Opened in May 2022, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind quickly became a fan favorite at EPCOT, blending thrilling coaster elements with the excitement of the Guardians franchise. However, just two years after its debut, the ride is facing several ongoing challenges.
A Promising Start for Cosmic Rewind
The ride’s opening marked a significant step forward for EPCOT, introducing a high-speed, story-driven roller coaster that combines cutting-edge technology with the vibrant spirit (and banging soundtrack) of Guardians of the Galaxy.
Set in the Wonders of Xandar Pavilion, Cosmic Rewind takes riders on a cosmic chase with Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot to stop an ancient Celestial, Eson, from threatening Earth. With a soundtrack featuring classic hits like “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” and “Disco Inferno,” the ride captures the Guardians’ retro vibe while providing intense thrills.
Despite its initial acclaim and strong demand, Cosmic Rewind has started to show signs of wear, prompting concerns from Disney fans and visitors alike.
Water Damage and Equipment Failures
In November 2024, the ride’s newly installed projectors revealed an issue that had been present for over a year: water damage on the walls of the attraction.
Looks like Cosmic Rewind got some new projectors, looks great! And honestly, it’s about time. Of course it’s about time. Have you not been paying attention? However this water damage has been here for well over a year and only gets worse.
Looks like Cosmic Rewind got some new projectors, looks great!
And honestly, it’s about time.
Of course it’s about time. Have you not been paying attention?
However this water damage has been here for well over a year and only gets worse. pic.twitter.com/QrpePrpgQE
— Belle (@FiBelleFi) November 21, 2024
The damage, which has reportedly worsened over time, became the subject of a viral video, leading some to question Disney’s attention to maintenance and quality control. Despite the visibility of the issue, Disney has yet to address the problem, leaving many fans frustrated.
Beyond water damage, the ride has also experienced recurrent breakdowns. December 2024 saw a particularly problematic stretch, with parts of the attraction malfunctioning for an extended period. Guests reported that half of the ride was out of operation, leading to longer wait times and smaller group sizes for each session.
On one occasion, the ride was even shut down for an entire day. According to a cast member, the breakdowns were caused by an overheating part, which was temporarily resolved by running fewer cars at a slower pace until the part could be replaced.
Rogue Items and Teleportation Glitches
Cosmic Rewind’s thrilling nature has also led to some unexpected issues, particularly involving loose items that have become lodged in the ride’s track.
In December 2024, a rogue hat allegedly became stuck during the launch sequence, leading to sparks and triggering the ride’s safety systems to shut it down. The issue highlights the challenges of maintaining such an intense attraction, as loose items can cause significant disruptions.
One cast member shared concerns about the accumulation of items, such as hats, in a fiberglass tunnel section of the ride. Over time, these items could compromise the tunnel’s structural integrity, potentially leading to further breakdowns. The process of retrieving these items is challenging and time-consuming, requiring the dismantling of parts of the attraction.
Another issue that has affected the ride’s experience is the inconsistency of the Teleportation Chamber. This pre-show effect is designed to transport guests from Earth to the Nova Corps ship, but technical difficulties have resulted in delays and breakdowns. When the effect malfunctions, guests are left in the dark or experience a less immersive B-Mode version, which diminishes the ride’s overall appeal.
Will Cosmic Rewind Recover?
Despite these issues, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind remains a popular attraction at EPCOT, operating under a virtual queue system that keeps demand high.
However, the ongoing technical challenges are a reminder of the complexities involved in running a cutting-edge theme park ride. While Disney continues to make repairs and adjustments, fans are left wondering if the attraction will be able to maintain its once-unblemished reputation or if the issues will continue to accumulate.
As more guests report breakdowns and malfunctioning effects, Disney may need to reassess its approach to maintenance and quality control for Cosmic Rewind. For now, the attraction’s future will depend on how quickly these problems are addressed and whether the ride can return to its initial level of excitement and reliability.
Have you noticed issues with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind?
Very frustrating! We were there last week and it was down Tuesday evening and didn’t one back online until 2:00 Wednesday. Then it went down again later that evening. Lots of issues with rides-evacuated off Ratatouille, Tower of Terror was down, Haunted Mansion went down, Findinf Nemo. Wish they would put some money into repairs. We were there last April. Same issues!