"In this Game, there are Winners, and there are Losers": Tron Lightcycle Run versus Cosmic Rewind

Tron/Lightcycle Run, Magic Kingdom’s first roller coaster in nine years, has finally opened. My family and I were able to ride Tron on its debut. Throughout our trip, and even as we disembarked, Cast Members and parkgoers bombarded us with questions, one in particular: which is better, Tron or Cosmic Rewind? In the words of Team Blue’s Siren, “In this game, there are winners, and there are losers.” Which coaster will win?

Queue

Though many guests dismiss it, an attraction’s queue should build immersion, a task at which both coasters excel. Tron’s line begins beneath a luminous canopy as Lightcycles race feet from waiting users, and it leads users into a preshow room where they are digitized into the “world of Tron.” A translucent wall clears, revealing the Lightcycle track. After a turnstile-laden corridor enhanced only by a looping safety spiel, users stow their belongings and enter the imposing loading area, thrumming with techno.

Cosmic Rewind’s queue, featuring a galaxarium, Xandarian exhibitions, and interviews with the Guardians of the Galaxy, educates and entertains guests. After the museum, two preshows await in which guests travel to a Nova ship, face a sinister Celestial, and become part of the Guardians’ plan to save Earth, all before boarding their Starjumpers. While Tron’s queue is impressive, Cosmic Rewind’s functions as part of the attraction’s story.

Innovation

Tron’s motorcycle-style seating distinguishes this attraction from myriad other coasters. While somewhat restrictive, the Lightcycles are unique and further muddle story and reality. Tron’s double-sided lockers are also inventive, although not part of the ride itself. Even though Universal Studios introduced double-sided lockers to their parks years ago, these storage spaces are a first for Disney World. These lockers are convenient and roomy, freeing users from the burden of baggage.

Cosmic Rewind thrills with a brand-new ride system that allows individual cars to swivel 365 degrees, offering guests an easy view of various show scenes. Like Tron’s Lightcycles, Cosmic Rewind’s revolving ride system is unparalleled, elevating it from a simple coaster to a one-of-a-kind experience. Both coasters champion innovation, but Cosmic Rewind is more extraordinary than its competitor.

Thrill

Both coasters deliver the simple thrill of speed; Cosmic Rewind is Disney World’s fastest coaster with top speeds of 60 mph, closely followed by Tron at 59 mph. The essence of Tron’s thrill lies in the Lightcycles themselves; launching face-first from 0-59 miles per hour is breathtaking. With typical ride vehicles, Tron would essentially be Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster sans inversions. Cosmic Rewind is flashier in its thrill with a backwards launch and swiveling train cars. Spinning during an unpredictable sojourn through space, while nauseating for some, exhilarates.

On-Ride Experience

Tron/Lightcycle Run begins as users launch toward the canopy, which glows blue as Lightcycles race past, before plunging into the dark, neon-illuminated Grid. Daft Punk plays throughout the race, amping the attraction’s thrill. Combining vivid lights and electric music, Tron/Lightcycle Run truly feels like a video game.

After guests leave Cosmic Rewind’s loading bay, they soar into space as the Guardians confront Eson the Celestial. Once the Starjumpers shoot backwards, one of six retro songs blasts. Guests twist and boogie through cosmos, watching the Guardians’ battle, which ends in joyful victory and much dancing.

Though Tron/Lightcycle Run is stunning, Cosmic Rewind wins this challenge. Cosmic Rewind immerses guests throughout the entire experience. Its sheer thrill and spectacular six-song lineup render Cosmic Rewind unique and re-ridable. Each song provides a unique experience, while Tron regurgitates the

same, albeit breathtaking, experience. Cosmic Rewind’s superiority doesn’t diminish Tron’s greatness. Both are amazing coasters I recommend to anyone brave enough to challenge Team Orange or battle a Celestial. Now, it’s your turn: which coaster is superior, Tron/Lightcycle Run or Cosmic Rewind?