Credit: elisfkc2, FlickrEPCOT’s biggest thrill ride is in the middle of a few small changes, and each one is stirring up its own conversation. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is about to carry a seasonal soundtrack, and instead of a single holiday medley, riders will hear one of three songs. At the same time, a long running pre-show tradition has quietly disappeared.
If you’re planning a winter trip to Walt Disney World, here’s the full list of holiday songs, how it compares with last year’s overlay, and what guests are saying about the pre-show change.
The Holiday Announcement
Scott Gustin shared the news on X. “NEW: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is getting a new holiday twist this year at EPCOT,” the post read. “From Nov. 25-Jan. 12, 2027, riders can hear one of three seasonal songs.”
“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams
“Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
“Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses
NEW: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is getting a new holiday twist this year at EPCOT. From Nov. 25-Jan. 12, 2027, riders can hear one of three seasonal songs:
• “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” – Andy Williams
• “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” – Trans-Siberian Orchestra
• “Christmas Wrapping” – The Waitresses
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) October 6, 2026
You get a classic crooner, a dramatic orchestral rock favorite, and a quirky, upbeat holiday tune, all on a coaster that normally blasts its own playlist.
How This Compares With Other Years
On a regular day, the ride plays a six song classic rock playlist, with tracks like “September” and “Disco Inferno.” In previous overlays, the Holiday Remix, replaced that with a custom mashup of seasonal songs. The medley used lyrics customized for the ride, including a change from “Run Run Rudolph” to “Run Run Rocket,” plus snippets of “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
That was one medley for every rider. This year looks different, with three separate songs and the chance to hear a different one each time.
Why Three Songs Might Beat One
Here’s our take. A choice of three songs gives you a reason to ride again. A medley is fun once, but if you only get one of three tracks per ride, you’ll probably wonder what the other two sound like.
The announcement says riders can hear “one of three” songs but doesn’t explain how the song is chosen. It could be random, rotating, or something else, so don’t assume you can pick your song until Disney says otherwise.
The Pre-Show Pause That Disappeared
Cosmic Rewind opened in 2022 and is still one of the most popular rides at the park. It’s an EPCOT Lightning Lane Single Pass option and is also included in the Premier Pass. Waits are often long, and during a recent September 21 event, the standby wait peaked at 185 minutes. Cast members have also adjusted the pre-show exit process, which used to leave hundreds of guests jockeying for position.
Now another change has landed. In the pre-show, Nova Corps Centurion Tal Marik, played by Terry Crews, asks guests what they call themselves. There used to be a pause for an answer, and thanks to EPCOT’s reputation as the park for Drink Around the World, someone would often shout “alcoholics” or something similarly polarizing.
Disney has removed that pause, so the footage moves straight to Tal Marik’s next line. No official reason has been given, though the effect is clear: guests no longer have a moment to shout out.
What Reddit Is Saying
Many fans are happy about it. “The last time I heard someone shout alcoholics, they sounded so proud of themselves while saying it, but then they were booed mercilessly by the room with one person going ‘YOU’RE NOT FUNNY,'” DrOddfellow wrote. Kenny_RogersRoasters added, “Finally. The amount of cringe that people would yell that they and only they thought was funny was out of control.”
Others widened the complaint to other rides. FjordAhoy wrote, “Meanwhile, reciting the entire Haunted Mansion stretch room script is actually annoying because it takes everyone else out of the moment, no different than someone saying the lines in a movie to prove they’re big fans. We get it. You know the lines. Quiet.” SittinByThePool agreed that it’s the people “who yell and think they’re so cool for being obnoxious for what could be many people’s first or only time riding the ride.”
Not everyone is convinced. Admiral_Austinfinity wrote, “This isn’t going to make a difference. In fact it just means the same people who shout something out are now going to actively talk over Terry and confuse others even worse.”
Making a Holiday Ride Plan
The holiday overlay runs from November 25 through January 12, 2027, covering Thanksgiving week and stretching past New Year’s, so expect some of the busiest days of the year. If you want to hear more than one song, you’ll likely need more than one ride.
Check wait times and Lightning Lane options in the My Disney Experience app, and decide how much of your day you’re willing to spend on a repeat ride. Early mornings and late evenings may help. Remember that overlays can change, so confirm details closer to your visit. Traveling with a group? Make it a game to see who hears which track.
The pre-show change also affects first time riders, who may notice a smoother, quieter start to the experience.
Which Song Are You Hoping For?
Are you rooting for the cozy classic, the dramatic favorite, or the quirky bop? Tell us in the comments which song you want on Cosmic Rewind, and let us know whether you think removing the pre-show pause was the right call.
