Something’s clearly up with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, and guests are starting to take notice.On Wednesday earlier this week, the wildly popular coaster suddenly went offline early in the day—and it never came back. What started as a small hiccup turned into a full-on shutdown that lasted the rest of the day. And for guests who had paid for Lightning Lane access, it ended in frustration.Credit: DisneyA Message From the TopThose impacted didn’t just receive a generic alert. They got a direct message from Matt Simon, the Vice President of EPCOT. His note read:“On behalf of the entire team at EPCOT, I’d like to apologize that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewindis currently unavailable. Our Cast Members are working diligently to get the attraction up and running again, and we are sorry you are not able to experience this attraction at this time. I hope you will enjoy some of our other attractions during your experience in the park today.”While the message was professional and sincere, it didn’t change the outcome—Cosmic Rewind never reopened that day. And for many guests who scheduled their entire visit around this headliner attraction, that stung. But, that’s not all.Credit: DisneyRefunds Issued for Lightning LaneAnyone who had paid for a Lightning Lane reservation was automatically issued a refund by Disney. That’s the standard protocol when a ride is down for an extended period, but this isn’t just about a one-time inconvenience.This marks yet another time Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind has experienced significant downtime in recent weeks. From mid-morning outages to all-day closures, EPCOT’s star coaster has been having a rough stretch. And when one of the park’s most in-demand attractions goes dark—especially without warning—guests notice.And let’s be real: it’s not like Lightning Lanes are cheap. Many families spend extra money to ensure they get to experience the best rides with shorter waits, and Cosmic Rewind is often at the top of that list. So when those paid experiences are cut short with little to no heads-up, it’s more than just a mild inconvenience—it feels like a disappointment.A Closer Look at Cosmic RewindGuardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind debuted in 2022 and immediately became one of the most groundbreaking roller coasters Disney has ever built. Located inside EPCOT’s former Universe of Energy pavilion, the indoor coaster features a unique ride system that rotates individual ride vehicles, giving guests a 360-degree storytelling experience. That, plus a backward launch, stunning cosmic visuals, and a randomized playlist of retro tunes, made it an instant favorite.But the very things that make the ride special might also be contributing to its current issues. Complex track technology, synchronized video sequences, and ride vehicles that spin on command—all of it requires precision and near-perfect conditions to run smoothly. And when something goes wrong? It’s not always a quick fix.Credit: DisneyOver the last month or so, Cosmic Rewind has experienced several unexpected closures. Some lasted an hour or two, while others—like this most recent one—shut the ride down for the entire rest of the day. That’s raised concerns among fans, especially those planning trips and budgeting for Lightning Lane access.What Disney World Guests Can Expect Moving ForwardAt this point, Disney hasn’t offered any official explanation for the recurring closures. It could be routine maintenance, tech glitches, or something more complicated going on behind the scenes. But for guests, the result is the same—an unreliable ride experience for one of the most sought-after attractions in the park.So what should you expect if you’re visiting EPCOT soon?First, keep checking the My Disney Experience app before and during your visit. While the app won’t give you technical reasons, it will show you whether the ride is currently open or unavailable.Second, be prepared for a possible refund if you purchase Lightning Lane —but don’t bank on riding Cosmic Rewind if you’re only there for one day. If the coaster has been struggling lately, that pattern could continue. Keep in mind that Lightning Lane can be purchased seven days prior to your visit for Disney Resort guests and three days prior to your visit for everyone else. Cosmic Rewind must be purchased individually and is not available with the Multi Pass. These individual passes very frequently sell out.And third, give yourself some backup options. EPCOT has plenty to offer—from Frozen Ever After to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Soarin’ Around the World. But if Cosmic Rewind is a must-do for your family, know that it hasn’t been consistent, and that could lead to potential downtime.Whether Disney is just ironing out technical issues or facing something bigger, we’ll be watching closely.For now, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind may be the most thrilling ride at EPCOT—but it’s also becoming a little more unpredictable.The post Disney World Issues Mass Refunds After Unplanned Outage appeared first on Inside the Magic.