Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is now officially open in EPCOT, which means the walls are down, revealing the full courtyard in front of this new attraction.
Guests crowded around the Nova Corps Star Blaster in front of the attraction entrance to take pictures.
Before heading to the courtyard, we saw plenty of temporary queue materials and umbrellas set up, but unused.
It’s possible they could be used to accommodate lines that stretch outside the attraction entrance. But with virtual queuing in place, they may not see much use.
These super popular collectible characters span pretty much every universe, including Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel! If you’re a Funko Pop collector, you might want to check out this giveaway, because your collection could win you an amazing sweepstakes!
Funko announced at the Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim that they would be going a giveaway for you and a plus one to fly to New York City to see the Funko Pop! Grogu Balloon from The Mandalorian in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!
We love spotting new Grogu merchandise around the parks!
The winner will get airfare and tickets to the parade for two, as well as 3 nights of hotel accommodations, and $100 to spend on Funko.com!
All you have to do to enter is post a short video (less than 15 seconds) or photo with your Star Wars Funko collection, use the hashtag #FunkoGiveaway and tag @OriginalFunko! The winner will be announced on June 16th during an episode of Freddy’s Fun Home!
Treasure Skeleton Funko Pop! Figurine
Make sure you enter this giveaway if you want to fly to New York this fall, and stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney updates!
Order Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!
With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!
With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.
Disney World is no stranger to change — in fact, it changes every single day!
Spaceship Earth at EPCOT
Imagineers and Cast Members are constantly looking for and innovating the latest technologies to ensure guests have the best experience they can. From brand new ride tech and the latest in culinary creations to simply painting a curb here and there, we’re always on the look for something new. And today, we spotted a ROBOT roaming around EPCOT!
EPCOT guests who were near Mission Space got quite the surprise when a robot made its way through the crowd! iCan the Showbot is making his way through EPCOT to celebrate the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
iCan the Showbot
If iCan looks familiar, you may recognize him from his time spent strolling around Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom in years past. According to Disney, iCan is a robot “from another galaxy who is fascinated by Earth and earthlings, and wants to learn all he can about us and our culture.”
Meeting and greeting guests!
You can catch him interacting and speaking with guests in EPCOT’s World Discovery neighborhood, though there isn’t a set schedule for the bot at the moment. But we will let you know if we continue to see the bot strolling around the park!
We’ll keep an eye out for more iCan the Showbot sightings, so stay tuned to DFB for more!
Order Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!
With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!
With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.
With Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind now officially open to the public, new EPCOT guide maps are available, showing off the new attraction.
The cover of the new map features Spaceship Earth, lit up at night as a Beacon of Magic. Previously, Harmonious was on the front cover.
Inside, the offerings for The World’s Most Magical Celebration haven’t changed much, though there are two notable exceptions.
Under “New Magic,” the new attraction is listed at the top of the section. It replaces Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, which opened last year.
Meanwhile, at the bottom of the page, the Fab 50 Character Collection statue of Rocket and Groot replaces the one of Olaf.
The ride’s description can be found in the guide section.
The description at number 10 reads: “Team up with the Guardians of the Galaxy on an intergalactic race through space and time.” The Treasures of Xandar shop is also listed at number 15.
The actual map portion remains similar to previous appearances.
The numbers for the ride and Treasures of Xandar are both listed, no longer described as “Coming Soon.”
Even though the current status of the PLAY! Pavilion is still undetermined, it’s still mentioned on the map.
A warning and information about COVID-19 procedures are on the back of the map. Below, we can also find advertisements for upcoming festivals and the My Disney Experience app.
Finally, Marvel features in the copyrights section, though it doesn’t appear anywhere for the attraction.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
The beloved Star Wars personality reminisces about receiving an Ewok plush as a child after experiencing the Star Tours attraction. Therefore, she is very excited to offer this new Ewok Headband.
The Ewok-inspired headband will be available soon from shopDisney. You will also be able to find the headband at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
We’ll keep you updated on pricing and availability. In the meantime, are you excited for this new Ewok headband? Let us know in the comments.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Magical. Transportive. Immersive. Nostalgic. Disney World may be a LOT of things, but one thing it isn’t is predictable.
Crowds along Main Street, U.S.A.
Sheer originality and spectacle go into each and every Disney detail, from the rides to the merch, and increasingly so, this sentiment also applies to new restaurants.
Even if a Disney World restaurant serves similar food to something you might find at home, it’s the environment, the atmosphere, and the overall awe-inspiring experience that really sets it apart.
