EPCOT’s Newest Thrill Ride Just Received an Update

Rides and attractions around the Walt Disney World Resort are constantly receiving updates (whether fans like it, or not) and sometimes those updates come quicker than we might expect.

With some updates announced years in advance, in the case of Splash Mountain’s upcoming transformation into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, others are simply opened to Guests unexpectedly, and that’s exactly what happened in the case of EPCOT’s newest thrill ride.

RELATED: A Behind the Scenes Look at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind only opened in May of this year in the former Universe of Energy Space offering Guests a high-speed ride into the iconic Marvel film. The roller coaster attraction features Disney’s first reverse launch, and it is currently operating on a virtual queue for Guests visiting the Disney Park.

The attraction was already modified shortly after it opened when Guests were given barf bags and trash cans at the exit of the ride were refitted with openings rather than Disney’s traditional lids in the case of Guests who suffered from motion sickness while riding.

RELATED: Trash Cans and Bags Available to Motion Sick Guests at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

The ride itself was recently updated with a new lighting sequence designed to further immerse Guests into the storyline of the attraction. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind now features an extra bright flash when the “Big Bang” takes place on the ride.

Theme park journalist Scott Gustin notes that the flash adds to this point in the attraction and that it was put in place to help Guests’ with the viewpoint they are given as their vehicle moves into the reverse launch:

If you ride Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, you might notice a new bright flash on screen during the Big Bang moment.

The effect enhances the “bang” moment and forces your eyes adjust to the light, making the room seem darker during the backwards launch. pic.twitter.com/uAsMu7RNZQ

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) November 1, 2022

RELATED: Details Revealed for the Holiday Overlay at One of Disney’s Most Thrilling Attractions

Along with this lighting update, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will be getting a seasonal overlay for the holidays featuring a new festive soundtrack. If you have a trip to Walt Disney World planned during the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, be sure to secure a spot in the virtual queue for this World Discovery ride to experience it for yourself.

You can find all the details on how to join the virtual queue in the My Disney Experience app. And remember, if you happen to be staying at a deluxe Resort, you can have an extra opportunity to join the virtual queue beginning at 6:00 p.m. on days when EPCOT has extended evening hours.