There are so many different types of rides at Disney World — from slow-moving dark rides with the occasional thrill to rides that will make you question your entire existence.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, you know all too well just how it can ruin your day when it happens. There are probably a few rides at Disney World you might want to avoid, but if you’re curious about Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in particular — you’ve come to the right place!
When it comes to Disney World rides, some are a bit more motion-sickness-inducing than others. We have a full list of what attractions you may struggle with if you’re prone to getting sick, but the newest ride at EPCOT definitely belongs on that list.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is located in World Discovery and is one of the longest indoor roller coasters ever built. It takes guests on an intergalactic adventure with Marvel’s motley crew. In typical Guardians fashion, not everything goes according to plan, and guests are suddenly tasked with helping to save the galaxy.
Rocket, Groot, Drax, Gamora, and Star-Lord need guests’ help to save the galaxy after receiving that S.O.S. from the Nova Corps that their outpost on Earth is in danger. This means riders have to get out of the ship FAST, and are evacuated by using “Starjumper shuttles – small escape pods that launch from the Starcharter cruiser.”
Here’s the thing about those “escape pods” though — they aren’t quite what they seem.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is Disney’s first Omnicoaster — meaning each ride vehicle spins around a full 360 degrees. While you’re moving “forward” on the track, the Omnicoaster is also rotating from left to right, pointing you in the direction of whatever you’re supposed to be looking at.
If you’re someone who struggles with motion sickness on your run-of-the-mill roller coaster, Cosmic Rewind is like that on steroids. Not only are you being propelled in one direction, but you might also be spinning around at the same time.
Cosmic Rewind is also an indoor coaster, which can be disorienting in and of itself. It’s DARK in that big ol’ building, with only screens and other elements lit up at certain times. It can be hard to tell what direction you’re headed in, which can often give you that pit in your stomach.
While Cosmic Rewind isn’t a 3D screen ride that requires glasses, the combination of rapid movements and having to try to focus your eyes on a certain fixed point can add to how sick you might get.
Did we mention just how DARK it is in that show building? You’re flying through outer space, multiple galaxies, universes, etc., and if there’s one thing we know about space, it’s that it can be pretty darn void of light. Certain aspects of the ride are illuminated based on where you’re supposed to be looking, but ask anyone who has walked out of a Disney dark ride into a bright summer day knows just how jarring that can actually be.
There’s also the fact that Cosmic Rewind features a reverse launch. You might be thinking, “I’ve been on Expedition Everest and that goes backward!” While you are correct, Everest doesn’t launch you backward — Cosmic Rewind does.
At first, you’ll head out facing forward thinking everything is copacetic, and then, your Omnicoaster rotates a full 180 degrees, placing you in the opposite direction you just were. Before you know it — BAM! You are propelled backward and the party really gets started (or ends if you’re prone to getting sick).
You don’t stay backward for the entire ride — those coasters spin around, remember? — but if you’re not expecting it and are braced to go forward, it can be quite a shock. But, being that this is a new coaster, it is incredibly smooth. You don’t get the typical bumps and jostling you might find on Big Thunder Mountain or other coasters, but the rest of the technology and elements of this ride can make riders queasy.
It’s less about intensity and more about the rotating of the ride vehicle coupled with screens, which may make Cosmic Rewind disorienting for some people. However, the aforementioned Omnicoaster vehicles do an excellent job of directing rider attention where it needs to be, and the action usually moves in tandem with the roller coaster trains. This makes the likelihood of feeling queasy due to the different motions low — it’s not jarring or disorienting.
It moves quickly, and there’s a lot of turning back and forth throughout, as well as turning your head around to watch the action unfolding. If you typically have problems with things like that, then this may make you sick. If you are prone to sickness, eating something small before riding, and requesting a seat toward the middle (specifically rows 5 and 6) could be helpful.
At the end of the day, you know your body best and what is most likely to make you feel sick or get queasy. If you do end up getting motion sickness, let someone in your party or a Cast Member know so they can get you the care you need — and don’t forget Disney World has First Aid Centers in each park.
Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World tips and info!
10 Rides to AVOID in Disney World if You Struggle with Motion Sickness
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Have you been on Cosmic Rewind? Tell us in the comments.
Brad says
I am somewhat prone to motion sickness and yes, Cosmic Rewind does trigger it for me. Thankfully, I’ve found a little “trick” to help minimize it (I’ve been on the ride several times). The scene that is most triggering is the moon scene, so during that portion of the ride, simply focus on your hands — DON’T LOOK AT THE SCREEN! If you suffer from this issue, give that a try!
DFB Gigi says
Excellent advice! Thank you, Brad!
Sam Lopez says
Did it yesterday. Brutal. Need to be prepared next time. Even took Dramamine before.
Peter says
The first time I rode this, we were in row 10 (at the back), which really messed me up. However, on a subsequent ride we were in row 4, which was much more bearable.
Teresa says
My daughter gets car sick all the time and she and I both could not get enough of this ride! There is nothing like it! So smooth and the music is amazing!! It really feels like you’re flying. Absolutely awesome!!
I felt more sick on TRON from having to keep my head up from the laying forward position.
This ride is the BEST ride in the Galaxy!
Dottyanna says
This is my most favorite ride! Much to my dismay, the last time we rode it, my husband said it made him queasy. I now remember we were in the last car!! I will have to convince him to try again in row 4 or 5 and tell him to look at his hands during the moon scene. Thanks for the great tips!