Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser opens March 1, Guardians of Galaxy ride in 2022, Disney says

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Disney's Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will open March 1, and Epcot's Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride will debut in 2022 too.

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Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will open near Disney's Hollywood Studios on March 1, the company announced Thursday. (Courtesy of Disney/Lucasfilm)

 

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, the immersive experience planned for Walt Disney World, will open to the public March 1, the resort announced in a virtual news conference Thursday morning. And the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride that’s under construction at Epcot will debut in 2022.

These are the most specific dates yet given for the attractions. Previously, Disney had narrowed the window for Starcruiser to merely “spring” of next year, and Cosmic Rewind’s debut had been publicly adrift since the thrill ride was announced in 2017.

The announcements come as Disney World prepares to launch its 50th-anniversary celebration into high gear Friday.

The massive building containing Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is seen at Epcot, where the roller coaster will debut sometime next year. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Galactic Starcruiser, sometimes referred to as “Star Wars hotel” by fans, will put visitors in the setting of a space vessel, where they will choose roles and make decisions that affect their two-night stay. Starcruiser is under construction near Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park.

Cosmic Rewind is going up on the former site of Epcot’s Universe of Energy and a new big bright blue building in a former backstage area. On Wednesday, members of the media were allowed to stand briefly on the floor of the facility, which is filled with black rails and featured a purple vortex-looking scene. (No photography was allowed.)

Thursday’s news conference also included the announcement of MagicBand+, which will create more interactivity with theme park attractions, including the recently installed Disney Fab 50 Character Collection. It will become available next year. No purchase price was given.

The bulk of the virtual event recapped previously announced additions and coming-soon attractions, including Magic Kingdom’s “Disney Enchanted” and Epcot’s “Harmonious” and its Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure ride. Each of those officially debut Friday as the resort begins its celebration, scheduled to last 18 months.

 

 

Dewayne Bevil

Orlando Sentinel