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Disney Announces Star-Lord Meet-and-Greet at EPCOT

A vibrant and dynamic group of intergalactic characters strike action poses with colorful, explosive backgrounds. The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 characters include a man in a red jacket holding a gun, a green-skinned woman, a blue-skinned man with a red mohawk, and a raccoon among others.
Credit: Marvel

Disney officially announced that Star-Lord, the charismatic leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy, will be making a much-anticipated return to EPCOT on September 29, 2024.

This news was unveiled through a promotional video shared on the Disney Parks Instagram account, where Star-Lord was seen dancing through various parts of EPCOT, generating excitement among fans eager for his return.

Star-Lord, portrayed by Chris Pratt in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has become an iconic figure not only within the franchise but also in Disney parks.

His ability to engage with guests, coupled with the hero’s humorous personality, creates memorable experiences for visitors. The character’s return underscores Disney’s commitment to enhancing guest interactions and linking film characters with park experiences.

While the exact location for the meet-and-greet remains undisclosed, insiders speculate that Star-Lord will be positioned near the popular attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

This attraction has been a focal point for the Guardians franchise at EPCOT since its opening, making it a fitting backdrop for Star-Lord’s interactions with fans.

A nighttime scene at a theme park with a large spacecraft structure illuminated in orange and purple lights. A monorail passes in the background, and a spherical building adorned with purple lights stands prominently to the left.

Credit: Disney

Star-Lord’s Return to EPCOT

Star-Lord is not unfamiliar with EPCOT, having appeared in several events prior to the pandemic.

Notably, he participated in the “Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!” concert series that delighted audiences from 2018 to 2019. During this show, both Star-Lord and Gamora entertained guests with musical performances based on the beloved soundtracks from the films.

The “Awesome Mix Live!” show enjoyed considerable popularity and was a staple summer offering at EPCOT. Its vibrant performances allowed guests to immerse themselves in the Guardians’ universe.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic halted plans to revive the show, leading to a significant absence of character interactions at EPCOT during that period.

The global health crisis prompted Disney to pause many character-related events, including opportunities to meet popular figures like Star-Lord. This drastic change raised concerns among fans about the future of character meet-and-greets in the parks.

Still, with Star-Lord’s impending return, there is a hopeful outlook for more character experiences at EPCOT.

guardians of the galaxy cosmic rewind

Credit: Disney Parks/Marvel

The announcement of Star-Lord’s return has sparked a wave of enthusiasm across social media platforms. Fans have expressed their delight at the opportunity to finally meet the character again after years of limited appearances.

Enthusiastic comments highlight the anticipation for photo opportunities and personal interactions, emphasizing the connection between fans and the Marvel universe.

Many visitors fondly remember their past experiences with Star-Lord at Disney parks, recounting memorable moments that showcased his playful demeanor. The excitement surrounding his return is not just about the character itself; it’s also about the lasting memories he has created for fans over the years.

As fans prepare for the meet-and-greet event, expectations are high. Many hope that Star-Lord will exhibit his characteristic humor, perhaps even sharing anecdotes from his adventures in the Guardians of the Galaxy films.

Furthermore, there is a desire for additional Marvel characters to join him during the meet-and-greet, amplifying the experience for attendees.

guardians of the galaxy vol. 3

Credit: Disney/Marvel Studios

Associations with Guardians of the Galaxy

The association of Star-Lord with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience at EPCOT. This indoor roller coaster is designed to transport guests through a cosmic adventure, effectively combining the thrill ride with the narrative of the Guardians franchise.

Star-Lord’s meet-and-greet aligns perfectly with the ride, further immersing guests in the Marvel universe.

Star-Lord’s prominence within the Marvel franchise has grown significantly since the release of the first film in 2014. His character has resonated with audiences, leading to a series of successful films. Disney recognizes the importance of keeping such beloved characters active in their parks, reinforcing their commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.

With the return of Star-Lord at EPCOT, there are discussions regarding the future of character appearances across Disney parks. As the industry moves past the challenges posed by the pandemic, Disney may continue to explore new ways to integrate characters into guest experiences. Star-Lord’s comeback might serve as a gateway to expanding opportunities for fan-favorite characters to interact with guests in various settings.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse stand in front of a colorful, geometric backdrop. Mickey wears his classic red shorts, yellow bow tie, and black jacket, while Minnie is dressed in her iconic red and white polka dot dress. The word "NEW" is repeatedly printed behind them.

Credit: Disney Fanatic

Star-Lord’s return to EPCOT is poised to be a celebration for fans of the Guardians of the Galaxy.

As anticipation builds for September 29, 2024, Disney enthusiasts look forward to reconnecting with this iconic character in a park setting. This event not only highlights the significance of Star-Lord but also symbolizes Disney’s renewed focus on character interactions, marking a new chapter in the post-pandemic theme park experience.

About Chloe James

Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.

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