Disney Imagineer describes the Galaxarium - the first scene at 'Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind'

Apr 01, 2022 in "Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind"

Gallery / 5 Photos
Galaxarium in Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind

Posted: Friday April 1, 2022 5:17pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Imagineer Zach Riddley has taken to Instagram to explain more about the Galaxarium - the first scene at EPCOT's 'Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind.'

Galaxarium in Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind

The plantarium-like exhibit is where the attraction begins, and it offers a 30 minute long show in the queue area - including some nods to EPCOT's history.

Zach said:

As you may have seen, earlier this week we were able to invite a small group of guests to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT for a sneak peek of the Galaxarium inside the Wonders of Xandar pavilion. This is our first scene, where the story of EPCOT and the story of Xandar come together, and set us up for our grand adventure. It has been incredible to see this space go truly from sketch to reality over the past several years. Walking this breathtaking “space” is a reminder of the hard work and passion our team of Imagineers have devoted to bring this first-of-its-kind experience to EPCOT.
Building off the legacy of EPCOT as a place where discovery and curiosity comes to life, The Galaxarium is a planetarium-like exhibition where Guests will first be introduced to Xandar and the many similarities we share with our Xandarian visitors. This over 30-minute show begins to touch on both planets and how the Xandarian galaxy, the Andromeda Galaxy, is similar to our own, showcasing the real science behind the formation of galaxies and solar systems. As you make your way through the Galaxarium, you’ll be able to glimpse the Xandar Gallery ahead… where we will learn more about Xandar and its people, protectors, and heroes!
This space is really dynamic, organized around a radial grid where Guests rise an entire level with sinuous ramping, allowing you to take in the media on the dome above from many vantage points. The lighting and architectural elements echo the color and aesthetic of Xandar and give a great mood to our first act of this attraction. I cannot wait for Guests to experience this space for themselves, and all that awaits beyond - including some wonderful nods to EPCOT history that I know our favorite EPCOT fans will enjoy.

Galaxarium in Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind

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Coaster Lover30 days ago

I mean, ultimately, that's what ever scene on a trackless dark ride is. You want every scene to be long enough that the vehicles in front of you have enough time to clear the scene in front of you and for the scene to rest (if needed). The preference is to have lots of shorter scenes to allow more vehicles on the circuit at any one time. In roller coaster terms, each scene acts as sort of a block zone where only one set of ride vehicles can be in the block zone at any one time. Ideally, whatever is happening in each scene is long enough (and interesting enough) that it doesn't feel like you are just waiting in a scene (though sometimes that does happen if there is a delay at unload and a backup of vehicles in the scenes ahead of you).

Disstevefan130 days ago

Thanks for the correction. You're right Disney had no intention to eventually monetize FastPass. 🤣 I guess someone in Disney just woke up one day and said, "Hey, you know the FastPass system that cost us so much to develop and release and we give out for free, lets monetize it, Universal already does!!" I admit I am not an expert like you, but the moment I saw the tap points and and free magic bands, and the app, I KNEW we would be paying eventually (but that's just my thoughts).

MisterPenguin30 days ago

I learned that from Rollercoaster Tycoon!!

lewisc30 days ago

Isn't it an internet facts that Disney needs new E Ticket attractions every few years to motivate some return guests. LL revenue is the gravy

Fido Chuckwagon30 days ago

This is demonstrably false.

Mr. Sullivan30 days ago

This actually something I was wondering when I wrote it a few days ago. What is actually happening here? We’re not actually going anywhere we’re just sitting in that room for the brief elevator simulation, I know that. But does it serve a purpose beyond the storytelling element? If not, I don’t think that’s a problem, but I was curious if it was something that was included maybe as a clever way to hold vehicles in place for timing or to put enough distance between the set of vehicles you were riding with and the one ahead of you behind you, etc.

Professortango130 days ago

Its also how they use the space. The only "big warehouse" rooms that I notice are the start "tell them its a prisoner transfer" which is fine as we are essentially moving from the load station to the actual attraction. The other is the AT-AT room which works. The design does a fairly good job of making it feel like the ride is supposed to go to certain areas but then diverted and ditching out into other areas. I do wish the fake elevator sequence did have some simulation to make it feel like you are moving to another level.

lazyboy97o30 days ago

Which is why I said “trackless, but not true trackless”. Wire guided is considered as a type of trackless. It’s a technical difference but there’s really no experiential difference. Many people incorrectly assume Symbolica at Eftling is true trackless because it does all the true trackless gimmicks but it is in fact a much cheaper wire guided ride.

Disstevefan130 days ago

I think in addition to our "scope cut" drinking game we also need a "Sell LL" drinking game ;) But you have a point, we all know by now, Disneyparks is a business and their number one product, the "money for nothing" LL product is the absolute top priority to sell! Maybe my repeatedly posting about LLs and scope cuts is my copium ;)

Purduevian30 days ago

I guess there really isn't a big difference between Warehouse and Hanger... but yes it's in theme at ROTR.

Disstevefan130 days ago

I think it was safe to presume it was approved because Disney knew they were going to paid fastpass. Lets face it, when they developed and deployed the fastpass system, the company already knew they would eventually monetize it.

UNCgolf30 days ago

ROTR is blessed with a setting that's generally huge and open in the movies, so it gets around the problem.

Purduevian30 days ago

Very fair... I just know on Remy and MMRR... I feel like I'm super aware I'm just in a big warehouse. ROTR does a lot better at this. I feel like the kuka arm is the next evolution of the omnimover personally (basically a 3D omnimover) TOT isn't trackless AFAIK. I believe it's wire guided.