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Orlando/SoCal Theme Park Showdown: Buzz Lightyear vs. Buzz Lightyear

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Published: October 12, 2011 at 9:23 AM
Our second match-up in the Theme Park Insider Orlando/Southern California Showdown is Buzz Lightyear vs Buzz Lightyear. Which is your favorite between the two versions? Consider whatever details you'd like - setting, decor, ride, narrative, or whatever petty individual bias you'd like to throw into the mix. The vote will be open for 24 hours.

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom's Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin: Tomorrowland

Disney World Buzz Lightyear

Disneyland's Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters: Tomorrowland

Disneyland Buzz Lightyear

The differences? The original Buzz Lightyear ride Space Ranger Spin, opened in the old "If You Had Wings" ride building at the Magic Kingdom in November 1998, introducing millions of theme park fans to the shoot-'em-up dark ride format that would endure with attractions such as Men in Black: Alien Attack, Toy Story Midway Mania and dozens of Sally rides at regional parks around the world. Disneyland's Astro Blasters opened in March 2005, in the old CircleVision theater in Tomorrowland. Disneyland's version is a few seconds longer than Disney World's, but the big difference is the guns. At Disney World, your laser blaster is mounted to the car, while at Disneyland, the guns are connected with a cord, allowing much greater freedom of movement. But that's not always a plus. With the guns mounted to the car at Disney World, spinning strategy plays a much more important role in trying to beat your opponent (or work together) for a high score.

Feel free to further break down the match-up in the comments.

Other Showdown winners:

Readers' Opinions

From Skipper Adam on October 12, 2011 at 9:53 AM
I hate riding the WDW version, but found myself wanting to play the less tacky, longer and more engaging version at DLR.
From Jacob Sundstrom on October 12, 2011 at 10:03 AM
The Walt Disney World attraction is terrible; I hate not being able to move the gun around. Give me the umbilical cord any day!
From Tony Perkins on October 12, 2011 at 10:14 AM
The DL version is much better with the gun only tied to the cord. The WDW is frustrating and unwieldy. The exterior of the ride at DL is also nicer.
From Tim W on October 12, 2011 at 11:09 AM
Again i voted for MK's version. I enjoy having the guns stationary and utilizing the spinning as a strategic move! I do prefer the Disneyland name of Astro Blasters.
From Dominick D on October 12, 2011 at 11:10 AM
Gotta agree with Tim. By the way, next is Revenge of the Mummy? Never been on it, but Orlando's is gonna win no doubt XD
From Manny Barron on October 12, 2011 at 2:30 PM
This one is puzzling. Disneyland's ability to move the gun feels much more interactive than the old school mounted guns at Disney World's version.
From Anon Mouse on October 12, 2011 at 3:09 PM
I have to vote for Disneyland's version. I thought MK's version was very short and it looks rather horrible when I rode it. Disneyland's version vastly improved upon the original with a longer ride and a more attractive interior.
From Will Chilcote on October 12, 2011 at 3:22 PM
Don't like Buzz Lightbeer any more after going on Toy Story Midway. I skipped it on my last visit.
From Eric G on October 14, 2011 at 1:18 PM
The results of this vote are insulting. Disneyland's version is so far superior to the Florida version. The queue set-up, the gun on the ride vehicles, the interactivity with the targets, the show scenes, scoring system and the on-ride photo that gives you the option to email yourself the photo for free make it the superior version.

If you've been on both version then I know how you'd vote, but if you haven't been on both then why are you voting?

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