Walt Disney World announced today that Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in the Magic Kingdom will be temporarily closing this August to get an all new targeting and blaster system, as well as other improvements.

Located in Tomorrowland, this fan-favorite attraction utilizes an omnimover ride system with mounted interactive blasters. The updated version will swap those older, more cumbersome shooters for smaller modern ones, which are only tethered by a small cord. This will allow riders to point in any direction they chose.

Set to return with its improvements in 2026, in addition to upgraded blasters, the ride will also receive a new scene, reactive targets, and updated ride vehicles with new video screens for monitoring your score.

I was able to play test the new blasters and responsive targets. See my video below for footage of my test, as well as the current state of the attraction. The video also features a brief construction update for everything else happening around Magic Kingdom.

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The ride’s new scene will replace the first part of the attraction, creating a new area for target practice before scoring starts. This new scene will feature a new character named “Buddy,” who is a robot to help riders get used to the way the new blasters and responsive targets work before heading on their mission.

The new ride vehicle design will feature colors inspired by Buzz Lightyear. Each vehicle will be equipped with new video monitors that will provide real-time scoring updates and other new features. (See the official concept art for thew new scene and updated look for the ride vehicles below.)

The biggest improvements to the ride will come in the form of the new handheld blasters and responsive targets. The new blasters feature lights, sounds, haptics, and an always-on laser targeting sight to help you know where you’re aiming. They vibrate and a light on the back goes off when you successfully hit a target.

Riders’ blasters will be one of two colors, making it easier to track who is hitting what targets. The responsive targets will change color to match your blaster’s color when hit. These replace the old static “Z” targets that did not respond when struck.

Imagineers hint at other interactive features now that the Z targets feature the ability to change what is displayed, but specific details have not yet been revealed.

Play testing has been going on within the actual attraction, where Imagineers have brought in the new targets and blasters to see how they act in the actual environment of the ride.

“Everyone had a great time, and our team learned a lot,” project creative director Justin DeTolla said. “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.”

Having had a chance to test out the new blasters and targets myself I am excited to finally no longer be restricted to the small range of motion of the current attached blasters. The new system is intuitive and easy to use.

Another bonus for the new blasters is that smaller children will have an easier time participating. As these are handheld, children will not have to reach up to the lap bar to reach a mounted shooter. The new blasters are also small and light enough for children’s hands.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will temporarily close in August and reopen next year. Disney has not yet revealed a specific reopening date.

As part of today’s announcement, the two new shows for Disney’s Hollywood Studios were given official opening dates. Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After and The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure will both open on May 27, 2025.

Walt Disney World is offering new family deals this summer, just in time for the debut of these new shows. New summer promotions include 50% off kids tickets beginning May 27th, as well as discounted 3-day 3-park tickets, and free Dining Plans. See the official post for more details on these special offers.

Be sure to check out my video for more information on the upcoming Buzz Lightyear ride upgrades, as well as more projects in development at Magic Kingdom—like Villains Land—and subscribe to the YouTube channel or enter your email below to never miss an update.

Subscribe to the news feed or enter your email address below to never miss an update. Official Art & Photos: Walt Disney World | Original Photos: Alicia Stella

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