Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT is more than just a thrilling roller coaster; it’s a musical journey through space. This guide dives into the complete playlist of Cosmic Rewind Songs, exploring how each track elevates the ride experience and offering our definitive ranking of these cosmic hits. Updated for Fall 2024, we’ll also touch upon the special one-day musical events and what makes this ride’s soundtrack so integral to its magic.
Before we launch into the music, experiencing Cosmic Rewind requires a bit of planning. Forget standby lines – your ticket to this interstellar adventure is either through the complimentary virtual queue or by purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane pass. For a detailed strategy to maximize your chances of riding, check out our guide on How to Ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind & Virtual Queue Speed Strategy. Alternatively, for those prioritizing time, the Lightning Lane Single Pass offers line-skipping access, currently priced between $14 and $17 per person depending on the day. Securing your spot beforehand is crucial as simply arriving at EPCOT won’t guarantee you a ride.
Having experienced Cosmic Rewind countless times since its debut, we’ve become intimately familiar with every song on the roster – even the infamous holiday remix. Each track brings a unique flavor to the ride, subtly altering the perceived motion and intensity. It’s as if the music orchestrates the coaster’s dance through the cosmos. This masterful blend of music and motion is what makes Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind such a phenomenal attraction. It builds on the success of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! at Disney California Adventure, proving that pairing Marvel’s beloved characters with an “Awesome Mix Tape” and thrilling ride mechanics is a formula for theme park gold. More attractions should definitely follow suit.
Special September Song: Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September” Returns!
Mark your calendars, Earth, Wind & Fire fans! For one day only, Saturday, September 21, 2024, EPCOT guests riding Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will be treated to the iconic sounds of “September.” This special musical event, announced across Disney Parks’ social media channels, is becoming an anticipated annual tradition, mirroring last year’s special day. If you’re planning a Disney trip in future Septembers, especially around the 21st, expect this groovy offering to return.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind entrance at Epcot, showcasing the ride's vibrant and futuristic design.
While September 21st, 2024 falls on a Saturday during the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, traditionally a busier period, it’s still considered part of the Walt Disney World off-season. Expect slightly increased demand for the Cosmic Rewind virtual queue on this special day, driven by locals and dedicated fans eager to experience the “September” soundtrack.
The Cosmic Rewind “Awesome Mix”: Six Songs, Infinite Experiences
The Imagineers at Walt Disney World truly went the extra mile in crafting the perfect sonic backdrop for Cosmic Rewind. They curated a list of over 100 songs, rigorously testing each one on the ride itself to find the six tracks that best encapsulate the roller coaster’s energy, flow, and narrative. The goal was to select songs that not only pump up the adrenaline but also subtly echo the story of an intergalactic chase through time and space.
The standard “Awesome Mix” playlist for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind features these six classic hits:
- “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire
- “Disco Inferno” by The Trammps
- “Conga” by Gloria Estefan
- “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears
- “I Ran (So Far Away)” by A Flock of Seagulls
- “One Way or Another” by Blondie
Each ride on Cosmic Rewind is a surprise, as the song you’ll hear is randomly selected. This element of chance ensures that every launch into the cosmos feels fresh and exciting. Beyond these six featured tracks, many of the other tested songs are incorporated into the post-show area and exit corridors, extending the musical experience and offering even more auditory Easter eggs for repeat riders.
Our Definitive Cosmic Rewind Song Rankings
After numerous rides and careful consideration, here are our personal rankings of the Cosmic Rewind songs, evaluating how each track syncs with the ride’s thrills and narrative:
A family taking a selfie on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, capturing the joy and excitement of the ride experience.
Sarah’s Cosmic Rewind Song Rankings:
- “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears: This song is the perfect blend of energy and anthemic vibes. It elevates the sense of adventure and cosmic stakes, making the ride feel truly epic.
- “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire: Pure joy in musical form. “September” is infectious, adding an undeniable layer of fun and celebration to the ride. It’s impossible not to smile when this track kicks in.
- “Conga” by Gloria Estefan: While perhaps not as thematically fitting as others, “Conga” brings a vibrant, Latin-infused energy that’s undeniably catchy and makes for a uniquely rhythmic ride experience.
- “One Way or Another” by Blondie: The driving beat and Debbie Harry’s vocals create a sense of urgency and determination, perfectly mirroring the Guardians’ mission to save the galaxy.
- “I Ran (So Far Away)” by A Flock of Seagulls: This 80s classic is undeniably fun and quirky. Its synth-heavy soundscape complements the futuristic setting of the ride, though it might not be the most impactful track on the playlist.
- “Disco Inferno” by The Trammps: While a disco classic, “Disco Inferno” feels slightly out of sync with the ride’s overall tone for some. It’s high-energy, but lacks the narrative punch of other tracks.
