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9 things to know about Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

BAY LAKE, Fla. — It’s almost time to hit rewind.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, a family-friendly roller coaster, is set to debut at EPCOT to the public on May 27.

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Channel 9 is getting a sneak peek inside the out-of-this-world adventure on Thursday.

READ: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will bring family-friendly thrills to EPCOT beginning in 2022

Tune into Eyewitness News This Morning for LIVE coverage from Disney starting at 5 a.m. Starting at 4 p.m., we’ll take you inside the exciting new ride.

Before our coverage begins, here are 9 things we know about the ride so far.

  • The high-speed, indoor roller coaster adventure will utilize an “omnicoaster” ride system, building off what’s used in The Haunted Mansion to rotate guests 360 degrees to experience different parts of the ride’s story.
  • The roller coaster will feature the first reverse launch on a coaster in Disney’s history, and is one of the largest indoor coasters in the world.

SEE: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind theming begins taking shape at EPCOT

  • Those behind the attraction told Channel 9 last year that Cosmic Rewind will be more thrilling than Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom, but less intense than the looping Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
  • Disney announced this week the ride will use a virtual queue similar to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT when those attractions first opened. Cosmic Rewind will also include an individual lightning lane option for purchase. There will be no standby when the roller coaster opens, according to Disney.
  • The Guardians of the Galaxy films are known for their eclectic, catchy tunes – and Cosmic Rewind will be no different. The ride will include an “awesome mix” of six songs, but they won’t know what track they’ll hear until they blast off. See the full track list here.

READ: ‘Awesome Mix’: Disney reveals playlist for ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind’ coaster

  • Theming for the attraction begins before you even step foot in the attraction as you approach the “otherworld showcase pavilion” and then eventually wind up inside the planetarium-style Galaxarium. Outside the attraction is a 51-foot tall Nova Corps Starblaster.
  • Fans of the films will recognize some familiar faces. Disney said Rocket, Groot, Gamora and Star-Lord will be among the franchise’s icons joining you on your adventure. Eson, a new character, will be the ride’s antagonist.

READ: Take a look inside the queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

  • With a new attraction comes a new gift shop and merchandise. Treasures of Xandar will open adjacent to the ride. This week, Disney provided an early look at some of the new merchandise for the ride.
  • Disney Annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members were invited to a special sneak pick of the ride, but space filled up fast.

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Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.