Walt Disney World is making a major change to one of its most popular attractions, and it’s going to have a serious impact on wait times.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind has relied on a virtual queue since its opening in 2022, allowing guests to snag a boarding group through the My Disney Experience app instead of standing in a traditional line.
But starting February 25, Disney is doing away with the virtual queue, replacing it with a standard standby line. That means guests hoping to experience this high-speed, intergalactic adventure will now have to wait—possibly for hours.
Disney Expands Queue to Handle Massive Crowds
With the virtual queue system disappearing, Disney has already started making changes to accommodate what could be overwhelming demand. Additional barriers, ropes, and umbrellas have been spotted outside the attraction, signaling that Disney expects the line to stretch well beyond the indoor queue.
Extended queue at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind can be seen getting prepared outside today from the monorail. More ropes and umbrellas are seen on the ground. Standby Guardians is just 5 days away! 🎢 pic.twitter.com/trr6BrvluD
— RideRover (@riderover_) February 20, 2025
For guests unfamiliar with Florida’s unpredictable weather, this could mean standing in the heat for extended periods, especially during peak travel times. While the umbrellas will offer some relief, it’s clear that waiting for Cosmic Rewind is about to become a test of patience.
Fixing an Infamous Bottleneck Inside the Attraction
Even inside the attraction, Disney is making adjustments to help control the flow of guests. One of the most frustrating areas of Cosmic Rewind has been the section immediately following the teleportation pre-show, where a large group of guests would merge into a single hallway. This frequently led to crowding, shoving, and confusion about where to go next.
To address this, Disney has installed new switchbacks and barriers to help regulate the merging process. This should, in theory, create a more organized flow into the ride’s loading area, though it remains to be seen how effective the fix will be once the standby queue officially launches.
How to Avoid the Worst of the Lines
With standby becoming the only free option for riding Cosmic Rewind, here are some strategies to reduce wait times:
- Arrive early – The first few hours of the day tend to have the shortest lines.
- Use Lightning Lane if possible – Individual Lightning Lane passes will still be available for purchase, offering a way to skip the long standby wait.
- Check the forecast – If you’re waiting in the extended outdoor queue, be prepared for Florida’s intense heat or sudden rain showers.
- Ride later in the day – Lines often dip toward the evening, making it a good time to check for lower wait times.
Disney’s decision to switch to a standby queue is bound to be controversial. Some guests will appreciate the ability to join the line without worrying about a virtual queue drop, while others may find themselves missing the convenience of scheduling a return time. Either way, one thing is certain—waiting for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is about to be a much bigger commitment.
