Summary
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Disney World will get a refresh in 2025, featuring new show scenes, redesigned vehicles, and enhanced gameplay.
- The upgrade introduces “Buddy,” a new support robot, redesigned blasters for improved accuracy, and interactive targets that react when hit.
- The ride is expected to reopen in 2026 after a temporary closure.
A major refresh is coming to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in 2025. The classic Disney attraction will soon feature a brand-new show scene, redesigned ride vehicles, and updated gameplay aimed at boosting interactivity and immersion.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, which blasted off in Tomorrowland on November 3, 1998, is an interactive dark ride in which guests join Star Command on a mission to defeat the evil Emperor Zurg. Aboard an “XP-37 Space Cruiser,” riders use a mounted laser cannon to shoot targets, earn points, and climb the ranks, from humble Space Cadet all the way to Galactic Hero. As the first-ever Buzz Lightyear-themed shooting gallery attraction in any Disney park, its success paved the way for similar experiences around the globe, including Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters in Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland.
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According to Disney Parks Blog, the biggest narrative change coming to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin begins right at the start of the attraction with the introduction of an all-new character named Buddy. Designed in collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar Animation Studios, Buddy is a cheerful support robot who joins the Space Ranger team. Positioned at the beginning of the mission, Buddy provides words of encouragement, performs final checks on departing Star Cruisers, and offers riders a chance to practice using their blasters on interactive targets. The ride’s iconic Star Cruisers will receive a new look inspired by Buzz Lightyear and the Star Command fleet. Each vehicle will be outfitted with a real-time video monitor to display scores and additional gameplay elements.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Set for Major Overhaul at Magic Kingdom
A key part of the attraction’s upgrade is the addition of handheld blasters. Designed to improve accuracy, these updated blasters are expected to enhance gameplay for all riders, especially younger guests. Features include always-on lasers, two distinct blaster colors per vehicle, and added lighting, sound, and vibration effects to help indicate where riders are aiming throughout the experience. The traditional static “Z” targets will also get a tech upgrade. The enhanced targets will now react when hit, lighting up to provide immediate visual feedback. This change opens the door to future innovations that Imagineers are already exploring to make the ride more dynamic and engaging.
Development on the revamped attraction has already reached a key milestone, with Imagineers recently participating in a playtest to try out the updated targets, new blasters, and gameplay mechanics. These real-world tests play a crucial role in shaping the final experience, helping designers identify what works best and where further refinement is needed. To make way for the enhancements, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will temporarily close this August. The reimagined version is expected to reopen in 2026, ready to launch a new era of galactic gameplay in Tomorrowland.
Guests can look forward to many other new attractions and experiences coming to Disney World, including a new live show featuring iconic villains at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and a major expansion coming to the Magic Kingdom over the next few years. Animal Kingdom is also set to get new attractions inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones.
