More theming added to the 'Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind' building at EPCOT

Dec 01, 2021 in "Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind"

Gallery / 3 Photos
Guardians of the Galaxy construction - December 1 2021

Posted: Wednesday December 1, 2021 3:42pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Imagineer Zach Riddley has shared some close-up photos of the latest piece of theming to be installed on the 'Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind' building at EPCOT.

Guardians of the Galaxy construction - December 1 2021

In a post on Instagram, Zach said, "Today, the first sign of Xandar’s arrival to EPCOT appeared at the Wonders of Xandar pavilion. Xandar and the Nova Corps are coming to EPCOT to share their culture and technology and this star is frequently used by them in everything from their architecture, spaceships, uniforms and more. This very unique color shifting material gives a dynamic quality to the main facade of the pavilion and represents another iconic milestone as our team continues toward a Summer 2022 launch of this new centerpiece of our EPCOT transformation."

Guardians of the Galaxy construction - December 1 2021

The concept art below shows the finished exterior of' Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind,' which will open in 2022 at EPCOT.

Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind show scenery and push-pull testing of ride vehicles

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Coaster LoverJan 13, 2026

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).

Disstevefan1Jan 13, 2026

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).

MisterPenguinJan 13, 2026

I learned that from Rollercoaster Tycoon!!

lewiscJan 13, 2026

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 ChuckwagonJan 13, 2026

This is demonstrably false.

Mr. SullivanJan 13, 2026

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.

Professortango1Jan 13, 2026

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.

lazyboy97oJan 13, 2026

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.

Disstevefan1Jan 13, 2026

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 ;)

PurduevianJan 13, 2026

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

Disstevefan1Jan 13, 2026

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.

UNCgolfJan 13, 2026

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

PurduevianJan 13, 2026

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.