Tom’s Cosmic Rewind Song Rankings:
- “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire: Unbeatable. “September” is simply the most uplifting and exhilarating song to experience on Cosmic Rewind. It’s pure magic.
- “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears: Close second. The anthemic quality and driving rhythm of this track make it a powerful and immersive accompaniment to the ride’s thrills.
- “I Ran (So Far Away)” by A Flock of Seagulls: Underrated gem. The 80s synth-pop vibe is unexpectedly perfect for a space-themed coaster, adding a layer of retro-futuristic charm.
- “Disco Inferno” by The Trammps: Fun and energetic, but can feel a bit repetitive on repeat rides. Still, it brings the disco heat to the cosmic adventure.
- “One Way or Another” by Blondie: Solid and punchy, but doesn’t quite reach the same heights as the top-tier tracks in terms of emotional impact on the ride experience.
- “Conga” by Gloria Estefan: …Nothing At All… – Personally, “Conga” is the least favorite. While energetic, it doesn’t resonate as strongly with the ride’s theme or pacing compared to the other songs.
While personal preferences vary, the beauty of Cosmic Rewind’s soundtrack is that each song offers a distinct and memorable ride experience.
The Case of the Cosmic Rewind Holiday Remix
During its inaugural Christmas season, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind debuted a holiday remix, swapping the classic playlist for a festive mashup. The Guardians of Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – Holiday Remix aimed to inject some seasonal cheer into the interstellar coaster.
A promotional image for the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Holiday Remix, featuring festive decorations and characters.
Unfortunately, the Holiday Remix received largely negative feedback and did not return the following year. The primary criticism was its lack of integration with the ride experience. The Christmas song felt jarringly out of place, lacking any thematic connection to the Guardians or the ride’s narrative. Unlike successful holiday overlays at other Disney attractions, the Cosmic Rewind Holiday Remix felt like a tacked-on musical change without any deeper festive enhancements. The ride’s flow and pacing, usually so perfectly synced with the music, suffered significantly with the holiday track. The consensus was that the Holiday Remix detracted from, rather than enhanced, the Cosmic Rewind experience.
Despite the misstep of the first Holiday Remix, the potential for seasonal overlays remains exciting. A well-executed Christmas or Halloween overlay could be incredible. Disney California Adventure’s Guardians of the Galaxy — Monsters After Dark Halloween overlay serves as a prime example of how to do seasonal ride transformations right.
Drawing Parallels: Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! Songs
For comparison, Disneyland Resort’s Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! also utilizes music to enhance its thrill ride experience. The Song List for Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! features a different “Awesome Mix” with tracks like:
- “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar (1980)
- “Give Up The Funk” by Parliament (1975)
- “Born To Be Wild” by Steppenwolf (1968)
- “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5 (1969)
- “Free Ride” by The Edgar Winter Group (1973)
- “Burning Love” by Elvis Presley (1972)
These songs, while diverse, share a common thread of high energy and rebellious spirit, perfectly complementing the ride’s chaotic and thrilling drop sequences. Just like with Cosmic Rewind, the music on Mission: BREAKOUT! elevates the experience far beyond a typical drop tower ride.
The Story Behind the Sounds: Eson the Celestial
Beyond the music, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind boasts a compelling storyline centered around Eson, a Celestial who emerges as the ride’s antagonist. Eson, observing Earth for eons, intends to “right a wrong in a big way,” setting the stage for the Guardians’ intervention.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride vehicles launching into space, showcasing the ride's dynamic movement and immersive environment.
While Eson’s appearance might surprise casual EPCOT visitors, he’s a significant figure in the Guardians of the Galaxy universe. Though not previously encountering this particular group of Guardians, Eson’s history includes possession of the Power Stone, a crucial Infinity Stone, as revealed in the first Guardians of the Galaxy film. His current focus on Earth draws the Guardians into a desperate mission to save the planet, and guests become integral to their plan. This narrative device of enlisting ride participants to aid the heroes is a recurring and effective storytelling technique in Disney thrill rides, adding another layer of engagement to the experience.
Final Thoughts on the Cosmic Rewind Soundtrack
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind’s “Awesome Mix Tape” is a masterclass in themed entertainment. The carefully selected songs are not mere background music; they are integral to the ride’s identity, enhancing the thrills, humor, and emotional resonance of the cosmic adventure. Whether you get “September,” “Disco Inferno,” or any of the other fantastic tracks, you’re guaranteed a uniquely musical and exhilarating journey through space. The soundtrack, combined with the innovative ride system and engaging storyline, solidifies Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind as a must-do attraction at EPCOT.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What are your favorite Cosmic Rewind songs? Do you think the chosen tracks perfectly complement the ride? Share your rankings and opinions in the comments below! We love hearing your thoughts and experiences.
