Tom's Very Honest Review of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT

Join WDWNT's own Tom Corless for an in-depth review of the newest EPCOT ride and the park's first roller coaster, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
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[@WDWNT]

Who is your favorite Guardians character?

[@SMTraz]

Groot! Great review. 100% agreed on physical props vs. projections. Physical props are the magic.

[@MichaelRileyrocks]

Groot

[@syifangaming6835]

Rocket

[@thpe8718]

Cinderella

[@robertjones1729]

Groot noo Rocket....yeah Rocket....no...no..Groot..Especially teen age Groot.... Oh...I'll get back to you on that

[@thomasstuart2936]

This year, my family went into the Enchanted Tiki Room thinking, "We know this is going to be lame, but we can kill some in the AC while we wait for our G+ to happen." To our happy surprise it was one of the highlights of the trip. The young kids, teenagers and adults all agreed on how good it was. I believe that it was the physical props drawing us into this magical world that the imagineers created was exactly what did it. Screens and projection mapping are certainly a next level enhancement, but by themselves it's like an entire meal of ranch dressing.

[@mayganphynix8267]

I decided to check out the enchanted tiki room because of the fact that it's based on an original show at DL, and Walt was involved and all of that. It definitely feels dated, but it was still neat to see. the screens with the view "outside", and the rain, and tiki men drumming was the parts that i liked. ❤️

[@karmasutra4774]

One of my favorites and then of course if you have time try out Trader Sam’s enchanted bar that is really fun too

[@ItsUrMom306]

We had a similar story, we stopped in there cause it was about to rain, other rides had huge lines, etc. We had ZERO idea what the show was, we didn't know what to expect, any pics, nothing, completely cold turkey. We couldn't stop laughing the whole show, it was the most fun. Highlight of my trip, took my fiance back there 20 years later lol.

[@krisrhood2127]

I have a friend who is very macho and when he went to Disney World he wound up going to It's A Small World during a rainstorm

[@cmeller55]

The Tiki Room is awesome and my kids love it. While it could be slightly lame for modern audiences, the non-screens make it timeless. Plus the idea that it was programed in the 60's...when today they would never invest in it is insane. People were so mechanical and brilliant back in the early park years.

[@DisDutch]

Hey Tom. What I especially loved about this vid is your almost 'spiritual' comforting part where you confront us with accepting the new Epcot. Deep down we all feel it although we don't want to believe it but Epcot is now just a name. Completely different from the Epcot in our heart and memory . Thank you. Keep helping us with your words to accept and let go

[@ocalicreek]

Agreed! A few years ago I visited the park knowing it wouldn't be the park of my childhood, and though I was saddened in many ways, still managed to have a good time. However, I decided then to take this attitude - it is up to those of us who were educated, inspired and even entertained by that early EPCOT Center to keep that vision alive however we can. We who were "tomorrow's children" really can dream it and do it!

[@RetroFett]

Thanks for the update Tom! I've been going to EPCOT since it opened, and what many sentimental WDW fans don't remember... Horizons and (original)Journey into Imagination became walk-ons in the 90s, slowly fading away without any major updates from Disney. Although incredibly popular in their early years, they were NOT the high demand rides/experiences that we seem to "remember" they were toward the end of their lifespan. RIP.

[@valeriemcdonald440]

My family and I weren't torn up about Horizons, but Journey Into Imagination is another story! No one ever talks about World of Motion, but I remember that one much more fondly than Horizons.

[@kyroravestar262]

HEY!!! Hey... hey....... Blame KODAK CEO for closing the BEST, and MOST SUPERIOR Figment Ride!!!!! And then SPANK the person who purchased parts of the dreamcatcher to hide away!

[@darkridedan1]

These rides were people-eaters. They were almost designed to be walk-ons in later years while rides like Body Wars, Test Track and Mission Space were never designed as such. The size of the line doesn’t equate quality. It’s usually an efficiency issue. Slinky Dog Dash and 7 Dwarf are commonly the longest wait times on property. Neither is a star attraction of either park.

[@digitalportraitist]

Tom appreciate the honesty. Just spent two days in all the parks and loved it and I’m over 60. I still love it all. Ever since my first day at MK in 1977 with my parents. My kids still love it all and to be honest it was the best the parks have ever looked to Me in my lifetime. We need new leadership for sure there is still much room for improvement.

[@lindseymarie7565]

My first visit to Epcot was in 2005 and I only remember riding Mission Space, so I don't have a nostalgic or emotional connection to old Epcot the same a lot of people do. That being said, I agree with Tom and am sad that Epcot is veering far away from its original mission. I also agree that the original attraction ideas are far superior to any IP based attraction. Haunted Mansion, Pirates, Living with the Land, Space Mountain, and Everest are some of my favorites at WDW. I am fine with incorporating some IP into Epcot but I think the IP and attraction should relate back to Edutainment in some way. For example, attractions in World Showcase, while being IP based, teaching us something about that country's culture or attractions in Future World (or whatever it's called now) teaching us about technology and nature. Am I going to ride Cosmic Rewind and have a blast? Of course! It looks amazing. I just don't think it belongs in Epcot.

[@togatomato]

I thought test track 2.0 was amazing when it came out as a kid, but now that I'm an adult I appreciate the original more and want it back. It's all screens and stuff now too. The hot and cold testing feels like nothing's happening. You have to look at the mirror to see what's going on (and I never even bother). Even as a kid I wished characters made more of an appearance, but I take all of that back. That was the whole charm of epcot. Learning and science. Now that I'm a science dweeb, I want it back.

