Change isn’t always the easiest thing to experience or go through. It pulls us away from our norm and makes us step outside our comfort zones. Change is inevitable and sometimes, while not always easy, it is so necessary.
Changes and Updates at Epcot
If you’ve been to Epcot lately, you know it is undergoing a major transformation with lots (and lots) of changes. From the remodeling of the entrance to new additions being added to the World Showcase and Future World, change is everywhere you look!!
When that change involves a new Epcot Guardians of the Galaxy ride, that change is welcomed! Bring on the change it makes us shout!! An Epcot Guardians of the Galaxy ride? Heck, yes!!
Especially when it involves Disney’s first-ever backward launch coaster! I mean, what?! How cool does that sound?
Epcot Guardians of the Galaxy Ride
Epcot’s Guardians of the Galaxy ride will start in the Universe of Energy building and launched into a space that is supposed to be large enough to hold four Spaceship Earths.
You know that big golfball-looking thing you see when you first enter Epcot? The big, beautiful geodesic sphere that stands tall above the entrance to Epcot? That’s where Spaceship Earth resides. According to the Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products Chairman Bob Chapekhe, the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride building is going to be big enough to hold four Spaceship Earths!
Whoa.
That’s big.
First Every Disney Backward Launching Coaster
As mentioned above, the ride is set to feature Disney’s first-ever backward launch coaster and vehicles that have a one-of-a-kind rotating feature.
The new spinning vehicle feature is unique as it takes guests away from the ‘straight-ahead’ viewpoint. Instead, it allows guests to really take in the scenes of the ride by pointing them right at the elements. It’s a brand new approach to Disney roller coasters and will, hopefully, bring guests a more immersive experience. Learn more here.
Epcot Guardians of the Galaxy Ride Start
The Guardians of the Galaxy ride will start in the old Universe of Energy building. Located inside of Future World East, the Universe of Energy building can be found quickly after heading to the left when you pass underneath Spaceship Earth. After 35 years of teaching us about energy, the Universe of Energy attraction closed in 2017. It’s closing marked the end of an era for a classic Epcot attraction.
The ending of an era sounds so sad, right? Yet, maybe all this change and ‘end of an era’ concept isn’t all bad? If Ellen’s Energy Adventure had never come to an end, and the Universe of Energy didn’t close, we wouldn’t be preparing to blast off (backward!) into space!! See, change is good after all!
Once expectant Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster riders are guided through the Universe of Energy building, they are loaded into the unique new vehicles. From there, guests are shot (backward, in case you needed a reminder that it is indeed backward!) into space.
The roller coaster travels through ‘space’ into a ‘tunnel’ that connects the old Universe of Energy building and the new ‘Bigger than Spaceship Earth’ building. From there I’m sure Star Lord, Groot, Rocket and the gang take us on a ride of a lifetime.
Sounds like the new Epcot Guardians of the Galaxy ride is going to be ‘out of this world’.
Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
Disney Changes are (In the End) Welcomed
All this ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ change reminds me of the transformation of the Tower of Terror in Disney’s California Adventure.
Although I am not a Disneyland/DCA local, when I heard the news that the DCA Tower of Terror was turning into Guardians of the Galaxy-Mission Breakout, I was like, nope. Stop. Hold up. The Tower of Terror is one of the best rides at Disney; why would they want to change it?
Well, Disney put me in my place when I had the opportunity to experience the updated Tower of Terror ride.
It. Was. Amazing.
Where else can you head out on a mission with Rocket, Star Lord, Groot, Gamora and the gang? The answer is pretty much nowhere. That’s where. Plus, as is to be expected, the music played throughout the Guardians of the Galaxy- Mission Breakout ride is nothing short of awesome. As awesome as any collection Star Lord would put together.
Seriously, the Guardians of the Galaxy- Mission Breakout was a ton of fun! It now stands out as one of the coolest rides in all of Disney’s California Adventure. Sure, that might be a matter of opinion, but it could also be a fact. The results of the intense survey to determine it as fact just haven’t been finalized yet. Just wait and see. It WILL be hailed as the coolest ride at Disney’s California Adventure.
When Will the Epcot Guardians of the Galaxy Roller Coaster Open?
The new Epcot Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster ride isn’t set to make its debut until 2021. While that’s only a few years away, it kinda feels like a lifetime from now!
What are Guardians of the Galaxy fans supposed to do when they are visiting Disney World in the meantime?
The answer is simple! You should still head to Epcot!
Epcot Guardian of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live! Concert
Starting on June 14th and running until August 18th, Epcot, in Walt Disney World, is featuring a really fun concert: Guardians of the Galaxy- Awesome Mix Live!
The concert is a family-friendly show at the America Gardens Theater. The theater is located inside of Epcot in the World Showcase at the American Pavilion. It’s kinda smack dab in the middle of World Showcase. You won’t be able to miss it.
The show features Peter Quill, or more commonly known as Star Lord, Gamora and a 7 piece alien band from Xandar. Baby Groot even makes an appearance! He is showcased in digital form, but he’s there none-the-less!
Star Lord and Gamora meet the band from Xandar, who is on a mission to share their experiences and their ways of life with others. Epcot, which is welcoming to all cultures, seems like the perfect place for the band to share their knowledge. The band, however, needs a little ‘musical’ help.
Without giving too much away, know that Star Lord helps the band through the use of songs found on his Awesome Mix, volume 1 and 2. Music from the 70s and 80s is blasted as guests learn more about the band from Xandar. Gamora, although, in my opinion, doesn’t seem thrilled with the whole situation, even gets in on the action from time to time as well.
Who Should See the Guardians of the Galaxy- Awesome Mix Live! Concert
The Epcot Guardians of the Galaxy show is perfect for all generations. On a recent trip everyone, from the littlest of us to the oldest of us, enjoyed the show. Our 18-month-old, who doesn’t sit still for anything, even liked the show. He was jammin’ in his seat!
If you do plan on attending the show with little ones, know that strollers are not allowed into the main American Gardens Theater area. There is stroller parking at the back of the pavilion. Just a heads up in case you have a sleeping baby or a little one who doesn’t want to get out of their stroller. If that ends up being the case, you can still enjoy the music from the stroller area in the back of the pavilion.
What Time is the Guardians of the Galaxy- Awesome Mix Live! Concert?
The show runs 5 times a day at: 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 6:45 and 8pm.
Right outside of the American Gardens Theater is a large display listing the times. Be sure to check the times before you plan your day. Or, even better, grab a times guide brochure when you first enter Epcot. During the earlier shows, ample seating always seemed to be available, but for the evening shows, it might be a little tougher to snag a seat.
Knowing the showtime will help you arrive a little early to the show if necessary. Be sure to plan accordingly and make sure the times haven’t changed! On the day, we viewed the concert, the 3:30 show was moved back to 3:45pm.
Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix Live! Concert is Free
Oh, and one of the best parts of this concert? You don’t have to pay extra for it! It’s included in the price of your Epcot admission ticket. Enjoy!
If you want to see the show but can’t make it to Epcot, be sure to check out this video here from BlogMickey.com. You’ll be able to catch their viewing via YouTube.
Conclusion for Epcot Guardians of the Galaxy
There ya go! While you wait for the (what sounds like it’s going to be amazing!) Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster to open at Epcot, you can still get a little Guardians of the Galaxy fix. Be sure to catch the Epcot Guardians of the Galaxy show before it ends on August 18th!
Have you seen the show? Let us know what you think of it in the comments below!
After you see the show at Epcot, be sure to check out these awesome photos spots at Epcot and these can’t miss Epcot features found here and here.
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