Some rides change with a big announcement. Others change in small ways that fans notice immediately. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is getting both this season, and the two updates have EPCOT fans talking.
First, the ride is adding holiday music for a limited run, with riders hearing one of three songs. Second, a moment in the pre-show that guests have been filling with their own commentary for years has been removed. Here's everything we know about each change, along with some guidance for planning a holiday visit.
Three Songs, One Coaster
Scott Gustin broke the news on X. “NEW: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is getting a new holiday twist this year at EPCOT,” his post said. “From Nov. 25-Jan. 12, 2027, riders can hear one of three seasonal songs.”
“It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams
“Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
“Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses
NEW: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is getting a new holiday twist this year at EPCOT. From Nov. 25-Jan. 12, 2027, riders can hear one of three seasonal songs:
• “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” – Andy Williams
• “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” – Trans-Siberian Orchestra
• “Christmas Wrapping” – The Waitresses
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) October 6, 2026
The lineup covers a lot of ground, from a smooth classic to a big dramatic arrangement to a bouncy, offbeat favorite.
A Look Back at the Holiday Remix
Normally, the ride plays a six song classic rock playlist featuring tracks like “September” and “Disco Inferno.” Previously, the Holiday Remix replaced it with a custom mashup of seasonal songs. That medley changed lyrics to fit the ride, turning “Run Run Rudolph” into “Run Run Rocket,” and it included snippets of “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
Every rider heard the same medley. This year, the format looks more varied, with separate songs and the possibility of a different track on each trip.
The Case for Riding More Than Once
We think the new setup is a smart move. If you only hear one of three songs per ride, curiosity will do the rest. You'll want to know what the others sound like, and the only way to find out is to get back in line.
There's one important unknown. Gustin's post says riders can hear “one of three” songs, but it doesn't explain how the choice is made. It may be random, rotating, or something else entirely, so don't count on picking your own track until more details come out.
A Ride Worth Waiting For
Cosmic Rewind opened in 2022 and has stayed very popular. It's an EPCOT Lightning Lane Single Pass option and is also included in the Premier Pass. Standby waits can be long, and at a recent September 21 event, the wait peaked at 185 minutes. Cast members have also changed the pre-show exit process, which used to see hundreds of guests competing for a spot closer to the front.
The Pause That Used to Be a Punchline
Now for the second change. In the pre-show, Nova Corps Centurion Tal Marik, played by Terry Crews, asks guests what they call themselves. For years, there was a pause after the question, and because EPCOT has a reputation as the park for Drink Around the World, somebody would often yell out “alcoholics” or a similar answer.
That pause is gone. The video now moves straight to Tal Marik's next line. Disney hasn't given an official reason, but the result is obvious: no more opening for a shout out.
How Guests Are Reacting Online
Reddit users have plenty to say, and many are relieved. “The last time I heard someone shout alcoholics, they sounded so proud of themselves while saying it, but then they were booed mercilessly by the room with one person going ‘YOU'RE NOT FUNNY,'” wrote DrOddfellow. Kenny_RogersRoasters was blunt. “Finally. The amount of cringe that people would yell that they and only they thought was funny was out of control.”
A few commenters pointed to similar behavior elsewhere. FjordAhoy wrote that reciting the entire Haunted Mansion stretch room script “is actually annoying because it takes everyone else out of the moment, no different than someone saying the lines in a movie to prove they're big fans.” SittinByThePool said it's always funny to see people “who yell and think they're so cool for being obnoxious for what could be many people's first or only time riding the ride.”
Not everyone is on board. Admiral_Austinfinity predicted the opposite effect. “This isn't going to make a difference,” they wrote. “In fact it just means the same people who shout something out are now going to actively talk over Terry and confuse others even worse.”
Planning a Holiday Ride Strategy
The holiday overlay runs from November 25 through January 12, 2027, which includes Thanksgiving week and goes past New Year's. That means some of the busiest days of the year. If you hope to hear more than one song, you'll probably need more than one ride, so check wait times and Lightning Lane options in the My Disney Experience app and decide how much of your day to spend on repeat rides. Early mornings and late evenings may make that easier.
Overlay details can change, so confirm everything closer to your trip. If you're visiting with friends or family, turn it into a game and see who hears which song.
First time riders may also notice a smoother, quieter start to the pre-show now that the pause is gone.
Your Turn to Weigh In
Which holiday song are you hoping to hear, and do you think removing the pre-show pause was the right move? Tell us in the comments, and let us know if you plan to ride more than once to catch all three tracks.