[@kyroravestar262]

It took over Horizons, which smelled the same as Ellens Energy Adventure, and you can skip the smells and still ride Horizons. Many things about Horizons are found all across the park, and even the others. The one thats my fave, is the giant gravity wheel in the queue of Mission:Space. It has the Horizons Logo on it, and has many of the rooms narrated in the original ride. And World of Motion? Is now Test Track..... Which I drive faster than...... so that was a lame change, but what could they do when a sponsor didn't come along? Not to mention, all the recording, and footage, leading to the themes, and rides being played in schools in classes with hogtied teachers with limited cirriculum. I had NEVER ridden World of Motion once, but Darn it if I don't know it's theme song. I blame my science teachers. each of them. from PBS, to senior year! So it might change, but have faith that edutainment will not die. It's just the kids are awake in "class" NOW! lol

[@geoffbartlett1300]

Dude this is why I love the theme park community. You take something as seemingly simple as an attraction like this and provide such deep thought and analysis about so many aspects of how it fits into the larger concept of Epcot and theme parks in general. Really enjoyed this whole video, thanks.

[@kikimouse]

Tom you are not nit picking! Disney was all about the detail that's what set it apart. Thanks for your thoughtful and honest review.

[@suzannataylor767]

This is my favorite vlog of all times! I am 60 years old and was raised on the street...Main Street, Disneyland USA. Disneyland is my treasure trove of decades of memories I relive everytime I go home to Walt's Park. You have not only validated me but all Disnerds in this video. Thank you for all you do and honestly say to insure Disney integrity. Sincerely, Mrs. Suzanna Taylor O.G. Disnerd

[@kentslocum]

Part of the reason that Rise of the Resistance is so insanely popular is because it depends more on physical props and set pieces than on screen projections. The use of screens in ROTR is judicious, while the use of screens in Cosmic Rewind is egregious. However, my favorite Disney attraction is still Disneyland's Space Mountain.

[@louiswright8282]

Disneylands Paris one? From the Earth to the Moon?

[@kentslocum]

@@louiswright8282 From what I've seen and heard, the original version of From the Earth to the Moon was far superior to the current version. However, the current version still might be my favorite Disney ride--if I could ride it. I've never been to Disneyland Paris, so I can't say whether it's my favorite since I've never ridden it. I try to withhold judgement from things I haven't personally experienced.

[@jamesn3999]

It’s funny, GOTG to me felt like Disneyland’s Space Mountain and when I was listening to One Way Or Another on Guardians I felt myself wishing it was the Michael Giancchino Space Mountain soundtrack.

[@DisHsDd]

11:35 - "it's kind of fun doing the impossible" -Walt Disney "But it's more fun doing something with a higher profit margin." - - Bob Chapek

[@MagicScape]

Tom, Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for your very honest review and Disney nerd ramblings. I can only hope that management sees your review and pays attention. Practical effects will always have their place in an attraction. You listening to the family afterwards is exactly what Disney brass should be doing (they used to). Keep up the great job! Len from Chicago

[@larshausmann72]

Excellent review Tom! Makes me sad to think the Epcot of my childhood is pretty much gone😢

[@cbrock66]

I miss the original Innoventions East and West when they actually brought in new tech to demo. We still have the robots that you got to build for free. Once those started to die out and then close, that’s when it stopped being the original EPCOT to me. Still a fun park and we enjoy the festivals and the restaurants but even those are starting to “cheap out” while charging us more. The ride looks fun. Can’t wait to try it.

[@karmasutra4774]

I liked it back in the 80’s and 90’s was the best

[@MammyNun1]

Sum Of All Fears was great - building your own virtual coaster was so cool.

[@CobraKai63]

Innoventions was always felt like the beginning of the end for me. Always so empty and dark compared to Communicore

[@toddw8396]

@@CobraKai63 💯

[@NopWorks]

@@MammyNun1 I'd love a new Disney ride sponsored by Raytheon.

[@shinimegami42]

Everytime the lack of animatronics gets brought up it makes me wonder if they built this with the idea of being able to change the plot easily by just changing the projections/screens. Either that or maybe easier re-skinning for a new IP when it's no longer popular.

[@Ironswiftness]

Absolutely. Easy swap to whatever Marvel IP is popular 8-10 years from now.

[@matt911gmail]

because the haunted mansion isn't relevant? stop trying to justify it

[@matt911gmail]

@@Ironswiftness they can't just put whatever they want in there....remember the contract? very limited use cases for marvel in WDW.

[@Ironswiftness]

@@matt911gmail Nobody was insinuating the haunted mansion or any other rides are irrelevant. We are commenting on Disney's penchant for wanting to have rides that tie in to new and more popular IP.

[@tonycommodore8929]

@@matt911gmail It doesn't even have to be a Marvel IP. If LIGHTYEAR is a success, and more movies are made about that character outside of the Toy Story franchise, then you have a Disney owned property with a space theme that could easily be plugged into that real estate.

[@amvive08]

I'm a carousel of progress person

[@824nd]

This about the only place I can count on genuine honesty. Mostly all Disney people now will complain for 2 seconds about how they hate the way Disney is going but as soon as Disney opens something new they act like it’s the greatest thing Disney has done. Thanks for the review

[@JS82211]

Check out Posiden too. But WDWNT is my top pick for actual reviews

[@824nd]

@@JS82211 I love his videos too!

[@dalerose3500]

I agree on the physical props vs projections. When Universal Hollywood had the old Kong Kong part of the tour with physical set and animatronic Kong was so much better than the projections used today.

[@exiledrabbit]

That ride blew my mind as a kid it really freaked me out in the best way

[@Micheal.D]

My favorite WDW attractions are Living with the Land, Soarin' and the PeopleMover. IP-less and I wish there were more attractions like them.

[@sherrismith9002]

I love Living with the land...and my kids really love it too...I want to learn something when I go to Epcot.

[@notdarrell]

There's a great big beautiful to-moooorrr-rrrow! The Carousel of Progress was that for me. This is the character of the PARK. Not 2D screens of IP.

