Disney World Coaster Closes “For a While” After Emergency Incident

Guests at EPCOT were in for a shocking turn of events when Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind experienced an unexpected closure. On Saturday, November 16, Walt Disney World Resort visitors eagerly awaiting their intergalactic mission were suddenly rushed out of the attraction building, leaving many to wonder what went wrong.

According to Disney cast members, the coaster was closed “for a while,” but Walt Disney World Resort has yet to provide specific details about the incident. Guest reports suggest that technical difficulties were the cause, though speculation remains about the nature of the emergency.

Guest Describes Tense Evacuation Scene

A Disney Fanatic reader shared their firsthand account of the evacuation, including exclusive photos and videos from the scene.

“We were waiting to ride Guardians and made it all the way through the queue… after all the preshows,” the Disney Park guest explained. “We were in the end of the line and they stopped everything… They kept saying like, giving a message over the intercom, to please remain seated and a [cast] member would be with you shortly.”

Guests who had already boarded the ride vehicles were met with intercom announcements from cast members, as shared in a video recorded during the incident:

“Your missions have been delayed,” the announcement stated. “If you are aboard a Star Jumper, please remain seated with your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside the vehicle at all times. A member of the Nova Corps will be there to assist you momentarily.”

The situation escalated when Disney cast members evacuated everyone, from guests in the queue to those who had already boarded the coaster. The same Walt Disney World Resort guest reported that the lights were turned on, and riders were carefully escorted out.

“They turned on all the lights, and they evacuated the people who were ready to be dispatched from their cars,” the guest recalled. “Then, they started evacuating us… They said they had technical difficulties, so I don’t know if… it was a guest error or a coaster error.”

Disney Provides Limited Details

While Disney has not revealed the exact cause of the unexpected closure, cast members reportedly informed guests that it would take at least an hour before the attraction would reopen. Fortunately, affected visitors were given Lightning Lane passes as compensation for their inconvenience.

“They did tell us it wouldn’t be on for a while, maybe like an hour,” the guest shared.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Reopens

Later that day, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind resumed operations, allowing guests with Virtual Queue and Lightning Lane Single Passes to enjoy the attraction. Despite the brief disruption, the ride is now fully operational, though questions remain about what caused the emergency evacuation.

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