Disney’s New Guardians of the Galaxy Roller Coaster Is So Intense That Riders Get Barf Bags and Special Garbage Cans

When one thinks of Disney theme parks, thrill rides rarely come to mind. Walt Disney World abounds with attractions for all ages. But for thrill-seekers, it’s not at the top of the list. That might be changing. Disney World’s new Guardians of the Galaxy-themed roller coaster is turning heads. But those who’ve ridden the attraction say it’s not for the faint of heart. Could Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind lure roller-coaster enthusiasts to the mouse house?

The newest Disney World ride is one of the wildest yet

Disney World prioritizes spectacle above all — sometimes to a fault. But as the wildly popular vacation destination continues to develop ways to appeal to every type of theme park, that isn’t entirely true as it once was. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attempts to be the perfect balance between spectacle and thrills.

According to CNN, early feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Located in Disney World’s EPCOT theme park, the ride blares music from the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack. This indoor, reverse-launch roller coaster reaching speeds of up to 60 mph has guests playing the role of fresh Nova Corps recruits. They help Star-Lord and the Guardians take down a massive Celestial.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind offers riders barf bags and garbage cans

The experience is an audiovisual treat. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind riders hear one of six songs and narration from the film’s characters during each motion-filled ride. But another layer has Disney World guests talking: the need for barf bags.

The New York Post reports that park visitors passing by the attraction noticed many riders grabbing complimentary barf bags on their way out. For those who came to the park wary of the idea of the first EPCOT roller coaster, the sight is somewhat worrying.

The so-called omnicoaster’s cars swivel on the track, allowing for 360-degree motion, and scenes play out on colossal screens throughout the dark ride. Those elements have caused some riders to experience motion sickness.

However, the reaction varies from rider to rider. Some guests emerge feeling OK if a bit gobsmacked with adrenaline. Others come out a bit (or a lot) queasy.

That’s more hardcore than Disney World visitors might expect, which explains the free barf bags.

Such a large number of riders have experienced motion sickness that EPCOT even placed lid-less garbage cans at the exit for disembarking guests, WDW News Today reports.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a ride to check out before a big meal.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind isn’t the first EPCOT ride that requires barf bags

Visiting Disney parks always comes with a long list of rules, regulations, and social mores to prepare for. But Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind isn’t the first time motion sickness was added to the list of considerations. That honor goes to Mission: Space, another EPCOT attraction.

Mission: Space is one of the most infamous experiences at EPCOT. Disney’s prioritization of full audiovisual experiences to accompany their rides paid off in spades here. The spaceship simulator uses a massive centrifuge to simulate astronaut training that’s frighteningly similar to the real thing. 

The design mimics the g-forces associated with launching a rocket ship. In the fictional world of the ride, it’s a trip to Mars. The ride simulates the sights and sounds of a real space mission to perfection. It’s a must-experience attraction at EPCOT — if you can stomach it.

Like Cosmic Rewind, Mission: Space provides an ample supply of barf bags, but it also offers a toned-down version that doesn’t include the centrifuge or the virtual trip to the Red Planet.

Could Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind someday offer a similarly tamer version? Only time will tell.