[@mayganphynix8267]

I agree. it makes the Disney parks feel like it's own thing, with its own unique experiences. ❤️

[@DS-pe8tt]

Thank you for the holistic, thorough, and honest review. Yes, original Epcot was my most favorite park because it was educational. However, thank you for your advice on how to see Epcot going forward.

[@danharris9027]

As a traveller from the UK, Disney to me is a magical place and I am one of those that choose to see the great in it. I love Disney vlogs and get joy out of seeing those with a growth mindset and see the fun in things. I get that those who are local will choose to see different things and that’s depicted by this channel, when I have watched it appears that it focuses what is bad and negative, not the things that’s good. Parks must change and not stay as they were, just like life we grow, we change and evolve and we must accept that and not be fixed of mindset. Wish you best and for all your subscribers who enjoy your style of ‘real’ content, I choose to focus on a more positive style moving forwards. Stay safe all and have magical days

[@martidodger7106]

Thank you for much for this review Tom, I can wait to see EPCOT once all the construction is complete. I think my issue with the pre-show with the GotG is that the intent was to make tongue and cheek references to old EPCOT, but in a way it sorta backfires as it just points out how much of the spirit they've taken out of EPCOT. It reminds me of the pre-show at the Incredicoaster where Violet is like "Oh great! They just re-skinned this old ride" where WED thought they were making a self-aware joke, but considering how sterile and cheap that ride is now compared to California Screamin, it just makes the cash-grab/quick retheme even more glaring. I am not happy with the sterile Space aesthetic in the queue esp when we know they can do better (WDW's Space Mountain Queue) but I am happy about the projection map room because I too like practical models with some effects. It reminds me of the model room in Disneyland's Star Wars Launch Bay- I thought it was going to be lame but we spent at least an hour looking at all the cool models. Kinda disappointed that there wasn't at least a Rocket animatronic like how there is in Mission Break Out, because if the reason is that they want to be able to reskin it in the event the ride loses popularity- we know that WED can re-skin and retheme animatronics. Like you I love Mission Breakout and it is an amazing re-theme and upgrade to what was there. DCA's ToT was lacking compared to FL's due to space and earthquake constraints- there was no 5th dimension sequence, no empty elevator to great you when you step onto the ride, and all of the immersion broken before stepping onto the elevator. Mission Breakout is a better use of the space and better story. Which makes it frustrating when I see newer empty rides because we know WED can do rethemes that are chock full of story and personality, that plus up what was there before. Lately it just seems to me newer rides are going to be open and empty in the way Frozen Ever After Is- really impressive set pieces but with a lot of empty space in between (and considering how much was in Maelstrom, it's kinda sad...mind you I hated Maelstrom but even I could appreciate the amount of theming in that ride). I agree with you, that this should have been in Hollywood Studios, it doesn't really fit in EPCOT, in the way Disneyland's GE doesn't fit in Disneyland and should have been put in DCA as nowhere in Disneyland's original land is themed exclusively around one IP- you have a mix of original and various IPs sharing the space. The ride does look cool, def going to ride it but, I guess as a Horizons/OG Journey into Imaginations gal, I can't help but miss the old weird EPCOT, esp since they could have put Mission to Mars, Test Track, and now GotG in their own pavilions while keeping the old. EPCOT feels more and more like Universal Florida- willing to pave over their history for projection based rides.

[@Zero11235]

EPCOT is a themed bar & that’s ok 🤣

[@crystalsordinarylife6976]

100%. I was really disappointed when Ratatouille was mostly projected. I loved the beginning because you feel like you're there, but most of the action is projected.. and it makes it hard when you get motion sickness. I don't do projections well.

[@patrickhausenfleck9045]

🤔This makes me wonder about those prone to seizures...Some of this(or a prolonged version of) might be affecting to them.

[@kathleensuhy1875]

Sterile and empty. That’s what I said when I first saw a full POV of the queue and everything I believe Friday. I have no doubt that the ride itself is fun. That’s not the problem. I agree with what you’re saying everything I have seen there’s just not a connection with what’s going on. It’s like some just random videos and hey get on this ride and hey your back. If you just want to build a cool roller coaster, great. Build a really cool roller coaster and don’t put any theming. Amusement parks build those kind of roller coasters all the time and people love them. I love them. If you’re going to go through the process of theming then make it feel real and make us feel like we’re there. If they don’t want to spend the money then don’t build it. Don’t build something until you’re ready to do it right. How many times have we heard our parents while we growing up say, if you’re going to do something then do it right the first time. It seems like, especially at Disney World in Orlando, that they know they need to put some new stuff there but they want to do it as cheaply as possible. Here we are watching Universal Studios starting to far outpace Disney now with what they are building. Every time Universal builds something new to me it just puts Disney to shame. Disney keeps on using budget issues to knock down the budget on everything they build. However, every time we turn around the financials are showing that Disney is making more and more and larger and larger profits off of the Disney parks especially Orlando. They keep on using money as a reason why they cut everything back. This is got to stop. If you don’t want to build it right then don’t build it. I really do believe that if Disney doesn’t change their way of handling their parks quickly, like in the next 2 to 3 years, 10 years from now they’re going to be looking at Universal Studios wondering how can they catch up and be like them. They have always been ahead up to now but I think with the way they’re running things they’re going to be in for a very rude awakening sooner rather than later. Even look at the water parks. Volcano Bay blows any water park Disney has literally out of the water. I am a Disney fanatic. I even catch myself thinking that I might go stay at a Universal hotel and spend the majority of my time at Universal especially with a third park coming. I have never thought of Universal as my primary place and Disney as the secondary. I am now.

[@yikesvikes]

That's the NEW Disney..... The Imagineers are gone, and the bean counters have taken over. It's all about maximizing profits, and getting more money out of the guests while giving them less. 🤷‍♂

[@Dive-Bar-Casanova]

That describes Galaxys Edge as well. We expected more beyond two good rides. Ain't cheap to get into the Disney Parks. Ain't easy anymore either.

