EPCOT experienced significant crowd levels and extended wait times today, September 21, as guests gathered for a unique event at the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction. The popular ride featured a special overlay, playing only one specific song throughout the day, drawing considerable attention from park visitors.
This single-song event celebrated the date, September 21, a day widely recognized due to Earth, Wind & Fire's hit song "September." This track is one of six songs typically played randomly on the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction. Today's exclusive playback created a notable surge in demand for the ride.
Key Takeaways
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind played only "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire on September 21.
- Wait times for the attraction reached up to 130 minutes throughout the day.
- Other popular EPCOT attractions experienced intermittent closures, potentially impacting crowd distribution.
- The event highlighted the attraction's popularity and its unique guest engagement strategies.
Early Morning Demand and Initial Wait Times
The day began with immediate high demand for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. At approximately 9:15 AM, shortly after EPCOT officially opened, the My Disney Experience application reported a wait time of 125 minutes for the attraction. This high figure was likely influenced by the special music overlay.
Further contributing to the concentrated crowds, other major attractions like Test Track and Living with the Land were temporarily closed during the early hours. This pushed more guests toward the available popular rides. For context, Frozen Ever After, another high-demand attraction, showed a 45-minute wait at the same time, significantly lower than Cosmic Rewind.
Fact: Cosmic Rewind's Playlist
- "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire
- "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears
- "Conga" by Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine
- "Disco Inferno" by The Trammps
- "I Ran (So Far Away)" by A Flock of Seagulls
- "One Way or Another" by Blondie
Normally, one of these six songs plays randomly during each ride cycle, adding a unique element to every experience.
Fluctuating Wait Times Throughout the Day
As the morning progressed, wait times for Cosmic Rewind showed some fluctuation. By 10:45 AM, the reported wait time decreased to 100 minutes. Park officials often monitor crowd flow and adjust operations to manage queues.
However, this dip was temporary. By 11:30 AM, the wait time for Cosmic Rewind increased again to 105 minutes. During this period, Test Track remained closed, continuing to funnel guests towards other open attractions. The outdoor queue for Cosmic Rewind was fully occupied, indicating substantial guest numbers.
"The line does eventually move inside, which (in our experience) can hold about an hour’s long wait for the park, but when it’s almost double that, the line has to move outside," one observer noted, describing the extensive queue.
Midday Changes and Ride Status
Around 12:45 PM, a notable shift occurred. The wait time for Cosmic Rewind dropped to 95 minutes, marking the lowest point observed during the early and midday hours. Simultaneously, Test Track reopened, reporting an 80-minute wait, which likely helped distribute some of the park's crowds.
However, another attraction, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, experienced a temporary closure during this time. Such operational changes across multiple rides can significantly impact guest movement and wait times throughout the park.
Context: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is an indoor roller coaster attraction located in the World Discovery neighborhood of EPCOT. It is known for its forward-and-backward launch and 360-degree rotating ride vehicles, providing a unique guest experience. The ride opened in May 2022 and quickly became one of the most popular attractions at Walt Disney World Resort.
Afternoon Peak and Sustained High Demand
By early evening, the demand for Cosmic Rewind intensified once more. After 5:00 PM, the wait time surged to 130 minutes, the highest recorded for the day. This increase occurred despite no reported ride closures at other major attractions at that specific time.
The sustained high wait times throughout the day underscore the popularity of both the attraction itself and the unique appeal of the single-song overlay event. Guests continued to queue for extended periods to experience the special version of the ride.
- 9:15 AM: 125 minutes
- 10:45 AM: 100 minutes
- 11:30 AM: 105 minutes
- 12:45 PM: 95 minutes
- 5:00 PM: 130 minutes
These figures demonstrate a consistent interest in the attraction, with peaks occurring during typical park busy periods. The event served as a significant draw for EPCOT visitors on this particular date.
Impact of Special Events on Park Operations
Special events, such as the single-song overlay at Cosmic Rewind, can have a substantial impact on park operations and guest flow. While these events enhance the guest experience, they also require careful management of crowd control and ride capacities.
The intermittent closures of other major attractions, like Test Track and Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, further complicated the situation. When fewer rides are operational, guests tend to congregate at the open, popular attractions, leading to increased wait times.
This event highlights how specific dates and unique offerings can create memorable experiences for guests, even as they contribute to higher crowd levels and longer waits. Park management continuously monitors these dynamics to ensure guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.
