The pause after “Does anybody know what they call themselves?” is gone. Guests had been filling it by yelling joke answers. Now a video glitch cuts straight to the next line.
Disney World fixed one of EPCOT’s loudest running jokes, and it only took a video edit.
The first preshow for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT has been changed so guests can no longer shout an answer during a pause, per WDW News Today. Fans spotted the change on Saturday, Oct. 3, including Drew Smith and Scott Gustin on X.
What changed in the Cosmic Rewind preshow?
One pause.
In the preshow, Terry Crews plays Centurion Tal Marik of the Nova Corps. He lists a few names for humans and then asks, “Does anybody know what they call themselves?”
Then he waited. That pause was the problem.
Now there’s no wait.
Disney added a video glitch, and Marik jumps right to, “What? I’m on?! Someone needs to tell me when I’m on!” per WDW News Today. Disney also added some glitch effects during the rest of his safety speech so the edit blends in.
Only the first preshow got the update, per WDW News Today. The second one is the same as before.
What were guests yelling during the Cosmic Rewind preshow?
Mostly “Alcoholics!” per WDW News Today.
It’s a nod to EPCOT’s reputation as Disney World’s drinking park, where guests “drink around the world” at the countries of World Showcase. EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival is running now, too, which doesn’t exactly calm things down.
The joke was funny once. By the hundredth time, a lot of people in the room were tired of it.
Gustin called it a “good change,” saying it removed “the opportunity for guests to answer the question” on X.
Did Disney say why it changed the preshow?
Disney hasn’t made a public statement about it.
WDW News Today says the shouting happened often enough that Disney decided to take away the chance. A gag written for the characters had turned into an open mic for the crowd.
What is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind?
It’s one of Disney World’s biggest rides, and one of its best.
Cosmic Rewind opened on May 27, 2022, inside the Wonders of Xandar pavilion, a building styled as a gallery from the planet Xandar. The ride launches you backward, and the cars spin so you’re always facing the action.
Each ride gets a randomly assigned ‘70s or ‘80s song, like Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.” People ride again and again just to hear a different track.
It’s also indoors and dark, which makes it one of the more intense coasters at Disney World. There’s a height minimum of 42 inches.
Is Cosmic Rewind still hard to get on?
It’s one of EPCOT’s most popular rides, so expect long standby waits on busy days. It’s also one of the rides you can buy an individual Lightning Lane for, if you want to skip the line.
Does Disney change preshows often?
More than you’d think. Small edits happen when something isn’t working, from fixing a dated reference to trimming a slow moment.
Sometimes it’s a lot more than an edit. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios got an entirely new preshow this year when the Muppets took over the ride from Aerosmith.
This one is just more noticeable, because anyone who rode in the last four years knows the pause, and plenty knew exactly what was coming next.
If you were one of the people yelling, you’ll have to find a new bit. If you were the one rolling your eyes, enjoy the quiet.
Article compiled with the help of the Pirates & Princesses newsroom.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
WDW News Today (Oct. 4, 2026), the changed line, the glitch effect, what guests yelled and the ride background
Scott Gustin on X (Oct. 3, 2026), first reaction
Drew Smith on X (Oct. 3, 2026), first report, crediting Madison Bolger
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