Hey Disney Vacationers! If you’ve ever hopped into a Star Cruiser in Tomorrowland and tried (and failed) to hit that elusive 999,999 score, you might want to listen up. Let’s break down Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin closing for refurbishment—this is no quick polish. Disney is going all in.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Closing for Major Updates
Walt Disney World has officially announced that Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is closing this August for a full refurbishment. The ride, which has been blasting away in Tomorrowland since 1998, is getting a major upgrade. And when Disney says major, they mean it.
The ride is expected to reopen sometime in 2026, so we’re looking at an extended closure to make space (pun intended) for some big changes.
This isn’t just a repaint or minor fix. This is a full overhaul of the ride experience.
What’s Being Updated?
So what exactly is changing? Let’s dig into what Disney has officially confirmed.
✅ New Ride Vehicles
The classic Star Cruisers are getting replaced with newly designed vehicles. They’ll feature:
• A bold new look inspired by Buzz Lightyear and Star Command
• Video monitors with real-time scoring updates
• Enhanced lighting and sound features
This is huge for gameplay clarity. You’ll finally be able to keep track of your score mid-mission—no more guesswork.
✅ Handheld Blasters with Always-On Lasers
You know how annoying it is to aim the current blasters? Disney heard you.
The new ride vehicles will include handheld blasters—and yes, they’ll have always-on lasers so you can actually see where you’re aiming. Big win.
Each Star Cruiser will have two different blaster colors, and these things come with lighting, sound, and vibration effects to make the whole experience more immersive.
This change alone could fix the biggest frustration most guests have had with this ride for years.
✅ Interactive Targets
Say goodbye to the old-school “Z” targets that never seem to register your hits.
The targets are being replaced with new, interactive tech that lights up and reacts when you score a hit. It’ll make the whole game feel more satisfying—and yes, it opens the door for some new gameplay surprises Disney hasn’t fully revealed yet.
✅ New Character: Buddy
There’s also a brand-new character joining the Star Command crew. Meet Buddy, a robot created by Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar.
Buddy’s job is to help Space Rangers get ready for their mission, check their systems, and make sure they’re prepped for battle. You’ll meet him at the beginning of the ride, and he’ll give you a chance to test your aim with the new blasters before the action kicks off.
A New Show Scene is Coming
The ride will also include a new show scene, although Disney hasn’t revealed the full details yet. It’s part of the wider plan to refresh the storytelling and keep the Buzz Lightyear experience exciting for new generations of guests.
Imagineers Are Already Testing It
Disney Imagineers recently did a playtest of the new targets, blasters, and gameplay systems. According to project creative director Justin DeTolla, the playtest was a success:
“Everyone had a great time, and our team learned a lot. We’ve been working on this project for quite some time now, so it was exciting to see it all come to life for the first time in the field.”
This tells us the updates are well into development, and they’re not just theoretical—they’re real, tested, and moving forward.
Why Is Disney Keeping the Buzz Lightyear Theme?
Here’s something interesting. While Disney World is doubling down on Buzz Lightyear, other Disney parks are moving in different directions:
• Tokyo Disneyland is switching their blaster ride to a Wreck-It Ralph theme.
• Hong Kong Disneyland re-themed theirs to Ant-Man years ago.
So why keep Buzz in Orlando?
It looks like Disney sees value in keeping Toy Story in Magic Kingdom, especially since Buzz Lightyear remains a recognizable and beloved character for families. This refurbishment feels like a commitment to make the ride last another decade (or two) by modernizing the tech while staying true to the IP.
When Will Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Reopen?
To make all of this magic happen, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will close starting in August 2025. The ride is expected to reopen in 2026—an exact date hasn’t been announced yet.
So if this is a must-do for your trip, make sure to hit it before August rolls around.
Final Thoughts
This is a smart move by Disney. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin has been showing its age for years. The blasters were clunky, the scoring unclear, and the ride felt stuck in the late ’90s.
But now, it’s getting the updates it deserves.
New blasters. New targets. A new character. A new scene. Real-time scoring. It’s the same ride concept—but way more fun, more competitive, and way more user-friendly.
If you’ve got kids who love Toy Story, or you’ve always dreamed of hitting Galactic Hero without guesswork, your timing is coming
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is closing. But it’s coming back stronger. And better. So gear up, Space Ranger. Star Command has some serious upgrades on the way.
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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop
I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!
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