As an annual pass holder, one of my besties and I got a preview of the newest Disney World roller-coaster located in Epcot, Guardians of the Galaxy, Cosmic Rewind. She is a DVC member & pass holder and I am an annual pass holder.
Although, I live in Ohio. I have been to WDW 6 times in the last two years. So, you can call it my home-away-from-home.
Why I am a Rollercoaster Connoisseur
WOW! I can not say this enough! Wow, wow, wow! I consider myself a rollercoaster junkie. In other words, I love thrill rides, and I love coasters, and I have ridden my fair share of them. I live in Ohio and have spent many years at Cedar Point, Disney World, and Universal Orlando.
**Spoiler Alert** If you DO NOT WANT TO SEE PICTURES , do NOT read.
I have been a Disney World annual pass holder for some time now. We have visited the parks once to twice a year for the last 15 years. I have recently visited WDW 9 times in the previous two years. Walt Disney World is my 'Home Away from Home.'
Six years ago, my kids and I visited Universal Studios for the first time. I was blown away by Harry Potter World. You turn the corner, and you are fully immersed. The Hogwarts Castle ride 'The Forbidden Journey' was unbelievable. I could go on, but this is a Disney post. My family walked out of that ride and said, 'We love Disney, but Harry Potter just blew everything at Disney out of the water! " Fast forward some time, and Pandora, in Animal Kingdom was launched. We rode 'Flight of Passage' and said, "Ok, Disney, you just leveled up and competed with Harry Potter. " We were thrilled. But now...this ride has just blown EVERY ride I have been on into oblivion!!!
But WOW. Have I said that enough? I booked our preview in April and could not wait. I do not like spoilers, so I have avoided all the POVs around the ride.
The ride replaced the location of Ellen's Energy. It is to the left of Test Track and Space 220 restaurant and across from the new Connections Cafe. You can not miss it as there is a big blue and yellow spaceship right in front of the building entrance. The ship is modeled after the Nova ships in the series.
The Ride queue
Here is the return clock on the entrance of the building. They did not have a sign for stand by vs lightening lane yet. Just this single clock. They also have not opened up the dump site for you to exit into the gift shop. We were pretty bummed, as we would have spent some money after the ride to have first dibs on merchandise.
There is a photo that is taken on the ride, but the photo pass screens were not up and photos were not taken. But we believe it is where you see 3 lights flash. I am curious as to the exact location, but it is definitely post ride launch. Not like Rockin' Rollercoaster at the initial launch.
Do you and your party plan fun photo poses too? Or is it just us? Ok, just us.
The inside of the queue is dark (but not as dark as Space Mountain) and very modern. But very pretty and elegant.
The queue is longer than space mountain but not as long as Flight of Passage, thank goodness! More like Test Track. There are two previews. The second one is note-worthy!! Without spoiling too much, if you are a movie fan...you will be extremely happy!!
Similar to Big Thunder and Space Mountain. They have two load areas. One really cool thing we noticed was how they were separating out the groups. They had two rows
Did you know?
Cosmic Rewind is the longest indoor roller coaster in the world?
There are 6 popular songs from the movies available for the ride and one will randomly play for each trip.
What to expect during the ride?
SPOILER ALERT _RIDE DETAILS - DO not read on if you do not want to know what happens, but if you are worried about motion sickness. Please read on.
Remember how I stated above this ride is the best rollercoaster I have ever been on? Well, it is for many reasons. The launch itself, is freaking fantastic! But I have to say, that is NOT the best part. Each of the cars on the train turn independently. (remember harry potter?) The ride is NOT in a constant spin. But it will turn you different directions. If Mickey and Minnie's Railroad bothers you or Everest bothers you, do not ride this ride.
Another thing I found super cool about this ride is that at times you can see the track in a very unique angle. If you know, you know.
Have you ever watched a POV, thought you knew the ride and then personally ridden it and said out loud "What just happened!" I love that feeling, don't you? Well, post ride, I watched a few POVs on the Cosmic Rewind coaster and NO POV has done it justice. So if you think you know what to expect, well...hold that thought.
Single Rider Line?
When the cast member was asking for counts before assigning our rows they seemed to be separating us into two lines. One line for evens and one for odd parties. It caught our attention. No more calling out for parties of 2 or 1. If the cast members needed a odd or even party for a row they grabbed the next ones from that row.
What it looked like, was that Disney figured out a slick way to load cars and possibly avoid a single rider line? It was pretty cool to watch and extremely efficient. I am curious to see if it will stay at the launch on 5/27 or of it was just to make things run smooth for the preview. But I hope it is here to stay.
Disney Magic
They have some really cool magic shots for this ride. Although, I had to alter them as they came out really dark. Disney can you change that please?
I did not video my entire time in the queue but I grabbed some footage if you would like to get a sneak peak.
Did you get to ride during the preview? Let us know your thoughts?
Cheers,
Lisa
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