Disney announced the closing date for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom to receive a major overhaul.
When is Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Closing?
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will be closed beginning on August 4, 2025. It will reopen in 2026 with a new show scene and character, updated ride vehicles, and gameplay enhancements.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Overhaul Details
Disney announced the overhaul in March, revealing the new scene and character: a robot named Buddy, who helps guests with target practice before they launch into space.
The new ride vehicles will have a look inspired by Star Command and video monitors with real-time scoring and “other exciting features.” The vehicles will also have new handheld blasters with always-on lasers to help with aim, lights, sounds, and haptic effects. The ride’s targets will be updated with interactive features. Check out our playtest of the new blasters and targets.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin received new digital projectors earlier this year, likely to prepare for this overhaul. Disney has filed permits for electrical work and set installation at the ride.
The update will bring the Magic Kingdom ride’s tech up to date, in line with Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue at Shanghai Disneyland and Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! at Hong Kong Disneyland. We expect similar updates for the Wreck-It Ralph attraction replacing Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters at Tokyo Disneyland.
Watch our POV of Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! below for an idea of what the technology will look like.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin History
Before Buzz Lightyear took over the space, the Tomorrowland Omnimover was If You Had Wings sponsored by Eastern Air Lines. It opened in 1972 and explored the history of flight. Buddy the new robot may be named after Buddy Baker, who performed the If You Had Wings theme song.
The airline withdrew their sponsorship in 1987 and the ride became If You Could Fly. In 1989, Delta Air Lines began sponsoring the ride and it became Delta Dreamflight.
When Delta’s sponsorship ended, the ride was briefly named Dreamflight from January 1996 to June 1996. It was then renamed Take Flight and operated until January 1998.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin opened in October 1998. Although there were several changes over the years followed by the “Toy Story” re-themed, the ride track and vehicles are the same as the original 1972 ride.
Versions of the Buzz Lightyear shooting attraction have existed at all six Disney castle parks in the world. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters at Hong Kong Disneyland closed in 2017 to become Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! the Tokyo Disneyland version closed in 2024 to be replaced by a Wreck-It Ralph attraction.
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