[@charliewhop7980]

Relax Kathy.

[@theskullspookychannel6343]

Take a chill pill

[@troychristman5662]

Great review. And I totally agree re: rides and IP. Mansion and Pirates will always be my favorites. And of the IP rides, Peter Pan will always be my favorite for all the reasons you spoke to regarding practical effects and dark rides. It’s still a magical experience every time I ride it for that reason. It’s too bad Epcot is dead as we knew it… I started going as a young child, and it inspired me to travel the world as an adult (shout out to Visions de France) and love science and so many other things. Love the channel!

[@justimagine2403]

1998 - when Figment died. And, to your point, I thought there was going to be "some" edutainment EPCOTish vibes but the only thing I saw was Chris Pratt saying veggie veggie fruit fruit - gah - damn it - please don't say that! Or the way he said Horizons isn't even true to his character. Unbelievable.

[@ktpaladino]

I feel very similar to you Tom. I enjoy the IP around the world showcase (I’d love to see Gran Fiesta rethemed to Coco) but I feel the front half of the park should stick to a learning theme. The Nemo IP works in its location because it is in conjunction with the educational nature of the aquariums. Guardians is the first IP in that section of the park that doesn’t teach you anything about real things, and that’s the main reason it feels so out of place to me. It does look fun though. We were there last week and were sad to narrowly miss its opening.

[@sarahk6905]

I rather not have gran fiesta be re themed. Coco needs it’s own new ride. We seldom get to see the classic characters and also it’s where Donald is starred which we hardly ever have him star where he isn’t having bad luck. Coco needs more so it would be better if they have a it’s own style ride versus a re theme

[@ktpaladino]

@@sarahk6905 that’s fair, though we do have Philharmagic, and in most classic cartoons, Donald is always having the bad luck…that’s the humor. Poor Donald! 🥴 I’d love for many movies/characters to get more than a retheme, but the challenge is always where is the space to do that? Especially within the World Showcase. It’s awesome that they were able to squeeze Remy in there. But the imagineers are often having to work with what is already built. Maybe they will give us a new park to compete with Epic Universe? Wishful thinking I suppose!

[@AimeeFleck]

DO NOT TAKE AWAY. Y GRAND FIESTA! 🤗 I agree coco deserve an attraction but I adore grand fiesta tour.

[@sarahk6905]

@@ktpaladino yeah but then that’s it. Yes the challenge space but if they can do they can go add a bit for France, then they possible could for Coco. But agreed that another park would help for those that want an IP focused place.

[@gissneric]

Encanto deserves a ride more than Coco. A lot more possibilities.

[@thomasstuart2936]

Tom, you are a true expert and this was a excellent review.

[@melancholymeadow6]

Glad to see this style of review again

[@sarahjaynepeachey5428]

I loved Epcot when I went 25 years ago ,it’s very different now I accept but it’s a shame ,and your right the magic is disappearing,tech is taking over everything !!

[@ammiller3911]

I'm a Tom Corless fangirl lol. My family and I will be at disney world in Aug! We are so excited.

[@kevinarnold4007]

Thanks for the honesty Tom! At least the Chapek budget didn't cut the original guitar riff.

[@kenwbrenner]

As a big Epcot fan, I am VERY disappointed with what WDW had done to this once beautiful and unique theme park. 1 Fireworks - I agree with Tom Illuminations was beautiful with extraordinary music. Nothing since it has come close, including the current barge monstrosity 2. Replacing Maelstrom with Frozen. Frozen belongs in Hollywood Studios, no way in Epcot. 3. Having a sing along in France vs. showing the traditional film Impressions de France, with its wonderful photography and music. 4. Getting rid of the Fountain of Nations Very sad to see this all happening.

[@gissneric]

Maybe it's cause EPCOT is not bringing in the people that is why they made those changes. Disney and EPCOT fans are the ones going but casual park goers or tourists finds EPCOT boring. The changes now will most likely bring in more guests. Yes, I do agree most of them belong in Studios but Studios don't need more attendance. They have many great rides already.

[@karmasutra4774]

Changing of the times… Epcot was really different when I went the year it opened. I miss all of the original rides. But that’s what happens - there have to be changes and updates that appeal to the younger crowds. The ones that will spend the money. It’s not educational anymore and their vision of Epcot never took off right. I miss food rocks lol

[@kenwbrenner]

@@gissneric Thank you for making a comment. If they'd just get rid of the sing along in France and restore the movie to all day again, I'd be satisfied.

[@kenwbrenner]

@@karmasutra4774 Thank you for your comment. However, with the increase in price to just go to WDW, I am not sure that the younger crowds will be as dedicated as long-term fans of the original concept. In the future, this change may hurt WDW...

[@ocalicreek]

@@karmasutra4774 Respectfully I disagree. Consider all the science museums that have opened across America since EPCOT Center opened. These are geared towards children and families learning and having fun. If Disney had held to the mission of EPCOT Center and really doubled down on science and tourism with the full resources of Imagineering, I'd bet we'd have a stellar park with a strong identity, not the confused park we have today. I miss the original rides too, and I'm okay with change, but the problem of Epcot is the loss of mission and vision.

[@jackylsmith8138]

Epcot is a great park, but attendance has never meet expectations for the Disney Company. Probably due to the lack of rides. MK has a lot more rides and attractions than Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. If Disney wants higher attendance numbers they need to add more rides and attractions, not replace one with one and have one or two shuttered for decades.

[@timothybernardi68]

You write: "Epcot is a great park, but attendance has never meet expectations for the Disney Company. " Me: Do you have any sort of solid information to back up that claim?

[@shannond7437]

I haven’t been in a few years but was shocked after reading so many of these comments. I miss Figment but Epcot has the more, if not the best rides overall.

