guardians of the Galaxy was one of them. It wouldn’t be out of the question to assume this construction delay pushed back the opening day.
Guardians of the Galaxy Ride Vehicles ©Zach Riddley via Instagram (@thezachriddley)
However, Disney has NOT made any sort of announcement indicating whether this is the case. In fact, while other new EPCOT experiences like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and La Crêperie de Paris received opening dates, Guardians of the Galaxy kinda got the silent treatment. So we can’t say with any certainty whether the ride will or will not debut by October 1st, 2021 — but Disney hasn’t said it won’t.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ©Disney
Meanwhile, construction seems to be back in full swing! We’ve been following the work closely since the park’s reopening, and we’ve seen lots of changes to the exterior. And Disney’s given us plenty of sneak peeks into the progress: we’ve got a look at the ride vehicles and even a glimpse INSIDE the building!
We’ve gotten quite a few looks behind the scenes! ©Disney
Most recently, we noticed blue wrapping covering the newly installed wooden paneling on the outside of the building. This visible progress is a good sign that work is underway! And even though we don’t know WHEN we’ll be able to hop aboard, we’re happy to see construction trekking along.
We’re ready to ROCK!
We also have some news on what MIGHT be on the way for this ride, including a giant theming element outside the building! Disney recently filed a construction permit to place a “Show Element” in the greenery area directly in front of the ride. Will the Star Blaster ship officially pop up?
Guardians of the Galaxy Concept Art ©Disney
And speaking of interactive elements…could we even see a life-size walking Baby Groot (Disney hinted that we might!)? We’ll keep an eye out!
Here’s where it could be! ©Google Maps | Disney Food Blog
However, with as much progress as we’re seeing, there’s still a MAJOR element that needs to be completed before this ride is ready to go. James Gunn, director of the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, confirmed in a tweet that the show scenes for the attraction have not been filmed yet. He DID mention that they were “on the agenda” for this year, though! We’ve got our fingers crossed it all happens soon.
©Marvel | Disney
When the ride is all finished, we’ll join Star-Lord, Rocket, and the rest of the Guardians of the Galaxy on a high-speed journey through the galaxy (with a funky soundtrack to jam out to!). Here’s what the building will look like when it’s all complete!
Guardians of the Galaxy attraction Concept Art ©Disney
The moral of the story is that yes, Guardians of the Galaxy could open by October 1st, 2021 — but it could also very well be delayed. Just comparing the current construction photo to the final concept art, we can see a lot of work is still to be done. No one knows exactly when this exciting new ride will open — but we’ll be sure to keep you posted with every little update.
As always, stay tuned to DFB. We’ll keep bringing you the latest Disney news!
Check Out the Recent Construction on Guardians of the Galaxy!
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They have not yet filmed the show scenes. Those will be done during the filming of the new Thor movie. They may be filming in New Zealand as we speak.
Jack over at DSNY newscast doesn’t figure it’ll open until summer of 2022 and his sources have been right most of the time. Unfortunately. ?
Ok with me, don’t plan on riding it.