D23 Members Can Ride Cosmic Rewind on May 15th
As expected, Disney has announced the first details for ride previews at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. So D23 Gold members, you’re in luck!
Let’s Talk Early Access
Disney just confirmed its first batch of sneak previews for the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster at EPCOT.
The first one involves D23 Gold members, and I should warn you that it’s not free. However, the price is reasonable, especially by recent Disney standards.
On Tuesday, April 12th, Disney will sell a fixed amount of preview tickets for the event on May 15th.
This special booking will go live at 1 p.m. EST, and it WILL sell out. So, you best be ready!
For the price of $40 ($35 plus a $5 “processing fee”), D23 Gold members may purchase a ticket to the preview.
Disney is limiting the allotment to a maximum of two tickets each per member, although associate members can purchase two as well.
Here’s the official description of how the event works:
“First, you’ll check in at the main entrance, where you’ll receive your complimentary after-4 p.m. park admission and a commemorative credential. You’ll have some free time to stroll and sample the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival with a dining card. After the sun has set, we’ll gather around the World Showcase lagoon for reserved viewing for the new nighttime spectacular, Harmonious!
Then as the park closes, the exciting moment arrives as we invite you to make your way to the new World Discovery neighborhood where you’ll embark on an all-new journey in the Wonders of Xandar pavilion.”
Obviously, we’re talking about much more than just a single ride on Cosmic Rewind.
Also, the $40 price includes a $20 gift card for an EPCOT meal. On the downside, Disney isn’t selling any commemorative swag for the event.
As for the other sneak previews Disney has promised, we’re still awaiting word. Presumably, the company wants to sell this event first before giving away rides for free.
DVC News and Notes
Sometimes, I don’t understand Disney’s thinking, and here’s a prime example.
We recently learned that the Big Pine Key conversion at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will open on June 20th.
Now, Disney has announced that Narcoossee’s will close for an extended period to perform extensive renovations. Its closing date is…June 18th.
So, your last date to eat here is June 17th, less than 72 hours before a massive influx of DVC guests will arrive at the resort. This timing is indefensible.
The whole thing smacks of CEO Bob Chapek, who formerly ran the theme park division. Chapek never felt the Grand Floridian lived up to its status.
For this reason, Disney will modernize the lobby to make it seem less Victorian and more Disney.
We’ve already watched several ripples of this strategy, such as the Beauty and the Beast enhancements at the hotel lobby’s second-floor lounge.
Citricos also received the Mary Poppins theme, and the upcoming DVC rooms will feature some of those touches as well.
Presumably, Narcoossee’s will also add some Disney intellectual property, although that’s unconfirmed speculation at this point.
On a different note, the Grand Floridian has also switched many of its rooms to the modern style of interactive televisions, the ones we first saw at Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Now, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas has done the same. So, you can stream from your phone/tablet/laptop to your hotel TV.
The only catch is that Disney’s system doesn’t allow screen mirroring. Instead, you must use the Chromecast ecosystem, which is easy to do.
Overall, that’s four DVC resorts with the new functionality plus Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. Speaking of Animal Kingdom Villas, Sanaa has updated its menu. Disney Tourist Blog recently posted details if you’re interested.
Be one of the first to experience Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind! Start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation by browsing our current DVC Confirmed Reservation Specials, or use our DVC availability tool to select the dates that are right for you. From there, you can start the booking process and one of our team members will reach out to assist!
