As construction was halted across all of Walt Disney World due to the unprecedented COVID-19 closures, work at various construction sites, especially at EPCOT––which is basically one massive construction site––has come to a standstill. However, Walt Disney Imagineering continues to work behind-the-scenes to ensure that progress continues––at least on projects that are already underway.
Additional permits have been filed for the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction in the future “World Discovery” neighborhood concept of the park. While heavy-duty work on installing solar panel infrastructure, and other modifications to the attraction’s facade, were clearly visible from the ground up until the park’s closure, new advancements are underway for scenic elements and set pieces for the ride.
The following permits were filed recently for Cosmic Rewind:
- Fabricate and install pieces (Icarus Exhibits)
- Install graphics, entrance and set structures (Design Communications)
- Lighting Controls – Low Voltage Terminations (Pro Sound and Video)
With no further descriptions as to what these permits entail, we take to the contractors listed for further ideas. The set pieces are being created by Icarus Exhibits, which is the same group behind Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and even TRON Lightcycle Run at the Magic Kingdom. Similar permits have previously been filed for the Guardians coaster during earlier phases of construction. The work can entail themed set design in queues, the ride itself, or even pre- or post-shows. Design Communications is the themed entertainment architecture firm behind the recently-opened Guitar Hotel at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and Pro Sound and Video has been behind a number of projects throughout Walt Disney World, including Pandora: The World of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Whether these features will be used at the entrance or in the Xandar Gallery, the Transformation Room, or within the ride itself is unknown, but we’re still eager to see how the finished product turns out.
Are you excited to enter the world of the Guardians of the Galaxy and board your very first backwards-launch roller coaster? Let us know in the comments.