Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, one of EPCOT’s most popular attractions, has made a significant change to how guests experience the ride. Today, February 25, 2025, the roller coaster officially transitioned from a Virtual Queue system to a traditional standby queue during regular park operations, a first since the attraction’s debut in May 2022.
This article explores the impact of that change and provides a breakdown of what guests should know when planning their visit.
Transition from Virtual Queue to Standby Queue
For nearly three years, Cosmic Rewind operated exclusively with a Virtual Queue to manage its high demand, offering limited opportunities for guests to join the line. While the Virtual Queue helped prevent overcrowding and optimized crowd flow, the introduction of a standby queue offers more flexibility to guests without requiring them to monitor specific time slots.
The switch aligns with similar changes made for attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests can now choose when to join the line during the day, allowing for more spontaneity in planning their park visit.
Early Entry and Morning Crowds
Early Entry guests were the first to experience the Cosmic Rewind standby queue on its debut morning. Early Entry is a benefit for those staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels, offering park access 30 minutes before the official opening. Today, hundreds of resort guests lined up before 7:55 AM, forming additional holding areas within EPCOT’s World Celebration Gardens before being routed to the World Discovery section of the park.
By the time the main park gates opened at 9 AM, the standby queue already had a posted wait time of 135 minutes. This reflects the attraction’s popularity and the eagerness of guests to experience it using the new system.
Normal Rope Drop Procedures
For guests arriving after Early Entry, the experience during rope drop was relatively manageable despite the high turnout. Crowds for regular park opening began assembling around 8:45 AM, 15 minutes before rope drop. To secure a good spot in the standby line, it’s advisable to arrive during this time or earlier, especially on busier days.
EPCOT’s operation team effectively managed the flow of guests into the queue, utilizing the attraction’s extended queue design to prevent overwhelming congestion. Throughout the morning, the standby wait time peaked at two hours but gradually decreased as the day progressed, currently sitting at an approximate 85 minute wait time.
Factors Influencing Wait Times
As one of the newest and most advanced roller coasters at Walt Disney World, Cosmic Rewind is expected to maintain strong demand. However, its high-capacity ride system and reliable operations may help moderate wait times compared to other attractions.
The current closure of Test Track for refurbishment may further increase Cosmic Rewind’s popularity in the coming months. Once Test Track reopens later in 2025, it’s expected to draw some of the crowds away, potentially impacting Cosmic Rewind’s wait times.
Comparing Wait Times Across Walt Disney World
Cosmic Rewind’s wait times are projected to remain high, likely placing it among EPCOT’s top attractions. For 2025, other high-demand attractions across Walt Disney World include TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom (with an average wait time of 116 minutes) and Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (averaging 83 minutes). These figures offer insight into where Cosmic Rewind might settle in wait time rankings over time.
Looking Ahead
The standby system for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind marks a shift in guest experience, providing a more traditional approach for accessing this thrilling ride. Its efficiency and capacity will likely continue to make it a flagship attraction at EPCOT. Guests visiting in the coming months should plan their day strategically, considering crowd trends and arriving early for the best opportunity to enjoy the ride.
Final Thoughts
While wait times can still be long, especially in the initial days of this transition, proper planning can ensure a smoother experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong fan, the switch to standby is another way that Disney continues to evolve its approach to park operations.
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Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
