Just when Disney fans were still coming to terms with the closure of Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat, two more beloved attractions are about to go offline—and for a while.
This summer is turning out to be a tough one for fans of Disney’s more nostalgic experiences. And whether the upcoming closures are temporary or not, it’s clear the parks are entering a season of serious transition.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: Blasting Off for a While
The first ride on the chopping block is Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom. On August 4, it’ll close for what Disney is calling a “major refurbishment.” That’s putting it lightly.
The ride is being completely redesigned. Expect new blasters, always-on lasers, interactive targets that react to your shots, and even score-tracking screens in each vehicle. Plus, there’s a new sidekick in the mix: “Buddy,” a Pixar character set to serve as your mission guide.
This sounds exciting for the future, but the downside is that the current version of the ride will be gone for a long time. The reimagined version isn’t expected to open until 2026, and that’s assuming all goes to plan.
Spaceship Earth to Close for Maintenance
Meanwhile, over at EPCOT, Spaceship Earth is scheduled to close on August 25. Disney is officially calling it routine maintenance, but permits have been filed and work crews are already prepping, which suggests this may go beyond the basics.
There’s no specific end date for the closure, and while it’s not the long-rumored overhaul that was shelved years ago, guests may still notice small updates once it reopens.
In the meantime, the GEO-82 bar—located at the back of the building—will stay open, giving guests a reason to visit even while the ride is shut.
A Season of Change
It’s starting to feel like a domino effect. When one classic attraction closes, another quickly follows. While Disney is always evolving, the timing of these closures has left fans feeling like they’re saying goodbye to the Disney they grew up with.
Attractions like Buzz Lightyear’s and Spaceship Earth hold a lot of sentimental value. Their shutdown—even if temporary—hits hard for guests who’ve made them part of their family traditions.
Make Plans While You Still Can
If these rides are on your must-do list, now’s the time to act. The last chance to ride Buzz is August 3, and Spaceship Earth goes dark on August 25. After that, it’s anyone’s guess when they’ll be back.
With so many changes happening across the parks, one thing’s for sure—Disney World in 2026 may feel very different than it does today.
