While visiting EPCOT today, we noticed that an overflow extended queue was installed for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. During more than one year of operation, the attraction has operated with a Virtual Queue where Disney has been able to keep tight control over how long the line gets.

For example, if the attraction is operating at a reduced capacity or even temporarily closed, Disney can slow or stop the flow of Virtual Queue Boarding Groups to ensure that the queue doesn’t get too long. Even during normal operations, Disney has control over how many guests can ride Cosmic Rewind by throttling the number of Boarding Groups called per hour.

Disney World says that they use Virtual Queues to control demand for an attraction and that Virtual Queues are currently implemented at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT and TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom. That said, recent changes at Cosmic Rewind could indicate that Disney is planning on offering standby for the thrilling roller coaster.

As you can see in the photos below, an extended overflow queue has been installed, perhaps signaling that the tight control that a Virtual Queue offers could be going away. Cast Members said that a standby queue would not be offered today.

Another possibility for the recently installed extended queue is that Disney simply installed it for Disney After Hours when Cosmic Rewind operates with a standby line. Either way, the extended queue would not be needed during 95% of the year when crowds are normal and the attraction is operating without issues. Even during some of the most busy times of year, this extended queue would be overkill.

Most recently, this space had a large covered seating area – something that EPCOT needs more of, especially as we head into summer. Here’s a look at the extended queue, which is to the left of the main building.

As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!