After years of speculation, and with the grand opening on the horizon, we now know that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT will not have audio animatronics.
Late last year, an interview with Imagineer Wyatt Winter for Entertainment Weekly raised hopes as animatronics were mentioned in passing as part of a list of exciting elements for the coaster experience. The next day, Entertainment Weekly quietly removed any references to animatronics from the article.
Audio animatronics were cut from the design early into development, partially for budget purposes but also partially because of the uncertainty surrounding “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.”
Disney wasn’t sure on what characters to feature in Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, or who the main villain would be in the film as production of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” was initially delayed. Disney started constructing the attraction with some uncertainty as to what some of the plot points were going to be and who was going to be cast for the film.

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” was initially delayed when director, James Gunn, was fired from the project due to posting controversial tweets. He was then later re-hired and reinstated as director of the film.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is expected to open at EPCOT this Memorial Day weekend. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” is slated to release on May 23, 2023.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.