Space 220
This has LONG been true of classic restaurants, like Be Our Guest and Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen, but with Disney World’s newer restaurants, it’s increasingly clear that Disney is going for GLORY with dining experiences like no other! Here are some of the things that make Disney’s newest restaurants, from Space 220 to Steakhouse 71, DIFFERENT — and game-changers!
Hyper Attention to Detail and History
Rather than slap some signage on a building and serve up some steaks, Disney World is increasingly going above and beyond with thoughtful details that even the most ardent Disney fan might miss.
Steakhouse 71 is open!
This is particularly true of Disney World’s newest meat mecca, Steakhouse 71, whose name is a nod to the year Disney World (and Disney’s Contemporary Resort hotel in which it resides) opened: 1971. Similarly, the 15 layers in the Steakhouse 71 Chocolate Cake is a reference to the 15 floors of the Contemporary!
Lotta layers!
It’s all a part of telling a greater story, honoring Disney’s history, and welcoming diners into a world like no other — extending Disney’s world-famous storytelling beyond the parks and into its dining rooms.
We’ve all been there: struggling to snag a dining reservation for a hard-to-get-into restaurant, only to come up woefully short. Especially if you’ve got your heart set on a particular meal, this can be quite the disappointment!
*Face palm*
Fortunately, Disney has clearly heard our cries, as evidenced by the uptick in casual lounges adjoining main dining rooms, giving guests without a reservation a newfound opportunity to experience the environment and the food!
Lounge Menu
After places like Nomad Lounge — adjacent to Tiffins Restaurant — pioneered the trend, new restaurants like Steakhouse 71 and Space 220 have followed suit with lounges that serve some or all of the restaurant’s menu items. New Disney World restaurants can be impossibly difficult to get into, so these no-reservations lounges provide a plan B, with the added bonus of also offering more budget-friendly menu options!
In a similar vein, Disney is obviously all about OPTIONS these days, because the new restaurants are coming with different types of dining styles under one roof!
In case you can’t get a table for sit-down service, or you’re simply looking to save a few extra bucks, these added options are a way for Disney to extend the magic of these exciting new environments for as many people as possible, and we’re HERE FOR IT.
Taking a cue from its rides, Disney restaurants have become so immersive and intricate that they’re basically full-blown attractions in their own right! Sometimes the food can almost feel like an afterthought compared to the splendor of these places.
Even the lines look like a ride queue at Space 220.
Arguably the most incredible new restaurant in Disney World right now, Space 220 is a WHOLE experience that makes guests feel like they’re rocketing 220 miles up into space! It feels more like an actual ride that happens to culminate with a meal.
Space 220
This looks like it’ll also be the case at the upcoming Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which echoes Toy Story Land’s immersive attractions with adorable toy rodeo theming that’ll make guests feel like they’re in Andy’s backyard!
Between the lounge spaces and Quick Service options, Disney is definitely highlighting casual choices for guests, but on the other end of the spectrum, they’re also going high-end!
Braised Beef Short Rib Wontons at California Grill
Prix fixe menus can help restaurants pair down the kitchen stock needed (a boon during times when there could be supply chain interruptions, like today). From a restaurant operations perspective, they also allow more focused prep for busy times (and what time isn’t busy at Disney World right now?), and help make the time of service more predictable, to assist with reservations and turning tables. All of that sounds perfect for some of the business challenges Disney World is facing.
Center-cut Filet Mignon — part of the Prix Fixe menu at Be Our Guest
But from the guest perspective, many people also enjoy prix fixe menus because they can be a good deal for a full meal, rather than ordering things a la carte. And they allow us to sample more dishes and stay in those amazing Disney World dining rooms longer to drink in all the theming!
In the spirit of Disney’s iconic storytelling, as seen on pretty much ALL its rides with detailed characters, settings, and narratives, newer restaurants and cafes are writing their own back stories in true Disney fashion.
Dining magic extends to Disney Springs
Gideon’s Bakehouse has its own full slate of characters and mythos, from the gargoyles to mysterious characters such as Valentine Carmichael, who “wasn’t all there even when he was all there”. It’s an extension of the restaurant storytelling we’ve seen at places like Skipper Canteen and The Edison, with its steampunk-inspired theatrics.
So many cute characters!
You’ll also find fun back stories to explore while you nosh on Snakebite Sliders and Chicken on the Egg at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, or Spaghetti alla Chitarra at Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante. It’s yet another example of that Disney magic pouring over into your anything-but-average dining experience.
