Not all the futuristic elements of Discoveryland come from the science fiction of the past. In the case of Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast (the name is different in Paris, allowing for easier translations), the inspiration is fairly contemporary. In fact, Disneyland Paris was the last of the parks to receive the popular Buzz Lightyear attraction, replacing the former Le Visionarium (the original Timekeeper CircleVision production) with the ride in 2006.
The oversize toy elements, which have become a trademark of the Toy Story-based attractions, are in full effect here. Before you even enter the building, you discover the Fastpass distribution location is actually a charging station. Banks of batteries are placed in chargers and actually plugged in to overhead outlets.
Inside, the toy aesthetic continues with details like a 2-way radio and foldout instruction sheets used to tell the story of the attraction. I particularly enjoy seeing familiar expressions, like "Aim for the Zs," conveyed in French. Since French and English aren't the only languages spoken here, though, some of the key story points must be communicated visually. Passing through the queue, "windows" into other chambers of Star Command Headquarters show us a robot attack in progress and LGMs demonstrating how to use the Astro Blasters.
A giant Wanted poster lets us know Emperor Zurg is "Galactic Enemy #1." Zurg is a more subtle presence, too. Check out the Lite-Brite panels, giving the impression of a couple familiar faces.
Enough playing with toys! We have a mission to get to! In the next room Buzz Lightyear himself relays the details of the plan... by Etch A Sketch, of course.
Once we've been briefed, it's off to the hangar to board our XP-41 Space Cruisers bound for Planet Z. Heading down the corridor, there are windows to the left and right. Some (actual) windows open onto the hangar bay, while others (painted murals) offer views of a neighboring space station - one that bears more than a passing resemblance to a certain mountain.
Our mission is a success, as we defeat the robots and stop Zurg just before he arrives at the Green Planet. Along the way, if you weren't too caught up in the action, you may have noticed a couple bits of Hidden Disney. In the Robot Attack scene, sharp-eyed riders can spot 9-Eye from Timekeeper near the Box-O-Bot, and here in the finale, take a look at the brand name on that wrench. It's a Binford Tool, a nod to the voice of Buzz Lightyear, Tim Allen, and his 1990s TV series, "Home Improvement."
In the end, the Green Planet and the rest of the universe are saved, and Zurg gets returned to the store! Naturally, a store is our final destination. The Constellations shop at the exit of the attraction offers fairly standard merchandise, but it also has a nice star field ceiling and one of the most clever fixtures you'll find anywhere - a Vendobot.
TAND
Monday, November 14, 2011
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