Hiya, Heather!
Welcome back to planDisney! Can you believe that in less than one month you will be in the middle of the magic?!? I'm so glad you're planning to visit
EPCOT during your vacation. Since becoming an Annual Passholder it just might have become my favorite Walt Disney World Resort theme park...but please don't tell the others! Its incredible food and entertainment make it one of my favorite places to simply enjoy the atmosphere of The Most Magical Place on Earth, and the diversity of its attractions means there is something for everyone. Whether I'm in the mood for a squeal/laugh-inducing journey through space and time or a relaxing cruise through a greenhouse, EPCOT has it all!
Because the aforementioned journey through space and time is so popular,
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is currently available exclusively through a
Virtual Queue or the purchase of a Lightning Lane Single Pass. Guests hoping to obtain a complimentary boarding group for the attraction must join the Virtual Queue at either 7 AM or 1 PM. While the 7 AM Virtual Queue can be joined from anywhere, the 1 PM Virtual Queue is only available for Guests currently inside EPCOT. Since you will not be able to make it to EPCOT until later in the evening, you have a few options if you would like to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
- Join the 7 AM Virtual Queue: If you join the Virtual Queue at this time and are unable to return to the attraction during the return window allotted for your boarding group (typically one hour), then you run the risk of not being able to experience the attraction. While a Cast Member might allow you to enter the attraction after your window has expired, this is not a guarantee and would be done solely at individual Cast Member discretion.
- Wait to see if the 1 PM Virtual Queue has availability when you arrive at EPCOT: There is no way to know how quickly a Virtual Queue will be exhausted on any given day. I have personally seen the Guardians of the Galaxy Virtual Queue still available at 5 PM one day and maxed out at 1:10 PM the next.
- Purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass: If you would like to guarantee that you are able to experience the attraction on this particular day, you'll want to purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass in the My Disney Experience app. Unlike a Virtual Queue, this paid system allows you to select the return window that works for your particular schedule. If you are a Guest of a Disney Resort hotel you'll be able to make this purchase 7 days before you check in to your hotel, otherwise, you'll need to wait until 3 days before your visit. In my experience, times later in the day are usually the last to sell out.
Ultimately, you'll need to make the decision that works best for your schedule and budget. If possible, I would suggest purchasing the Lightning Lane to ensure you get to experience this iconic attraction without a wait. I'd also probably attempt to join the 7 AM Virtual Queue just in case I'm able to make it in time. If not, it can't hurt to ask if you're able to enter after your callback window has expired.
I hope this information was helpful, Heather! If you have any additional questions or need further clarification
feel free to ask. I'm always happy to help!
Thinking Happy Thoughts,
Lizzie