Big changes are on the horizon at Walt Disney World.
Across the resort, construction walls are set to become a familiar sight. At Magic Kingdom, plans are in motion for a new Cars-themed land and a Disney Villains area. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is shifting its identity with a Monsters, Inc. expansion, while Disney’s Animal Kingdom is replacing DinoLand U.S.A. with a Tropical Americas land inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones.
Now, one of Magic Kingdom’s most enduring attractions is joining the list of upcoming transformations—this time, in Tomorrowland.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin to Close for Overhaul
Walt Disney World has announced that Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will close on August 4 for an extended refurbishment. First opened in 1998, the interactive dark ride invites guests to take aim at targets to defeat the evil Emperor Zurg. It remains a staple of the park, known for its competitive gameplay and enduring popularity.
The attraction was the first Disney ride themed to Toy Story and has remained largely unchanged since its debut. While other Toy Story rides have since opened around the world, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin holds a particular place in Disney World history.
Now, it’s set to receive a major update.
Disney has confirmed that the refreshed version will include enhanced lighting, sound effects, and brand-new ride vehicles—referred to as Star Cruisers—equipped with real-time score displays. Handheld blasters will replace the mounted laser cannons, making it easier for guests to aim.
Also joining the ride is a new character named Buddy. Created by Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar Animation Studios, Buddy is a support robot who will help guests prepare for their mission, assist with targeting, and perform final system checks. Disney says the character will play a key role in the new ride experience.
Permits for the overhaul were filed earlier this month, signaling changes to the show building and on-board systems. While the updates aren’t as extreme as the closure of Tokyo Disneyland’s version—which is in the process of being replaced with a Wreck-It Ralph ride—they mark one of the most substantial upgrades the Florida attraction has seen in decades.
A reopening date has not been announced, though Disney says the updated ride will return sometime in 2026.
Broader Transformation Across the Resort
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin isn’t the only longtime feature getting a new look. Disney is also preparing to close Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America to begin work on a new Cars Land, themed to Piston Peak National Park. The project is expected to bring a totally different atmosphere than the Cars Land at Disney California Adventure.
Meanwhile, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, development is underway on a Monsters, Inc. land featuring a new roller coaster and Muppet-inspired updates to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. The closure of Muppet*Vision 3D earlier this year cleared space for the project.
At Animal Kingdom, construction has already begun on Tropical Americas, which will replace DinoLand U.S.A. and introduce new attractions based on Encanto and Indiana Jones. The Zootopia-themed show at the Tree of Life will also replace It’s Tough to Be a Bug! as part of the refresh.
The overhaul of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin may be temporary, but it signals Disney’s wider push to revitalize aging attractions and expand storytelling across its parks. Whether longtime fans will embrace the changes remains to be seen – but for now, Space Rangers have one last chance to hit the high score before the mission resets.
Are you excited for the updates heading to Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin?
