Guardians of The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Motion Sickness Info and Tips

There are so many different types of rides at Disney World — from slow-moving dark rides with the occasional thrill to rides that will make you question your entire existence.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

If you’re prone to motion sickness, you know all too well just how it can ruin your day when it happens. There are probably a few rides at Disney World you might want to avoid, but if you’re curious about Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in particular — you’ve come to the right place!

When it comes to Disney World rides, some are a bit more motion-sickness-inducing than others. We have a full list of what attractions you may struggle with if you’re prone to getting sick, but the newest ride at EPCOT definitely belongs on that list.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is located in World Discovery and is one of the longest indoor roller coasters ever built. It takes guests on an intergalactic adventure with Marvel’s motley crew. In typical Guardians fashion, not everything goes according to plan, and guests are suddenly tasked with helping to save the galaxy.

Guardians queue

Rocket, Groot, Drax, Gamora, and Star-Lord need guests’ help to save the galaxy after receiving that S.O.S. from the Nova Corps that their outpost on Earth is in danger. This means riders have to get out of the ship FAST, and are evacuated by using “Starjumper shuttles – small escape pods that launch from the Starcharter cruiser.”

Here’s the thing about those “escape pods” though — they aren’t quite what they seem.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Ride Vehicle

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is Disney’s first Omnicoaster — meaning each ride vehicle spins around a full 360 degrees. While you’re moving “forward” on the track, the Omnicoaster is also rotating from left to right, pointing you in the direction of whatever you’re supposed to be looking at.

If you’re someone who struggles with motion sickness on your run-of-the-mill roller coaster, Cosmic Rewind is like that on steroids. Not only are you being propelled in one direction, but you might also be spinning around at the same time.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Cosmic Rewind is also an indoor coaster, which can be disorienting in and of itself. It’s DARK in that big ol’ building, with only screens and other elements lit up at certain times. It can be hard to tell what direction you’re headed in, which can often give you that pit in your stomach.

While Cosmic Rewind isn’t a 3D screen ride that requires glasses, the combination of rapid movements and having to try to focus your eyes on a certain fixed point can add to how sick you might get.

So Much to See!

Did we mention just how DARK it is in that show building? You’re flying through outer space, multiple galaxies, universes, etc., and if there’s one thing we know about space, it’s that it can be pretty darn void of light. Certain aspects of the ride are illuminated based on where you’re supposed to be looking, but ask anyone who has walked out of a Disney dark ride into a bright summer day knows just how jarring that can actually be.

©Disney

There’s also the fact that Cosmic Rewind features a reverse launch. You might be thinking, “I’ve been on Expedition Everest and that goes backward!” While you are correct, Everest doesn’t launch you backward — Cosmic Rewind does.

Getting Ready

At first, you’ll head out facing forward thinking everything is copacetic, and then, your Omnicoaster rotates a full 180 degrees, placing you in the opposite direction you just were. Before you know it — BAM! You are propelled backward and the party really gets started (or ends if you’re prone to getting sick).

Pre-show

You don’t stay backward for the entire ride — those coasters spin around, remember? — but if you’re not expecting it and are braced to go forward, it can be quite a shock. But, being that this is a new coaster, it is incredibly smooth. You don’t get the typical bumps and jostling you might find on Big Thunder Mountain or other coasters, but the rest of the technology and elements of this ride can make riders queasy.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

It’s less about intensity and more about the rotating of the ride vehicle coupled with screens, which may make Cosmic Rewind disorienting for some people. However, the aforementioned Omnicoaster vehicles do an excellent job of directing rider attention where it needs to be, and the action usually moves in tandem with the roller coaster trains. This makes the likelihood of feeling queasy due to the different motions low — it’s not jarring or disorienting.

Cosmic Rewind

It moves quickly, and there’s a lot of turning back and forth throughout, as well as turning your head around to watch the action unfolding. If you typically have problems with things like that, then this may make you sick. If you are prone to sickness, eating something small before riding, and requesting a seat toward the middle (specifically rows 5 and 6) could be helpful.

Spaceship Earth

At the end of the day, you know your body best and what is most likely to make you feel sick or get queasy. If you do end up getting motion sickness, let someone in your party or a Cast Member know so they can get you the care you need — and don’t forget Disney World has First Aid Centers in each park.

Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World tips and info!