DISNEY’S Guardians of the Galaxy rollercoaster is to launch on May 27, 2022 – and it will be the entertainment giant’s first-ever REVERSE blast off.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind has been built at the EPCOT centre, part of Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.

It is being touted as an innovative storytelling coaster that explores the similarities and mysteries of the formation of Earth’s galaxy and Xandar.

Xandar, as all Guardians fans know, is home to the Xandarians and the capital of the Nova Empire. It’s been attacked by Ego, Ronan and Thanos but has been saved each time by our heroes.

Guests will be invited to learn more about the treasures Xandar has to share – until the moment when the Guardians arrive, and adventures across the cosmos ensue.

It is described as “a storytelling coaster that rotates 360 degrees to focus guests on the action, including the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster.”

The arrival of Starlord and Co isn’t the only star-studded news as Disney transforms EPCOT with a host of new attractions.

There will be four neighbourhoods: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery, each with new or upgraded areas.

It’s in World Discovery “where stories about science, technology and intergalactic adventure come to life” that the Guardians will be based.

It will also be home to new restaurant Space 220, “a culinary experience offering the celestial panorama of a space station, including daytime and nighttime views of Earth from 220 miles up”.

Guests will board a space elevator for a journey to the Centauri Space Station, with viewports offering real-time perspective as they travel high above the planet.

Once they arrive, guests will dine and drink while taking in views that are truly out of this world.

Among other new attractions at EPCOT will be the arrival of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – where guests shrink to the size of Chef Remy and race through Gusteau’s restaurant on a wild adventure.

Already a hot favourite at Disneyland Paris, the ride will be joined in the World Showcase area by new restaurant, La Crêperie de Paris.

There’ll also be a Beauty and the Beast singalong, a new night-time lights, lasers and fireworks spectacular called Harmonious, together with a 360-degree Canada film show and smokehouse eatery.

The big news for Moana fans, meanwhile, will be the arrival of Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana– the first Disney Parks experience inspired by the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film.

A lush exploration trail in the World Nature zone will invite guests to meet and play with magical, living water. Just like Moana’s friend the ocean, water will have a personality of its own, helping guests learn how to protect the natural water cycle in a fun and engaging way.

The Land Pavilion’s new film, Awesome Planet, meanwhile, will showcase the beauty, diversity and dynamic story of Earth.

Elsewhere, in the World Celebration neighbourhood, there’ll be a new EPCOT entrance plaza, with a Dreamers Point viewing area, a story fountain and new statue of Walt Disney himself.

For further information on Walt Disney World Resort in Florida visit www.disneyworld.co.uk