A shocking ride closure at EPCOT left guests scrambling after Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind unexpectedly shut down on Thursday, February 13. The two-year-old attraction, one of Disney’s most innovative roller coasters, suffered an unknown malfunction, leading to a day of frustration for visitors with Virtual Queue and Lightning Lane Single Pass reservations.
A Groundbreaking Attraction Faces an Uncertain Moment
When Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind debuted at EPCOT in May 2022, it was hailed as one of Disney‘s most technologically advanced coasters ever built. With Disney’s first-ever reverse launch, controlled spin ride vehicles, and a rotating soundtrack, it quickly became one of the most sought-after attractions at Walt Disney World Resort.
The ride immerses Disney Park guests in an intergalactic chase alongside Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldaña), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket Raccoon, and Groot. While zipping through space, riders are treated to hit songs like “One Way or Another” by Blondie and “Conga” by Miami Sound Machine, making each ride experience unique.
However, on February 13, guests expecting to jump through the galaxy were met with a different kind of surprise—the ride was completely out of commission for much of the day.
Confusion Reigns as Guests Are Left Without Answers
Guests with Virtual Queue and Lightning Lane Single Passes for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind were dismayed when the My Disney Experience app displayed the dreaded “Temporarily Closed” notice.
Redditor u/dizzlvizzl shared a screenshot from their Walt Disney World Resort app announcing the closure:
Guardians of the Galaxy
“Finally got in the virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and saw this,” they wrote. “Today is our last day at Disney, so hopefully we will get a chance.”
Other Disney Parks fans rushed to reassure them, noting that breakdowns—while frustrating—are not uncommon for the high-tech coaster.
“If it’s down when your LL time arrives, they’ll give you an experience pass you can use on that attraction or any other you would like to,” u/juliacar explained.
“Sucks, but I mean rides go down,” said u/Silicon_Knight. “It’s not really a new thing. IIRC they will still honour your reservation or let you ride something else if it’s not up.”
Walt Disney World Resort has not publicly addressed what caused the ride failure.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind—Fixed or Fading?
Fortunately for disappointed EPCOT guests, the closure didn’t last forever. By Thursday afternoon, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind was back in operation. For now, the attraction still requires a Virtual Queue or Lightning Lane Single Pass reservation—meaning those hoping to ride will need to plan ahead and prepare for potential delays.
Has a broken ride interrupted your visit to Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your story with Disney Dining in the comments.
I hardly think that a brief temporary closure means the ride is “fading.” Things happens. Guardians is one of the best rides in Disney World IMHO.