Crazy cosmic jive
Julie Delahaye has a blast in a revitalised Walt Disney World
Hurtling through space backwards while Earth, Wind & Fire’s September blasts out in the background is not a situation I ever thought I’d find myself in.
Yet that’s exactly where I ended up when I took on Walt Disney World’s highly anticipated new coaster Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in Epcot – and it was out of this world.
The new ride in Florida, which opened to the public this week, has everything thrillseekers could want, from spins and dips to speeds of around 40mph, not to mention that it’s Disney’s first reverse launch coaster.
Volume 3 of the blockbuster Marvel franchise is not out until next May but Disney Imagineers (the creative team that brings the magic to life) were on the film set, so you can expect special appearances from Star Lord, Gamora, Groot and Co on this new escapade of galaxy-saving excitement. And while rides can sometimes verge on terrifying, Cosmic Rewind is just pure fun, so much so I went on it five times.
Hits from the 70s and 80s like Disco Inferno, Conga, Everybody Wants to Rule the World, I Ran and September – my personal favourite – make up the soundtrack, and you never know which of the five you’ll get until the ride kicks off.
The queue and pre-show offer up just as much enjoyment, especially if, like me, you’re a fan of the films. There are plenty of cool artefacts and nods to the Guardians, with the whole atmosphere fully immersing you into the world of Xandar.
Just before the show you’ll head to the Phase Chamber, where you’ll be greeted by Nova-prime Irani Rael – aka Glenn Close – before being teleported from Orlando to a Nova Corps Starcharter that’s orbiting Earth. Things quickly become chaotic