For some guests, when it comes to a memorable meal it’s ALL about a photo moment, and Disney knows it. From the design of new restaurant spaces to the over-the-top and colorful menu items, these Disney World places are increasingly looking primed for Instagram.
Peep that garnish!
Everything about Space 220 is MEGA photogenic, especially those wonky cocktails! Even Steakhouse 71 exceeds predictable American steakhouse expectations with an atmosphere that clearly looks focused on design and style.
Not your average steakhouse desserts!
From the singular ingredients highlighted on menus (like Space Ice Cream at Space 220 or the 15 layers of chocolate in that Steakhouse 71 cake) to the eye-catching decor that only Disney could afford, everything about Disney World’s newest restaurants is stunning — and VERY Instagrammable!
Lounge Bites — You Can See The Stargarita Near the Back Right
Now that Disney World has been around 50 years, guests’ expectations for awe and magic have only grown. Over time, Disney has learned how to evolve and how to bring the wow factor with each new attraction and each new resort. And just like with the rides and hotels, Disney knows guests don’t want anything typical for mealtime. By crafting highly immersive spaces, offering more accessible options, and incorporating storytelling, Disney World restaurants are becoming as exciting as its attractions.
Order Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!
With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!
With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind officially opens at EPCOT today bringing the park its first roller coaster style attraction and its first pavilion ‘sponsored’ by another planet. As the attraction greets its first guests, we realize not everyone is as familiar with the Guardians of the Galaxy movies as we are. So we wanted… Read More »Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – more facts, Easter eggs, and a glossary
Hong Kong Disneyland is getting a new nighttime spectacular! To go along with the Castle of Magical Dreams, which replaced Sleeping Beauty Castle, the new “Momentous” fireworks will debut in June 2022. This post shares photos, video, and commentary about the new evening entertainment. For starters, it’s been a while since we’ve had major good […]
With today marking the official opening of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, reservations for the virtual queue and Individual Lightning Lane reservations were unsurprisingly sold out within minutes of opening.
As we previously reported, the first round of the virtual queue opened up as expected at 7 a.m. The second round is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Prior to the queue opening, guests using the My Disney Experience app could read up about the brand-new attraction.
Within seconds of opening, the virtual queue was full.
Our reporters were issued a boarding group. The reservation page features artwork of the Guardians’ ship, the Milano, flying through space.
When we checked back for our wait time, we were met with a unique message for the attraction: “Attention Terrans… traveling thru jump points isn’t always easy.”
Meanwhile, guests who wanted to purchase Individual Lightning Lane access were met with technical difficulties.
We attempted to purchase for a party of five, but the app had issues as we tried to confirm our selection.
The typical “Something Went Wrong” message appeared when we clicked “Continue,” as the timeslot we selected sold out before we confirmed. Lightning Lane reservations sold out within minutes of becoming available.
Eventually, we were able to book it successfully. Interestingly, guests can join the virtual queue and purchase an Individual Lightning Lane reservation for the attraction, allowing for two rides on the attraction during the day.
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We were up nice and early to get ready to head over to the World Discovery neighborhood of EPCOT to check out Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind on it’s official opening day! We got a preview of this ride during a media event , but now it’s open for all EPCOT guests.
It’s open!
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is utilizing Disney’s virtual queue system, so in order to ride, you’ll need to secure a boarding group. Boarding groups open up at 7AM, and then again at 1PM. There will be a third opportunity to join a boarding group at 6PM for guests who are eligible for Extended Evening Hours in EPCOT.
Cosmic Rewind is also available as an Individual Lightning Lane selection, meaning that you can pay extra to skip the line here! Guests were able to pay $17 to skip the line beginning at 7AM, though this filled up quickly, as well, selling out in just a few minutes.
Lightning Lane Availability at 7AM on Opening Day
When we arrived at EPCOT with our boarding group secured, it would seem like we weren’t the only ones excited for opening day! There were a lot of people waiting to get into the park!
Not only that, but this is an omnicoaster, meaning each Starjumperride vehicle spins a full 360 degrees throughout the ride.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Ride Vehicle
You can also head over to Treasures of Xandar, the merchandise location for this attraction (which we got a sneak peek of), to peruse some of Earth’s and Xandar’s greatest collectibles.
Treasures of Xandar
If you’re heading to EPCOT soon, there’s a whole new world to explore (literally) over at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, so check it out! As always, be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more Disney park news.