[@gissneric]

Oh no! Tom actually liked the ride. People were expecting the opposite, as usual.

[@Dive-Bar-Casanova]

Tom is the Grand Exalted knower of all entertainment.

[@KyraHogue]

EPCOT was never what Walt originally wanted it to be. It had a mission statement, but was never a community. I feel the argument that EPCOT is changing for the worse completely misses that point. At the end of the day, it's a theme park. They are in the business to make people come to the Parks. There's a reason EPCOT is the park with the most events to keep people coming back. Food and Wine, Flower and Garden. If you've gone to EPCOT several times, it has a charm, but most people get bored after a while, hense the festivals. I've never been very taken with EPCOT, I prefer Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom. That said, I understand why people are upset by this change. I truly do. But for me, it's just another ride at a park that's had an identity crisis nearly since it's inception, and will continue to change.

[@j.j.q1379]

I heard a lot of times that Epcot was just so boring and it always got skipped, and maybe they are aware there needs to be some changes to get people to go. And I’m going to be real i live near Disneyland and if I would go to Orlando Epcot would be the last place I would visit, it just seems so boring I mean if I wanted to learn about stuff I can stay home and do research on things. I do love what the new Epcot is going and I hope for the new changes to make this place more better for travelers because when I was a kid I use to hear about Disney world was the best in commercials and shows and parades. But I’m going to be real as an adult it’s like underwhelming. Like I’m talking about Epcot not magic kingdom or anything like that. So I’m glad they are having these changes.

[@sailorearth2007]

I have always enjoyed EPCOT to be honest…World Showcase has always drawn me in since I have traveled for years and have a real appreciation for the different cultures I am on the fence about the changes…clearly updates need to happen but others just feel rushed and push IP in your face…even the new harmonious feels like it belongs in MK…Chapek only cares about money so everything just feels cheap rushed and lifeless meaning the old Disney magic is just not there My skip park is Hollywood Studios…a few fun things but mostly watered down rides in over themed areas that took over fun experiences and not enough to keep my interest until the night shows

[@AnimatronicWorld]

Thanks Tom for your honest words ! A series of honest reviews about Disney attractions by you, would be amazing.

[@TeganCantEven]

I am definitely an EPCOT Center fangirl. My favorite attraction is Living With The Land. But I am also extremely excited about what’s going on with the park right now. The new neighborhoods (Celebration, Discovery, Nature) will honestly allow the entire park to grow in new ways and those “lands” will be able to become stronger than Future World had been. The EPCOT we are getting is better than the one we’ve had for the last 15 years.

[@AmusementLabs]

I'm gonna guess "it's fine, just that, just fine. It's fun, but it lacks a lot of the necessary physical design language that would make it a classic. Also no shade."

[@WDWNT]

Nope

[@cynthiab5878]

@amusement labs I always like your videos 😊

[@AmusementLabs]

@@WDWNT it was a guess since it hadn't premiered yet. 🙂

[@zacharyyahn4179]

Don’t worry The ding dang comment is still in the ride Tom. as you launch backwards through the tunnel Drax asks if the explosion was the “ding dang”

[@socalrefrigeration548]

I grew up with and love the educational aspects of Epcot. The cultural education in World Showcase and the Living with the land tour were my favorites. However I also know I'm in the minority. Disney likely saw that in the gate numbers compared to the other parks and reacted accordingly.

[@tracyhoneck9177]

Thanks for the honest review. I learned a lot. I have been wondering for a while now why they don't do an attraction using Pixar's Inside Out characters at Epcot. It was a lovely little film. It has to do with our brains and our different emotions, I think that it would fit in Epcot really well and satisfy the IP fixation the Disney Corp seems to be dealing with lately.

[@RetroFett]

And to get some GREAT nostalgia life from us retro WDW fans, and do it on a fairly reasonable budget and timeframe, why not NIX the idea of a Mary Poppins/Cherry Tree Lane in the EPCOT UK pavilion, and let's have Mr. Toad's Wild Ride return? A CLASSIC dark ride long gone from WDW Magic Kingdom, now reborn as the classic dark ride we remember, but with updated effects ala Disneyland Snow White/Peter Pan! It would be WIN-WIN for Disney and the fans. It would certainly fit in with the UK pavilion, there's enough space for a double track; heck, why not make it MULTI LEVEL and have a second story?!

[@CobraKai63]

I appreciate all the references to old Epcot. And while I’m now nostalgic for the Epcot Center I first visited in 1990, at that time I just wanted to go to the Magic Kingdom. So I understand the reason for change.

[@CastawayRJ]

The ride is cool, but it doesn’t belong in EPCOT. If I put in charge of the EPCOT overhaul, I would add attractions that would make sense, and refresh existing attractions, but I would make sure that they would still fit with the park. If I was forced to put IPs in the park, I wouldn’t put IPs in the park for the sake of adding IPs. I would use the Circle of Life as an example of correctly adding IPs to EPCOT, and then I would make sure that I correctly add the IP, so the attraction can still fit in EPCOT.

[@edebeling]

I’d like to see a ride with Walt Disney taking us on a tour of “his” vision of EPCOT and inviting us to be the first residence of his city. It could be educational but make humorous digs at what EPCOT has become ;-) Of course something will go wrong and we will have to help fix it with Walt… A ride like this brings us closer to EPCOT, closer to Walt, and be fun.

[@chrissidell2050]

Great review. I'm just glad it isn't just "Primeval Whirl" in the dark as I had feared.

[@Steel0730]

When you went around the moon, did they add the real hidden Mickey that’s on the moon? Missed opportunity if they didn’t.

[@theskullspookychannel6343]

They still have a hidden Mickey in the attraction, don't worries

[@gregg5958]

It’s NOT nitpicking. If you are supposed to be flying around in space you should DEFINITELY not see support beams obstructing your view!! That’s just common sense.

