If you have stepped into the Galaxarium inside EPCOT’s Wonders of Xandar pavilion over the last few years, you’ve almost certainly witnessed one of the most polarizing guest traditions in recent Walt Disney World history.
As guests gather in the first preshow room for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, actor Terry Crews appears on giant screens as Centurion Tal Marik of the Nova Corps. In a humorous attempt to welcome Earthlings, he pauses to contemplate what the people of EPCOT call themselves: “Does anyone know what they call themselves? Epcoters? Epcotians? Citizens of EPCOT?”
For years, that dramatic two-second pause was rarely met with silence. Instead, groups of parkgoers would scream out “ALCOHOLICS!” or “DAY DRINKERS!” at the top of their lungs.
What began as an organic joke quickly turned into a viral social media trend—and an ongoing headache for families and Cast Members alike. Now, Disney has officially stepped in to put an end to the shouting once and for all. Without making any formal announcement, Walt Disney Imagineering has quietly edited the Cosmic Rewind preshow video, completely cutting out the pause.
Here is why Disney made the change, how Imagineering executed the fix, and how EPCOT’s booming drinking culture sparked the rowdy trend in the first place.
The Digital Fix: How Imagineering Silenced the Meme
When Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opened in May 2022, the preshow was designed to deliver classic Marvel Cinematic Universe humor. Centurion Tal Marik’s hesitation was originally meant as a lighthearted beat, leaving room for guests to occasionally shout harmless answers like “Humans!” or “Disney fans!”
However, as the “Alcoholics” response took over room after room, the joke rapidly wore out its welcome. Parents complained online about having to explain what an “alcoholic” was to young children while waiting in line for a family roller coaster, while other guests lamented that a loud minority was constantly hijacking the attraction’s narrative.
To fix the problem, Imagineering faced a unique technical challenge. Because the preshow stars Terry Crews, many fans assumed Disney would never alter the scene because bringing a Hollywood star back into the studio for a reshoot would be prohibitively expensive.
Instead, editors worked magic behind the scenes. By making a precise digital cut in the video playback file, Imagineering trimmed the empty pause and seamlessly spliced the audio track. Centurion Tal Marik now moves instantly from asking his question to listing his suggestions.
The edit is so smooth that first-time riders will never realize a gap existed. If a guest attempts to shout out “Alcoholics!” today, Tal Marik speaks directly over them, instantly deflating the rowdy joke before it can take off.
The Rise of ‘Drinking Around the World’: How EPCOT Became an Adult Playground
To understand why the “Alcoholics” shout-out became so prevalent in the first place, you have to look at the massive shift in EPCOT’s culture over the past two decades.
When EPCOT Center first opened in 1982, it was celebrated as an educational showcase centered on science, human achievement, and global culture. While beer and wine were served in World Showcase restaurants to complement authentic international dining, alcohol was a background feature rather than the main event.
Fast forward to today, and EPCOT has transformed into Walt Disney World’s premier destination for adult nightlife and culinary tourism. The explosion of seasonal festivals—including the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, Flower & Garden Festival, Festival of the Arts, and Festival of the Holidays—means the park offers specialized beverage kiosks nearly 365 days a year.
This transformation gave rise to the famous fan tradition known as “Drinking Around the World.”
The unofficial challenge encourages adult guests to sample an alcoholic beverage in each of the 11 World Showcase pavilions—starting with margaritas in Mexico and ending with craft beers or ciders in Canada.
What started as an informal Passholder pastime has exploded into a full-scale cultural movement:
- Custom Merchandise: Online storefronts sell matching group t-shirts, custom drinking “passports,” and lanyards specifically designed for EPCOT pub crawls.
- Fan Clubs & Social Media: Groups like the “Disney Day Drinkers Club” boast tens of thousands of members who share drink reviews, organize park meetups, and celebrate day-drinking culture.
- Expanded Bar Options: Disney has actively embraced the trend by expanding high-profit lounge options such as La Cava del Tequila in Mexico, Choza de Margarita, the Rose & Crown Pub in the UK, and festival brew stations throughout the park.
While “Drinking Around the World” drives enormous revenue for Disney, it has also created operational hurdles. Combining Florida heat, long lines, and heavy alcohol consumption often leads to rowdy behavior, loud groups, and occasional park altercations. The shouting inside Cosmic Rewind was a direct symptom of World Showcase’s party culture spilling over into World Discovery’s attraction queues.
Why Disney Fans and Families Are Celebrating
For frequent visitors and parents, Disney’s silent preshow edit is being hailed as a major improvement.
While Disney encourages adults to enjoy World Showcase’s food and beverage options, the company has consistently drawn the line when guest behavior ruins the experience for others. By trimming the preshow file, Imagineering eliminated a constant source of friction without altering the ride’s core story or requiring expensive physical changes to the queue.
Apart from removing the pause, the rest of Cosmic Rewind remains completely unchanged. The teleportation room effect, Rocket and Groot’s banter, and the coaster’s iconic randomized six-song soundtrack continue to deliver one of the best ride experiences in any Disney park.
By closing the gap in Terry Crews’ dialogue, Disney sent a clear message to parkgoers: you are welcome to enjoy a drink at EPCOT, but saving the galaxy will stay fun, family-friendly, and immersive for everyone.
