Wonders of Xandar | |
The exterior of the Wonders of Xandar. | |
Epcot | |
Land | World Discovery |
---|---|
Theme | Guardian's of the Galaxy (Planet Xandar) |
Opening date | May 27, 2022 |
Number of Attractions | 1 |
Logo | |
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The Wonders of Xandar is a pavilion located in the World Discovery neighborhood of Epcot.
History
The Wonders of Xandar pavilion was initially announced on July 15, 2017 as a replacement for the closed Universe of Energy pavilion [1]. Epcot's first "other world" pavilion, Wonders of Xandar was created to to house a Guardians of the Galaxy themed roller coaster. In order to create the new coaster, Disney decided to build a new show building behind the former Universe of Energy, and use the original building to house the attraction's queue and preshow. To this end, on October 06, 2017, walls were put up around the Universe of Energy pavilion, and site preparation for the coaster began [2].
As Epcot's first "other world" pavilion, Imagineering had to come up with a way to tie the Guardians of the Galaxy to Epcot. According to Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald "We knew we wanted to bring the Guardians into Epcot, and then we had to find a way to do that," said Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald. "Fortunately for us, we sort of discovered that in the first film, young Peter Quill was right about the age that he could have gone to Epcot [3]."
On May 04, 2018, the foundation for the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster was laid down [4], and by June 12, the construction went vertical [5]. In September 2018, the front of the Universe of Energy pavilion was demolished, allowing guests to see all the way though the building [6]. Over the next two years, construction on the new pavilion would continue. Due in part to the 2020 COVID pandemic, construction on the Wonders of Xandar progressed slowly. On September 30, 2021, Disney announced that the new pavilion would be officially called "Wonders of Xandar" [7]. In October 2021, filming for the attraction took place, with Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, and Glenn Close reprising their roles from the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise [8]. Finally, on November 20, 2021, Disney announced that the Wonders of Xandar pavilion, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind would open in the summer of 2022 [9]. Subsequently, Disney pinpointed May 27, 2022 as the pavilion's official opening date [10].
When the Wonders of Xandar finally opened on May 27, 2022, the pavilion consisted of the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction and the Treasures of Xandar shop. Outside the pavilion, guests can also find a full sized Nova Corps Starblaster ship.
On July 17, 2022, a new dedication plaque was installed outside the Wonders of Xandar pavilion near the Starblaster ship. The pavilion's dedication reads:
From Our World to Yours
This Starblaster is presented as a gift from the Nova Corps to the people of Terra. May it, like EPCOT, serve to inspire peace through understanding.
— Dedicated in the Terran year 2022
Nova Prime Irani Rael
Backstory
According to Disney, the Wonders of Xandar came about after the Guardians of the Galaxy saved the planet Xandar. Thankful for there deliverance, Xandar decided to send a traveling exhibit about Xandarian culture and history into the galaxy. Peter Quill, who had visited and loved EPCOT Center as a child, suggested that the Xandarians chose Epcot as the location of their new exhibit.
Attractions
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind- This roller coaster takes guests on a thrilling trip through time space with the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Shopping
Treasures of Xandar- Located at the exit of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, this shop sells Guardians of the Galaxy-themed fashions, accessories, home décor, collectibles and toys.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- The Wonders of Xandar's name is a reference to the former EPCOT Center pavilion Wonders of Life
- Outside the Wonders of Xandar pavilion, guests an see a full size Starblaster ship. When walking by, one can hear the ship's engine hum.
References
- ↑ https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/07/guardians-of-the-galaxy-ratatouille-attractions-coming-to-epcot/
- ↑ https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/guardians-of-the-galaxy/news/06oct2017-photo---walls-go-up-around-universe-of-energy.htm
- ↑ https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Disney-Imagineer-explains-how-Guardians-coaster-landed-at-Epcot
- ↑ https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/guardians-of-the-galaxy/news/04may2018-video---960-trucks-lay-massive-foundation-for-guardians-of-the-galaxy-coaster-at-epcot.htm
- ↑ https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/guardians-of-the-galaxy/news/12jun2018-photos---steel-rises-from-the-guardians-of-the-galaxy-roller-coaster-site.htm
- ↑ https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/guardians-of-the-galaxy/news/18sep2018-photos---demolition-comes-to-the-front-of-the-universe-of-energy-building.htm
- ↑ https://wdwnt.com/2021/09/universe-of-energy-pavilion-renamed-to-wonders-of-xandar-as-first-other-world-showcase-pavilion/
- ↑ https://comicbook.com/marvel/news/is-guardians-galaxy-3-filming-james-gunn-clarification/
- ↑ https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/guardians-of-the-galaxy/news/18sep2018-photos---demolition-comes-to-the-front-of-the-universe-of-energy-building.htm
- ↑ https://www.disneytouristblog.com/guardians-galaxy-cosmic-rewind-opening-info/