[@Kunkel5]

I have never been to Disneyland, so maybe that's part of the difference, but the Enchanted Tiki Room at Magic Kingdom is probably the most "original Walt" feeling attraction to me. I love it. I never get tired of it. I appreciate the crazy idea that was taking an animation off of a screen and surrounding the audience with it. That's what the Tiki Room was. It was a cartoon in real life. That is ironically juxtaposed to Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway (which I also like), which sought to do the opposite and take the audience into the cartoon.

[@brndn_music]

I have never been to WDW but I definitely feel the same about the Tiki Room at Disneyland.

[@dillonriera3191]

Hearing Tom talk about the changing landscape at the Disney parks puts me at ease. He verbalizes what I'm feeling so well, and while it's a sad reality we're experiencing right now, I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way. Just wish some more important people would listen to these comments... Well put, Tom. Thanks for always keeping it honest.

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

Current Epcot makes me sad. I went to the Boston science museum a couple weeks ago, and for all their updates and changes, it still maintains the same magic for me now as it did 35 years ago, and *that* should be what Epcot strives for. And funnily enough, there was even a cute little "Inside Out" exhibit and I got to meet Bing-Bong! DO BETTER, DISNEY!

[@woodsofthewoods]

You are so important ❤ I feel you really know how WDW used to be. Special and quality driven. I really miss that.

[@citizenofcorona8783]

I think what would have been even better is if the original Universe of Energy song was one of the songs for the ride.

[@notdarrell]

They just shoulda had animatronics, at least in the pre-show. It's the most obvious thing. Everyone woulda loved it. Now most have this complaint. Just do the thing. No Cheapeck. SMH.

[@ktpaladino]

Physical props definitely resonate more with me. I’m so tired of the virtual reality type screen rides. I completely don’t understand the hype around rides like Flight of Passage. I prefer “real” rides.

[@TeamErmisch]

There are a lot of folks who won't ride the newer attractions with screens because they immediately get dizzy, thus its not enjoyable. I am one of those people. Luckily, we still have Tron to look forward too and I am hopeful Disney will continue to build those real rides in the future. But between TV, phone, movies, computer all day, I don't need to see another screen.

[@ktpaladino]

@@TeamErmisch Amen to that. And for some reason, the screens seem to bother me more and more as I get older. 🤔

[@TeamErmisch]

@@ktpaladino Exactly in the same boat. I've had no desire to ride Flight of Passage and wasn't impressed with Millennium Falcon and won't be riding Cosmic Rewind. I still think it comes down to money and with the stock essentially flat over the last 5-years, its not helping. They need to get back to spending the necessary $ for rides like Radiator Springs and Rise of the Resistance, but I fear they'll be under pressure to cut where they can more than ever. Again, hope I am wrong.

[@hikingelevated]

I agree. Though the visual effects are great, omitting the physical props, for example, the ones they originally were going to add for this ride, would've been great and badly needed.

[@mohamadmahmoud6926]

Lol the fact you’re shitting on flight is hilarious. Cry louder

[@justimagine2403]

The only thing left somewhat original - Spaceship Earth - American Adventure - Living with the Land? China 360? Impressions of France? Remember - EPCOT actually died when Disney died. It isn't a city of tomorrow and never was.

[@CaliforniaDreamin.]

Disneys bread and butter will be physical props / sets and not just large video screens or projection mapping.

[@Nonfiction79]

The best part of this ride is that it is just pure fun to ride. I got to ride twice on my visit and came off both times with a huge smile on my face. I wish it was more EPCOT, but it’s still a fun ride.

[@hammy6275]

100% agree Tom. I love movies, but all of our favorites rides are not IP attractions. When my parents took us several times as kids, Epcot was a true place of wonder and inspiration. It excited you as a kid of what the future may hold. The rides at MK and Epcot were so different than any amusement park around. Everything was top notch. We finally took our kids for their first trip in 2016, and they felt the magic. And now with all of the recent changes and nickel and diming, I can't persuade my husband to drop thousands of dollars on another trip to Disney anytime soon.

[@Thedrunkenodyssey]

Someone needs to write "And Then It Was None": A History of Bob Chapek's Leadership at Disney.

[@Louismoxley]

Epcot was amazing.. I remember making a reservation at the e front of the park with the person on the tv…. I miss all the educational rides that were built like they put all they had into them .. Horizons, World of Motion, Old Fignment etc. now you have one and done and an awful figment and dumbed down test track and a Target/Mall/ Cafeteria with Club Cool, Creations shop and cafe .. I miss all the world showcase players, Mo Rockin, Off Kiter, Flag parade, double decker bus with characters, fountain in the land and many things missing during the ride , balloons going up and down ,Innoventionsetc I hate to see the boring dumbed down attractions so they don’t have to deal with upkeep, maintenance etc.. They stopped putting everything they had into everything and cut so much magic.. It used to take 3 days in EPCOT to see and do everything so much going on .. Now I’m done in less than 1😢😢😢😢

[@jonrussell1690]

My fav Disney Attraction (s) are: 1 - Space Mountain, 2 - Rockin Rollercoaster, 3 - The Tower of Terror (I don’t consider this one an IP). I’m with you, I love the non-IP attractions vs the IPs. I know that Disney needs IP rides but they can balance IP vs Non-IPs but that’s not happening with Disney.

[@testodude]

I find the rides in world showcase to be disappointing ads for IP and streaming. Maelstrom over Frozen any day, and Ratatouille didn't do it for me.. I also didn't appreciate rides in other parks that were entirely sing alongs for existing princess cartoons. I totally get that they want to entertain the kids, but those felt like pandering to kids. All that said, I rode Cosmic Rewind on opening day, and it is a blast.

