Credit: elisfkc2, FlickrThese guests got more than they bargained for while visiting the EPCOT theme park at Disney World this month.
Attraction downtime is a routine part of any theme park day. Sometimes it’s a maintenance error that needs troubleshooting (and maybe for multiple days, as was the case with Slinky Dog Dash recently); other times, Mother Nature forces rides to close, and severe conditions can shut down nearly every outdoor attraction at once, with Disney closing them for guest safety. Whatever the cause, unplanned downtime can alter a guest’s vacation and change the trajectory of their day at the parks.
A Rare Look Behind the Curtain
While a mid-ride technical difficulty is rarely a magical experience, one recent evacuation gave guests an unexpected glimpse of Cosmic Rewind that they don’t typically get to see.
Recently, @travelsbymarisha shared her own experience of an in-ride shutdown, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the coaster with the house lights up. According to Marisha, cast members explained that around seven ride vehicles were stopped when the attraction went down, with all those guests needing to exit. Once safety restraints were released, guests could view the coaster’s full layout illuminated — a perspective almost never seen outside maintenance walkthroughs.
My first ride evac was an epic one! #guardiansofthegalaxycosmicrewind #epcot #rideevacuation #cosmicrewindepcot #travelsbymarisha
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Marisha’s account also describes how her daughter became stuck on the attraction for approximately 20 to 25 minutes a few months ago before the ride eventually restarted on its own. The guest also noted that, because their vehicle was positioned on the track, they had difficulty hearing the announcements cast members made throughout the delay — a detail that underscores how communication can be challenging during an evacuation, depending on a guest’s location within the show building.
As is standard practice, cast members typically issue a Lightning Lane pass to affected guests, allowing them to return and experience the attraction in full once it’s back up and running. Marisha revealed that her daughter received a pass so she could experience the ride without delays during her trip.
What is your lights-on or evacuation story? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!
