We Need to Talk About This Disney World Ride Trend

We’ve got to talk about this Disney World ride trend that is happening in the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind pre-show.

Disney World is full of traditions — planning outfits, debating mobile order times, arguing about when to hop parks — but there’s one trend we’ve noticed more and more lately that’s getting out of hand. We saw it in action (in full force) at Guardians, and honestly, it’s time we talk about it.

Rushing the Pre-Show Room

OK, let’s set the scene. You’ve been waiting for this moment. You’re finally inside Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. You’ve scanned in, the air conditioning hits, the lights dim — the pre-show’s about to begin. And that’s when it happens. It turns into a full-on sprint to the front of the room, as if there’s a secret trap door that only opens for the first five people who reach it. Spoiler: there isn’t.

We totally get being excited. Cosmic Rewind is one of the most fun, high-energy rides at EPCOT (and honestly, one of the best rides in all of Disney World). But here’s the thing: sprinting to the front of the pre-show does not get you on the ride faster. There’s no secret shortcut. There’s no VIP spot that launches you directly into space ahead of everyone else.

In fact, in our experience, you might actually be slowing yourself down.

The Ride Loads in Split Lines

On Guardians, once you’re through the pre-show, the crowd gets split into multiple lines. Doesn’t matter if you were in the front or the back of the room — once that door opens, you’re being filtered into a completely separate loading area.

Case in point: I purposely stayed near the back of the pre-show room, because, well, I value my ankles and didn’t feel like getting run over. A group I had seen bulldozing their way to the front actually ended up loading after me. True story.

So all that chaos, all that pushing and weaving and speed-walking with “this is fine” panic in your eyes, it might not accomplish much for you in the end.

It’s Not Just a Guardians Thing, But It’s Getting Worse There

This “rush to the front” move isn’t entirely new — people have been doing it on rides with pre-shows for years. Think Tower of Terror, Rise of the Resistance, even Haunted Mansion. But there’s something about Guardians lately that seems to be bringing out next-level energy.

Maybe it’s the newer ride factor. Maybe it’s the hype. Maybe people just REALLY want to get a good view of the Celestial. Whatever it is, it’s been extra chaotic here lately. These pre-shows are designed to tell the story and set the scene — they’re part of what makes Disney rides so immersive. But it’s hard to take in anything when you’re getting jostled like you’re in the middle of a Black Friday sale.

Let’s All Chill Just a Little Bit

Here’s the reality: You’re going to get on the ride. You’re not going to skip ahead. And honestly, you might be making the experience worse for yourself and everyone around you by trying to play pre-show musical chairs.

So next time you’re in one of these pre-show rooms — especially at Guardians — take a beat. Breathe. Enjoy the air conditioning. Watch the show. Because whether you’re in the front, middle, or back of the room, you’re all going to end up on a roller coaster to save the galaxy at the same time.