For many Disney fans, the ultimate dream is a fairy tale wedding in the most magical place on earth. But for Kelsey Culton, simply saying “I do” at Disney wasn’t enough—she took it a step further by giving her wedding guests an experience they’ll never forget. Culton and her new spouse rented out Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, allowing their guests to ride the high-thrill roller coaster privately as part of their celebration.
A Wedding with a Cosmic Twist
Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings offer plenty of magical moments, but Culton’s decision to include an attraction mix-in elevated her event to another level. Attraction mix-ins allow wedding parties to ride a Disney attraction exclusively after dinner and before dancing, typically on the final ride of the night. Culton opted for one of EPCOT’s most popular rides—Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind—making her wedding night an unforgettable adventure.
elsey posted the video of her and her party enjoying the ride on Instagram which has gone viral, stating, “how do I explain the feeling of this ride to someone who’s never been to Disney World?!”
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Private ride experiences like these are a lesser-known but spectacular add-on for Disney weddings. The cost varies by attraction and the number of guests, and the option is only available at the park where the wedding reception takes place. In Culton’s case, her guests were treated to an exhilarating ride through space with Star-Lord and the Guardians before the dance floor opened.
While Disney hasn’t publicly released the cost of her private ride buyout, past experiences suggest that it could be a surprisingly reasonable addition. In 2023, one bride shared that a Soarin’ Around the World buyout cost just $926, with Disney only charging for guests who didn’t have annual passes. While high-demand rides like Cosmic Rewind may have a higher price tag, the exclusivity and excitement make it a once-in-a-lifetime wedding moment.
How to Include a Disney Ride Mix-In at Your Wedding
If you’re dreaming of your own wedding with a private ride experience, here’s how you can make it happen:
- Booking: Ride mix-ins must be arranged through Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings or Disney Meetings & Events. Availability is limited, and the experience must occur in the same park as your wedding venue.
- Timing: The ride typically takes place after dinner and before dancing, ensuring it’s a highlight of the evening.
- Cost: Pricing depends on the attraction and the number of guests, with some rides costing under $1,000.
- Availability: Mix-ins are subject to availability and may not be offered during holidays, festivals, or after-hours events.
Guests can enjoy iconic attractions like Frozen Ever After after a dessert party or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad following a reception at Magic Kingdom. This unique add-on is a way to give your wedding an extra dose of Disney magic.
Dream Disney Weddings: Venues and Experiences
Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings offer a variety of stunning locations and customized experiences to suit every couple’s vision. Here are just a few of the magical wedding settings available:
- Magic Kingdom – Say “I do” in front of Cinderella Castle at East Plaza Garden or host a reception on Main Street, U.S.A., complete with a fireworks view.
- EPCOT – Exchange vows in the stunning Italy Isola, a romantic setting overlooking the World Showcase Lagoon, or choose the United Kingdom Courtyard for an elegant garden ceremony.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Feel like a star with a wedding inside The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror courtyard or amid the immersive worlds of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Have a wild wedding with venues like Tamu Tamu Courtyard, offering lush, tropical backdrops, or Tree of Life, where you can say your vows under the park’s iconic symbol.
- Disney Resorts – For a more intimate setting, Disney’s resorts provide picturesque venues such as Sea Breeze Point at Disney’s BoardWalk, Sunset Pointe at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, or the grand Disney Wedding Pavilion at the Grand Floridian.
Couples can also enhance their celebration with unique Disney touches, such as arriving in Cinderella’s Coach, having Mickey and Minnie appear at the reception, or even incorporating a private fireworks viewing for guests.
A Wedding to Remember
Kelsey Culton’s decision to rent out Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind proves that Disney weddings can be as thrilling as they are magical. Whether couples choose a castle backdrop, a safari-themed reception, or a private ride mix-in, Disney offers endless ways to make their fairy tale wedding a reality.
For Disney-loving couples looking to add a unique touch to their big day, a private ride experience might just be the ultimate happily ever after.
