Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – Our Awesome (Re)Mixtape

By now, you already know that Guardians of the Galaxy has opened at Epcot.  It is an excellent addition to the parks, and the Imagineering team did an exceptional job with it. The songs, visuals, and smooth ride system make this an A+ attraction. Sorry, old dinos at Universe of Energy – you will be missed. 

 

However, when you did “run on sunshine” at UoE, people did not need barf bags when they exit. So there’s that!

I do not consider myself to be a roller coaster enthusiast or even like them, but this is a fantastic ride that everyone should experience…at least once. 

 

 

If you are really chicken, just checked out the queue. It has a lot of Easter eggs, great visuals, and the pre-show is pretty spectacular. 

 

 

 

But that’s not the reason you’re here – you want to hear about the music. Cosmic Rewind is based on a story that some big astro guy took a power generator from the Nova Corps. He wants to erase humans from the galaxy. Now it’s the Guardians of the Galaxy and our job to catch him through time loops/jumps. 

 

 

As Peter Quill says, “no one can stop rock and roll!” That starts the journey as your vehicle launches backward into pitch darkness while moving along on a track. The ride itself is very smooth and the “turning” motion is slight. People are saying it is like the teacups, but that’s not true. Very smooth on every turn!

Despite that, plenty of people have lost their lunch on and after the ride! For the record, I can get vertigo on certain rides (i.e. Remy) but I was fine after this one.

Okay, okay, back to the music. You will go squealing along the track cued to six songs:

• “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” by A Flock of Seagulls
• “One Way or Another” by Blondie

 

 

Apparently, Walt Disney Imagineering listened to over 100 songs to get a mix that matches the right energy and flow to Cosmic Rewind.

 

 

While we would not want to go against the minds of the Imagineering team (and who doesn’t want to listen to Conga for the 50th time), here are a few suggestions to add to the attraction.

For the record, I’m sticking with songs popular during the 80s – just because it’s my list and we need to pay homage to Epcot Center.

 

Peter Gabriel – Sledgehammer 

This song has always gotten big marks from me since the day I saw the funky video. It’s got a great beat, perfect lyrics (“you could have a Big Dipper” – see space stuff), and otherworldly sound effects. 

 

Kenny Loggins – Danger Zone

So this might have licensing issues and it’s closely associated with Top Gun, but there’s no other song I love to crank up and cruise down the Highway (or complete darkness).

 

Eddie Money – Take Me Home Tonight

Eddie’s powerful voice blares as you fly through complete darkness only to hear Be My Little Darling by Ronnie Spector- complete perfection.

 

 

Kim Wilde – Keep Me Hanging On

Classic 80s beat that will keep you pumping through the darkness of space. Get out of my life giant space guy who stole the power thingy.

 

Whitney Houston – How Will I Know

You can’t forget about the Queen! Another great song with a great 80s beat that would make a good addition.

 

Micheal Jackson – Wanna Be Startin’ Something

MJ needs to make a return to Epcot now that Captain EO is gone.

 

Oh, you want something heavier? Lemme dust off my acid wash jeans and feather my bangs…

 

Van Halen – Jump

Diamond Dave shouting into the empty void of space as the Guardians battle the space guy would take this attraction to the next level.

 

Motley Crue – Kickstart My Heart

Okay, it’s going to be hard to find a Crue song that fits into the Disney standards, but this rocker might be the perfect one for the job. Try not to headbang to this classic!

Guns N’ Roses – Welcome To The Jungle

I just want to hear Slash shredding on an attraction – I have no specific reason to add this one.  

 

Bon Jovi – Runaway

Another top choice for a driving song would be a great fit for this attraction. Just don’t watch the music video, it hasn’t made sense since the 1980s.

 

Notable mentions:

Mike + the Mechanics: All I Want Is a Miracle

Pat Benatar: Shadows of the Night

Mathew Wilder: Break My Stride

Rick Springfield: Human Touch

 

As you can tell, that was easy (not really). Imagineering isn’t that hard (haha yeah right!). I’m sure there were numerous reasons for choosing these particular songs for the ride, much more than picking a few cool ones out of a playlist  

What songs would you use for the attraction? Do you like the selections or would you use something else? Let us know in the comments!