We were able to play-test the new blasters and targets coming to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and learn more about what is in store for this ride update coming next year to Walt Disney World Resort.
New Buzz Lightyear Blasters Play-Test
This play-test specifically highlighted the new blasters and updated targets that will be a part of the ride once it reopens from its major overhaul in 2026.
The entire experience is very similar to Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue at Shanghai Disneyland and Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! at Hong Kong Disneyland. These updates are likely what is being planned for the Wreck-It Ralph attraction replacing Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters at Tokyo Disneyland, which will also open in 2026.
The new blasters themselves are very light, just like those at Disneyland aboard Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. They are also no longer mounted to the ride vehicle, allowing for a greater range of motion from the rider when aiming.
The blasters will have different colors, and the targets will now react in that color so you know exactly which target you’re hitting as the player. The blasters will also have light and haptics on the actual guns that show if you’re firing or if you’ve successfully hit a target.
In addition, the Star Cruiser ride vehicles for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will be brand new, after all these decades. The current vehicles on the ride go all the way back to 1972; Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin opened in 1998, replacing Delta Dreamflight.
The vehicles will also have video monitors that provide real-time scoring updates and other features.
The new targets will have screens that react with animation and lighting effects as you hit them.
Above, you can see both the green and orange blasters creating shock-like visuals on the target, with a coordinating color ring around the target that was hit.
You can see the blaster in action in our post on X (formerly Twitter) below:
The attraction is scheduled to close in August 2025 to make these changes and will reopen in 2026. A more specific timeline will be shared at a later date.
The updated attraction will also feature a new scene at the beginning, featuring the new character “Buddy,” a support robot from Star Command. Created by Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar Animation Studios, Buddy will make sure departing Space Rangers are fully prepared for their mission and do final system checks on their Star Cruisers.
For a better look at what the experience will be like, check out our ride-through POV for Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! below:
Also, watch our historic retrospective of If You Had Wings, Delta Dreamflight, and Space Ranger Spin:
Are you excited to see this update make its way to Magic Kingdom next year? Share your thoughts with us on social media.
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YES! That looks great! I’m looking forward to these upgrades.