[@briansieve]

I agree. The death of illuminations was a distinct end of the 80s EPCOT theme IMHO

[@briansieve]

And these insane out of scale scaffolding monstrosities in the lagoon now, are ridiculous.

[@jonafunn]

I worked at Ghost Galaxy Space Mountain Disneyland Anaheim when it opened and we called the space monster Deloris

[@WDWNT]

I have heard Bob from like 5 different people lol

[@MiamiCoffee2023]

Hi Tom, Chris from Miami! This epcot video was so wonderful, especially since I personally first went to epcot back in 1987. I have to remind us that if we except or let go of the dream, then this will happen. Steve Jobs said this of , “Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish”, epcot is an evolving process, we cannot connect the dots moving forward.

[@contessalouannec8064]

Thank You for the review.

[@kmbarnett1200]

This is the first honest reaction to Guardians I have read. Lots of others have been gee whizbang 😍🤐🙄 It is nice to hear a full and really balanced review. That said, as much as I definitely dearly want to go, going to wait. Not only because I'd like Epcot to get the kinks out, I cannot do Orlando Disney noshade. I passed out Twice last WDW vacation in 2019. In Magic Kingdom and Epcot, must say I was hydrated and using a hat and slathered SPF. My husband says the cast members were lovely

[@lavetaloca7790]

I dint think you can say others are being dishonest because they said they liked it. Alot of people are going to genuinely like it. Just because that dont agree with you doesn't make them dishonest

[@oceanairboy]

I'm thinking when people say their favorite part was the spin around the moon, I think they might be referring to that being the most intense and fun part of the ride. The moon is just being used as the descriptive feature because that specific intense moment happens when it's right in front of you.

[@WDWNT]

If there was nothing there to look at, it wouldn’t be anything. They specifically said it was cool that they went around the moon.

[@WestonWallaceDJ]

Fun fact for you Tom: You guys actually where not wrong about the "Ding Dang". Drax calls it that right after the launch in some instances.

[@digitalportraitist]

After spending two full days in all the parks I have to agree with you about ppl not fitting on Tron. It is shocking to see how large at least 50% of the guests are. I was almost run over at least a dozen times by Electric vehicles being used by large people. Tron works in China because the average Chinese guest Is much smaller and slimmer than in the U.S.. Not being mean here it’s just a reality of our culture now. There seems to be three types of folks that use EVs at WDW, Gramma and Grampa because they are funding the family trip with the grandkids, those with mobility issues and those who are morbidity obese. I think WDW should limit both strollers and EVs in the parks there are simply too many to contend with. They are always either in front blocking your way or clogging the lines or behind you hitting your heels and ankles.In a legit emergency it would be chaos.

[@itzmecandimorgon3323]

Virgin take lol

[@pengidev4553]

Exactly dude, I never noticed how bad Americas obesity issue was until I went to Disney last week. Literally everywhere I looked there was a morbidly obese person.

[@kyroravestar262]

Dave? Gotta shake your digital hand for saying this, because you speak facts. HOW can they even enjoy the parks????? I've been so confused?

[@BgChef]

“KEEP MOVING FORWARD!” As was a major slogan for Walt Disney (himself) and the company he left behind, I think to many of you “Disney Fans” need to keep that in mind. Nothing stays the same forever. Walt Disney know that and he was always trying to think of something new and innovative. The market has changed whether you want it to or not. The attractions of old are not enough to bring in that new blood that is needed to sustain the company after the older generation is gone. As a former cast member for many years I can’t help but roll my eyes when I watch videos like this or read comments like these. I really don’t know what you people want. Stop going to the parks, that fine! There are thousands that will take your place. Instead of always crying because something’s changing. Embrace the new possibilities of learning and adventure or just “ Keep On Moving (Forward)”😒

[@porcelainthunder2213]

Its not THAT its moving forward, its HOW its moving forward. Thats what the criticism is about.

[@BgChef]

@@porcelainthunder2213 Than I have to say why are some “Disney Fans” talking about the Disney company as though it is evil now. Like it’s Putin (Russia) trying to take over the Ukraine or something. It’s an entertainment company and a theme park. One that has its own and also continues to help A Lot of charities by the way. The company does so much good with the money it makes, which I’ve seen first hand, from you “Disney Fans”. Yet all I see is grips about where are they chose to put a ride

[@WDWNT]

This comment really sounds like it’s from someone who didn’t watch the review. It doesn’t seem to really respond to any points made in it.

[@BgChef]

@@WDWNT I actually did watch the whole video from start to finish and you did have some very positive things to say about Guardians. I guess my comment came about after watching a few videos hearing the same rhetoric from faithful “Disney Fans” who seem to want the Disney Parks and Resorts to stay the same as it was. With the world ever advancing and consumers wanting more, especially the next generation, Disney has to find a way to pull those younger guests in and keep them coming back. The enchanted Tiki room and the universe of energy (and old school rides the like) are not going to do that. If they’re not die hard old school fans like you they only go to these attractions to get Air-conditioning. As a former cast member of many years that has worked different jobs within the company I can vouch for that. As for Epcot, it is not something new but the festivals have been pulling people to that park for along time now. That’s the reason WDW is investing so much money into expanding them. There are many guests from all over that don’t care about energy or learning something when they go to Disney, that’s what a science museum is for. They want more, more faster bigger, more entertainment. Thats just what it is sir. Keep Moving Forward

[@ShamuGuy42]

Drax calls it the Ding Dang during the launch.

[@WDWNT]

I don’t think it’s every ride

[@nicoleacosta5545]

I agree wholeheartedly with this old- fashioned but on point review. Missed you going in depth to discuss what matters one on one with your viewers. To be fair though, Drax does reference the "Ding Dang" from UOE at some point during Cosmic Rewind, maybe it's just not on every single iteration of this ride. Thank you for this awesome insightful information!!

