Hi Daniel,
Thanks for visiting us here at planDisney! I'd be happy to help prepare you for your quest to save the galaxy.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is the newest attraction at EPCOT, and one of the most amazing experiences I've ever tried at Walt Disney World Resort. I'm sure you'll feel the same once you've had the chance to enjoy!
At this time, there is no stand-by queue available for this attraction so unfortunately you wouldn't be able to rope drop. But as a fellow rope drop enthusiast, it sounds like you enjoy getting an early start to your day in the parks. If you're already up and enjoying your morning coffee, you'll be able to utilize the
Virtual Queue system currently in place for this incredible experience beginning at 7 a.m. on the day of your visit. Keep in mind valid admission and a
Theme Park Reservation are both required to join the Virtual Queue. Be sure you are signed in to your
My Disney Experience App before the queue opens and be prepared to act quickly in your attempt to secure a boarding group. If you aren't successful at 7 a.m. there will be a second Virtual Queue opportunity at 1 p.m.
There is also another option I'd like to recommend if you're really hoping to enjoy this out-of-this-galaxy attraction.
Individual Lightning Lane entry is also available to purchase. Pricing varies but you can find the most up-to-date information for your visit in the My Disney Experience App. As a registered Walt Disney World Resort hotel guest, you'll have the opportunity to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane at 7 a.m. Off-site guests will be able to attempt a purchase once EPCOT officially opens for the day, subject to availability.
I typically plan to skip the Virtual Queue and purchase an Individual Lightning Lane at the earliest opportunity as it allows me to select my own preferred return window to ride. You'll be assigned an estimated return window via Virtual Queue and sometimes the timing doesn't always work for the rest of my plans in EPCOT that day.
Regarding the best walking route, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is located in World Discovery at EPCOT, just a 5 min walk from Spaceship Earth. The main entrance at EPCOT would put you just steps away compared to the International Gateway Entrance near
Disney Skyliner. You can also utilize your My Disney Experience App to get directions between most places at the Walt Disney World Resort. Navigate to the desired attraction, resort, or dining location using the map icon and you should see the option to "Get Directions" once you click in for more information. You'll get estimated travel times for walking paths as well as complimentary methods of transportation when available. It's one of my favorite features to use within the app!
I hope this helps you on your cosmic quest!
Amy