People, terms to know before riding Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

So, you are planning on riding the latest coaster in EPCOT – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – either when it opens to the public on May 27 or during Annual Passholder previews, and you have a little secret – you’ve never watched a Guardians movie or even a Marvel film.

You have no idea who the characters are, what a Xandar is and why there is a talking raccoon. Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a look at some of the characters and the terms that might be helpful to know.

Who Are the Guardians of the Galaxy?

This is a group of intergalactic outlaws who became unlikely heroes when they defended the planet Xandar from destruction. Now pardoned as thanks for their brave and selfless acts, the Guardians travel the galaxy in search of new missions – to save the galaxy again (and then raise their rates).

The lineup includes (from left to right if looking at the photo above):

Gamora – Raised as a living weapon by Thanos, she seeks redemption as a member of the Guardians, putting her extraordinary fighting abilities to good use.

Star-Lord (a.k.a. Peter Quill) – Originally from Earth, the leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy brings a snarky sense of humor to protecting the universe from any and all threats. Music (primarily from the 70s and 80s) plays a primary role in his life as his mother who died from cancer left him an audio cassette mixtape with some of their favorite songs.

Rocket Racoon – The genetically enhanced creature is the Guardians’ weapons and tactical expert, risking his hide to defend the cosmos one wisecrack at a time. And, if his name sounds a little familiar because of the Beatles’ song “Rockey Racoon,” there is a reason, the original creators named him after the song.

Drax the Destroyer– A brutally honest warrior with superior strength and combat skills, but very little regard for metaphor – “Nothing Goes Over My Head! My Reflexes Are Too Fast, I Would Catch It!” he has been known to say. Drax is ready to destroy any enemies of the galaxy.

Groot – The sentient tree-like creature known as a Flora colossus whose vocabulistics are limited to “I” and “am” and “Groot” (exclusively in that order) branches out of his comfort zone to help the Guardians keep the universe safe.

M-Ship – Class of personal spacecraft owned by Peter Quill, serving as base of operations for the Guardians of the Galaxy

Other people to know

Nova Prime Irani Rael – Leader of the Nova Corps, charged with protecting the Xandarian people from threats while serving as an emissary of peace through understanding across the galaxy

Centurion Tal Marik – Commander of the Starcharter, leader of the Nova Corps peacekeeping efforts, and close advisor to Nova Prime (this is the character’s first appearance, as he was created for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind)

Eson – A Celestial watching over Earth for eons, growing increasingly frustrated with the course of human history.

Terms to know

Celestial – A cosmic being of immense power whose size and scope defy human perception.

Andromeda Galaxy – Spiral galaxy home to the Xandar system. This galaxy is nearest to the Milky Way Galxaxy where Earth is located.

Xandar – Paradise-like planet in the Andromeda Galaxy home to a diverse, peace-loving population.

Nova Corps – Defense and peacekeeping force for Xandar and the Andromeda Galaxy.

Cosmic Generator – Xandarian technology that creates jump points, linking distant points in space to one another.

Jump Points – Artificial tunnels in space allowing for rapid travel between two different points separated by a vast distance.

Terra – Xandarian term for Earth, home to Terrans (residents of Earth).

Starblaster – Nova Corps short-range patrol craft, notable for its eight pointy fins that look like a star; can connect with other Starblasters to form a physical barrier

Starcharter – Large Nova Corps cruiser.

Starjumper – Small escape shuttle that launches from a Nova Corps Starcharter.

Wonders of Xandar Pavilion – First “other-world” showcase pavilion at EPCOT, where the people of Terra can learn more about Xandarians and their technologies, as well as the commonalities between the two cultures. (This is where the attraction is located.)

Galaxarium – Sweeping planetarium-style space showcasing planets, stars and other intergalactic wonders that connect Terra and Xandar. (The first room you enter when

Worldmind – Xandarian supercomputer that narrates the Galaxarium; holds the collective knowledge, memory and experience of all the Xandarian people

Xandar Gallery – Showcase of Xandarian people, culture and history – including the heroes of Xandar – through specially crafted displays

“Good Morning Xandar” – Popular news program on Xandar, often featuring interviews with famous personalities

Phase Chamber – Xandarian teleportation room used to instantaneously transport people from Terra’s surface to an orbiting ship

Treasures of Xandar – Retail shop at the Wonders of Xandar pavilion, operated by The Broker