[@peaceandlove333]

I love the original idea of Epcot, but it’s weird that it’s now just a park where people, on top of already buying a ticket, primarily go to spend a ton of money on food and drinks compared to parks like MK or HS that are experience and attraction centered. It might just be me since I was a Florida resident during this time but Epcot was much better during the 2006-2013 period. It felt educational rather than a way for Disney to get people’s money by constantly running festivals.

[@changster15]

I feel the EXACT same way about IllumiNations closing

[@citizenofcorona8783]

World Showcase ALWAYS had characters. Maybe not meet and greets but you would for example see Minnie wearing a kimono in Japan

[@TheWASHINGMACHINEBOY]

6:48 when we rode this ride this year around my 22nd birthday, i pointed to the collector's fortress and told my mom "that building looks like guardians of the galaxy: mission breakout". mom agreed with me since she has ridden that ride in my 2019 disneyland trip

[@maui3551]

I would say that this attraction is the modern version of Hyperspace Mountain the ride

[@Dive-Bar-Casanova]

When EPCOT first opened we went on the Gran Fiesta Tour and realized things will change. It was the first to use projections and was a big disappointment. Projections are a cheap-o way to roll.

[@InfectiousGroovePodcast]

We're driving down to Epcot on Friday, January 20th. Looking forward to riding this for sure.

[@georgepatten9119]

Haven't been to EPCOT since '86, so the rides at the park during this period will always be my favs. The original Journey into Imagination and Imageworks, Horizons, The Living Seas, and The Land are especially memorable. It was a great place to be enjoyably educated.

[@QuatroAtYale]

My Mom's favorite experience was the Tiki Room at Disneyland. My favorite is the Hollywood Hotel at the old MGM Studios. But what I remember most was my Dad's tradition in the 60's at Disneyland to end the day getting fudge on Main Street and taking the last train around the park.

[@kjfox3119]

I was surprised with the Remy preview that there were so few people in our time slot. My initial thought was that it was just the pacing and we hit it at a good time. After our 3rd ride walking on I realized it was just how they set the previews up. When Guardians previews popped up and were gone just as quick I started to wonder if previews are helping or hurting them since so many people were unable to get reservations. I'm not sure if they had fewer reservations, fewer days, or what, but looking at your video it looks similar to Remy in the number of people riding. To me, it looks as if they could have almost doubled the number of preview reservations and still had a great experience for those who attended.

[@onehorseopensleigh]

Guardians Cosmic Rewind is an updated version of Universal Japan’s Space Fantasy. Change my mind.

[@eunoia86]

Love these honest reviews! Couldn't agree more. This ride (even without the additional attention to detail and care it deserves) would be a welcome addition in Hollywood Studios. It just doesn't fit in Future World. As far as coming to terms with the death of Epcot ... it would be easier to move on and accept the changing ethos, if they didn't leave the rotting husks of once great attractions like Spaceship Earth, Journey Into Imagination, Seabase Alpha and Wonders of Life in this current state of partial renovation. If Disney doesn't want to be respectful of what Epcot stood for, they could at least be honest about their intentions and have a sense of humour about it. Bring back the alien from extraTERRORestrial and have it devour figment and the Dreamfinder in font of the guests! I'll gladly accept splashes of Figment blood over holding my breath through the skunk gag again.

[@NoTracking-lv9ql]

Please make this ride 🤣🤣🤣

[@rubby3000]

I agree that a physical character changes your experience entirely. I wish there were at least one animatronic. I recently did the River ride in Pandora and the animatronic was missing and the projected the avatar on a screen and I was massively disappointed. It changed everything. And I went from liking the ride to thinking it was lame.

[@relatable5762]

I agree with everything here except for mission breakout being better then tower of Terror, ToT is so classic in Hollywood studios I hope they never change it

[@jaysonpida5379]

Now it's time for Disney to get off their duffs and bring it to DCA and finish Avengers Campus.

[@c-tha-man9463]

+1 for you. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I prefer Disney channels to give honest opinions vs the one's that are apologists!

[@alirode4958]

Swiss Family Robinson and Jungle Cruise were my favorite as a child. As an adult I love it all. If the theming in Animal Kingdom was changed to IP instead of different cultures I'd be bummed.

[@chrishintz1077]

Your speaking of the suspension of disbelief, the illusion of another place or time reminded me of the title of the 1981 book illusion of life by two key animators, Thomas and Johnston.

[@disneyscott98]

The "ding dang" referenced in dialogue right as you launch backwards. "Was that the ding dang?" "The BIG BANG!"

[@WDWNT]

Yup I’ve heard it now

[@disneyscott98]

@@WDWNT That guitar riff was really hard for me to catch. After watching a video of it many times I finally hear it. Such a unique call back!

[@justimagine2403]

But really, how much did this ride cost? How many years? What did we give up. Why do we have to lose old rides at all - just keep expanding. I will walk down a Soarin mile to get to a new attraction if it means I get to keep an attraction. But, then again, Figment has never been the same.

[@eolauryn4]

Perfect description and breakdown of the ride! Die hard Disney fan 40+ years, the magic is everything! @Tomcorless, I get it when you smiled and lite up at the nod to universe of energy and the guitar riff. The average person wouldn’t look for it, but a die hard has those sounds imbedded in the brain and when you hear it, you can’t unhear it. It’s like somebody playing tomorrow’s child and the nod to Kodak sponsoring a ride 🤣. Well done!! I also don’t wanna see a support beam break out in a scene when it’s not supposed to be there so I wouldn’t say you’re nitpicky but I think you’re actually pointing out “what magic” looks like or should look like.

[@MegaSoulHero]

Great review, Tom! I’m hoping to ride it in November.

[@bdchiaccio]

Your in depth review is really appreciated, and I was looking forward to hearing it.

[@donm2427]

Tom I think most people think Pirates is IP because they became Disney fans after the movies.