Walt Disney World next year will debut a new roller coaster-style ride and its cutting-edge Star Wars-themed hotel.
The theme park giant will open the new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride at Epcot sometime in 2022; and its new Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser immersive hotel will begin welcoming guests on March 1.
Here’s more on each offering:
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is an “omnicoaster” that can spin while on a set track system. The ride is based on the popular Marvel movie franchise, Guardians of the Galaxy. “It’s a storycoaster that rotates 360 degrees so you’re always focused on all the action as you help the Guardians save the galaxy,” said Imagineer Zach Riddley, via the Disney Parks Blog.
- Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser offers a cruise-type, two-night hotel experience on land where guests stay on a Halcyon “starship” in the Star Wars universe. Guests will see how the ship operates, train in the ways of the Jedi and more. Guests become the hero of their own Star Wars adventure, heading “to the Outer Rim for a planetside excursion to Batuu. You choose how to make your way in the galaxy – maybe as a member of the Resistance, or by learning the ancient ways of the Jedi lightsaber,” said Disney spokesman Jeremy Schoolfield, via the parks blog.
The new attractions will make Disney — and ultimately, Orlando — a must-visit destination, which will boost the region’s $75.2 billion tourism industry.
Disney will begin celebrating its 50th anniversary Oct. 1 with myriad new shows, rides, experiences and more. The milestone will debut with Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, a new ride in Epcot; new restaurants including Space 220; and several new nighttime shows such as Harmonious in Epcot and Enchantment at Magic Kingdom.
Walt Disney World — Central Florida’s largest employer and the nation’s largest single-site employer — has four local theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Walt Disney World alone is the top generator for visitation to Orlando, with more than 50 million people going through its turnstiles in previous years — many of those repeat visitors.
Disney also owns two area water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, as well as several themed hotels, golf courses, a camping resort, timeshare properties, a residential community called Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort, ESPN Wide World of Sports and the Disney Springs retail, dining and entertainment complex.