As of Monday, August 4, 2025, one of Walt Disney World Resort’s Toy Story (1995) rides is officially closed for an indefinite refurbishment, with plans for an extensive update. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, a decades-old attraction in Magic Kingdom Park’s Tomorrowland area, is undergoing a massive modernization, and Central Florida Disney Park guests will have to wait until 2026 to experience the updated version.
The closure announcement came in March 2025 when Walt Disney World Resort confirmed that Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin would receive a major upgrade. The attraction, which has been a staple of the Magic Kingdom since its opening in 1998, is getting a significant overhaul, with new ride vehicles and interactive elements designed to enhance the guest experience. Some planned updates include improved handheld blasters, with different laser colors for each rider, interactive targets, and new ride vehicles featuring screens for live score tracking and real-time updates.
Ready for blast-off? 🚀 A first-look at the updates coming to Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom 🌟http://di.sn/6012F6FQK
When the attraction reopens, riders will also experience a brand-new scene featuring Buddy, a robot character created by Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios. This helpful animatronic will introduce guests to Star Command and provide a laser blaster tutorial.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin has been replicated at Disney parks worldwide, with versions created for Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. However, as new and more interactive Toy Story attractions like Toy Story Mania! and Slinky Dog Dash were introduced, the Buzz Lightyear ride had begun to show its age. The laser guns were difficult to use, the ride photo was outdated, and the animatronic Buzz Lightyear in the queue had become prone to malfunctioning.
Walt Disney World Resort has confirmed that Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will remain closed until 2026. Although Disney has not yet announced a specific reopening date, guests can look forward to a modernized, more interactive experience when the Magic Kingdom Park attraction reopens.
If you’ve been hoping to experience Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin one last time before the changes, you’ll have to wait until next year for the revamped ride to debut.
Do any other Walt Disney World Resort rides need modern updates like this? Share your opinion with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
