Disney Cast Members First Reactions on Riding Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind with Friends and Family

Maryanna Antoldi

by , Senior Communications Specialist, Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing, Communications Co-Chair, “ENABLED Florida” Business Employee Resource Group

Watching “Guardians of the Galaxy” opening night with my parents, we spent the entire evening singing songs from Star-Lord’s Awesome Mix and responding back and forth with “I Am Groot.”

“Guardians of the Galaxy” quickly became a family staple in our household–it’s a fun, upbeat movie about going on adventures with those closest to you. The concept of family is very clear among these unlikely heroes, so it makes sense that EPCOT’s newest attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, gives Walt Disney World cast members all the feels, as they recently had the chance to ride it with their own loved ones during #DisneyCastLife Preview opportunities!

“I am so grateful to be able to ride the attraction with my dad and stepmom,” said Magic Kingdom food & beverage cast member Alexis. “I originally saw ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ opening night with them when I was 14, and I can still remember how much we all loved the movie.”

Like many “Guardians of the Galaxy” fans, Alexis connected with the film’s idea that people from all different walks of life can face life’s challenges together.

“My family is a group of all different people – my sister, my best friend, my cousin,” said EPCOT merchandise cast member Komal. “It feels incredible to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind with my sister before anyone else.”

In the same way the Guardians of the Galaxy became a found family, some of our cast members bonded during their previews. Magic Kingdom food & beverage cast member Sebas Macias attended his preview opportunity alone but ended up saving the galaxy with a group of new friends.

“The fact that I got to meet other fans while waiting to board was amazing,” he said. “During the ride, it felt like we were going on a space adventure together – laughing and screaming with excitement. Sharing ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ with others is like sharing a part of me.”

As EPCOT prepares to welcome Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to World Discovery this week, it’s clear that this attraction creates a family among all who ride it. After all, whoever saves the galaxy together, sticks together, and we are so glad our cast were among the first to experience the fun with their loved ones. We are Groot!