Songs We Want Added to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

The year 2022 marked a phenomenal addition to Walt Disney World’s EPCOT theme park – a new ride that allows visitors to embark on an exhilarating journey through hyperspace with the superhero team of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. The ride has garnered immense praise from fans for its awe-inspiring and unique features, such as the rotating ride vehicles that add to the thrill of the experience. The beloved Marvel characters and their exciting world make for an unforgettable ride. Moreover, the queue and pre-show are also top-notch and enhance the overall experience. However, one feature that truly stands out is the personalized soundtrack that accompanies the ride. As riders zoom through the galaxy, they are treated to a musical score that is tailored to their experience, making it even more enjoyable. The music is in perfect harmony with the legendary lore of the Guardians of the Galaxy films, which also emphasizes the significance of music in their storyline. Thus, including an extraordinary soundtrack that complements the ride was an excellent decision. Overall, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a must-visit attraction that offers an unforgettable experience for all.

Credit: Disney

Disney World is renowned for its ability to transport visitors into the worlds of their favorite stories through immersive attractions. The importance of soundtracks cannot be understated, as music has the power to evoke emotion within us. Disney World incorporates music throughout its parks, ensuring that each ride and land is thematically consistent. Visitors will recognize familiar tunes such as “Happily Ever After” during the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks display, the iconic theme from Soarin at EPCOT, and the electrifying rock music from Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster by Aerosmith. Additionally, many attractions incorporate nostalgic songs that become an integral part of the ride’s lore, such as “Grim Grinning Ghosts” and “Yo-Ho! (A Pirate’s Life For Me).” While Cosmic Rewind’s soundtrack was not specifically created for the ride, the current songs included effectively enhance the overall Marvel story featuring beloved characters such as Star-Lord, Rocket, Groot, Drax, Mantis, and Gamora. Music is indeed an indispensable component of the Disney World experience.

Current Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Soundtrack

Credit: Disney

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a captivating ride that takes visitors on an exhilarating journey through space. With the mission of finding a Cosmic Generator for a Celestial being, guests are transported to a world of excitement and adventure alongside Marvel’s band of misfit superheroes. The ride features an impressive selection of classic music from the 70s and 80s, reminiscent of the popular movie franchise. As they embark on their adventure with the Guardians, guests are treated to six randomly played songs, adding to the thrill and excitement of the experience.

• “Disco Inferno” by the Trammps
• “Conga” by Gloria Estefan  
• “I Ran” by Flock of Seagulls
• “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears
• “One Way or Another” by Blondie
• “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire

Songs We’d Like To Hear On Guardians at EPCOT

I must say, the music that played throughout the ride was absolutely phenomenal! The tunes were a perfect match for the theme of the attraction and nicely complemented Chris Pratt’s character as Star-Lord from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As we all know, music is a crucial component in Peter Quill’s life, allowing him to stay connected to Earth despite exploring the vastness of the galaxy. It also serves as a reminder of his humanity, especially after learning about his father’s celestial nature. The music selection chosen for this ride not only stays faithful to the film but it also creates a lively and enjoyable atmosphere that encourages guests to sing and dance while experiencing the thrilling indoor roller coaster.

Credit: Disney

Despite the current soundtrack of the attraction being exceptional, we couldn’t help but ponder over the possibility of other songs that could be fitting. With the movies boasting a diverse range of music, each representing a particular decade, there are countless options that could be integrated into the attraction. It’s somewhat surprising that certain songs featured in the films didn’t make it to the final soundtrack of the ride. For instance, “Brandy” by Looking Glass and “Hooked on a Feeling” by Blue Swede would have made outstanding additions. Therefore, our curiosity was piqued, and we meticulously composed a list of songs (some from the films and others not) that we believe would be ideal for the rotating soundtrack of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, ensuring a truly immersive experience.

“Come and Get Your Love” – Red Bone

It is quite evident that the 1974 track is the clear favorite on this list. This particular song is the most notable feature across all three movies and has even found its way into the blockbuster hit, Avengers: End Game (2019). The Guardians’ unique and distinctive vibe is impeccably captured by the whole groove of this track, and it’s genuinely surprising that it didn’t make the final cut. Although there are other songs that share a similar feel within the ride, there is no doubt that this one should have unquestionably made the final selection.

“Aint No Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye, Tammy Terrell

Featured in the first Guardians of the Galaxy film, this song is also a perfect fit for the ride. The feel-good beat and smooth flow are a perfect match despite the high-speed temp of the attraction. Released in 1967, this has had its day, featured in many films. The overall vibe of this tune would also serve well as it encompasses the eventual galvanization of the Guardians.

“Black Dog” – Led Zeppelin

Although this Led Zeppelin classic from 1971 wasn’t featured in any of the MCU films, the classic rock hit would make for an entertaining ride on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT. Zeppelin is one of the most popular bands out there, and their music is timeless, making them a must-have in anyone’s musical library, including Star-Lord.

“No Sleep Til Brooklyn” – Beastie Boys

In the upcoming third installment of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, audiences can anticipate a scene that features a 1986 track. The team will face off against an army of genetically engineered animal hybrids with this upbeat and lively tune by the Beastie Boys playing in the background. The song choice is particularly fitting as it is both high-energy and weighty, without being exclusively classified as a rock song. Additionally, this song has been previously featured in other Marvel Cinematic Universe productions, such as Spider-Man.

“Crazy on You” – Heart

Volume 3 of Guardians of the Galaxy showcases a memorable track, Heart’s “Crazy on You,” which was released in 1975. Notably, the song features an impressive lead guitar riff and was used to introduce Adam Warlock in the film. Moreover, the track has gained a substantial following on the internet through the use of memes. Adding this classic rock anthem to the EPCOT ride would create a fantastic experience, as its crunchy sound would transport riders to a musical era of the past.

Credit: Disney

The soundtracks of the Guardians of the Galaxy films boast an impressive collection of timeless tunes, including the likes of “I Want You Back” by the Jackson 5 and “Creep” by Radiohead. It’s fascinating to note how music serves a crucial role in conveying the movies’ adventurous narratives, which continue to enthrall viewers worldwide. Notably, the Cosmic Rewind attraction at EPCOT features an exceptional soundtrack. However, it’s our belief that there’s untapped potential to incorporate more fantastic music from recent decades into the attraction’s playlist. 

If you haven’t had the chance to experience it yet, we strongly recommend riding Guardians of the Galaxy multiple times. Each ride offers a unique experience, thanks to the different songs played during the ride. However, it’s important to note that the ride currently operates on a virtual queue system. If you haven’t purchased a Lightning Lane through Disney Genie+, you’ll need to use the My Disney Experience app to try and secure a boarding group at either 7 a.m. or 1 p.m. while in the park. Although standby queues have been tested during After Hours events at EPCOT, there is currently no official standby queue available for the attraction. So, plan your day accordingly and make sure you don’t miss out on this thrilling ride.

What song would you like to hear added to the soundtrack for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind?