Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Powers Down for a 2026 Upgrade 🚀

Update (August 21, 2025): Disney just shared a first look at the new ride vehicles for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin during a media reveal. The updated Star Command cruisers feature handheld blasters and real-time scoring displays.

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On August 4, 2025, the iconic Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Magic Kingdom took its final spin—for now. Disney has confirmed that the Tomorrowland favorite is getting a major reimagining, set to reopen in 2026 with upgraded tech, new scenes, and next-level gameplay. This is not the first time this ride location has undergone a transformation. I have a little story for you about the little attraction that could.

🕰️ Once Upon a Time in Tomorrowland…

Once upon a time, long before Buzz Lightyear and Emperor Zurg were duking it out in Tomorrowland, there was a gleaming new show building tucked along the PeopleMover track, an attraction waiting to be born...built.

When Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, the space sat empty for just a few months before its very our attraction moved in: If You Had Wings, presented by Eastern Air Lines. This gentle Omnimover journey through sun-soaked Caribbean beaches, bustling marketplaces, and snowy mountaintops - set to a catchy, almost hypnotic theme song - wasn’t just a ride, it was an advertisement in motion, showing off all the exotic destinations where Eastern airlines could whisk you away.

But time pasted...and the attraction became outdated and tired - it wanted to spead its wings and transform into something new, but it didn't quite happen that way. On June 6, 1987, our little attraction became If You Could Fly. The song changed, and the sponsorship signs came down. But the sets and attraction for the most part didn't grow and become anything new, just quick patch job, keeping the doors open as Imagineers worked on its next big adventure.

Then in June 23, 1989, Delta Dreamflight took to the skies. Was this the complete transformation the little attraction had been dreaming of? — same Omnimover track, but with a brand-new story. Guests soared through the history of aviation, from paper-winged inventors to sleek supersonic jets. Our attraction was happy and invigerated again. But it hadn't really become what it had been hoping for. Delta bowed out in 1995, the name shortened to just Dreamflight, and then even more to Take Flight on January 1, 1996, and the days of sponsored flights were officially behind it in Tomorrowland.

Finally came the late 1990s, and the tired little attraction was so very ready for a change. It longed for a more cooperative, fun experience guests would look foward to riding. It seems at last the Disney Imangineers were on board, creating a interactive expereinced, themed around one of their most popular IP.

On November 3, 1998, the doors reopened as Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, a blaster battle straight out of Andy’s toy box. Guests became honorary Space Rangers, spinning their Star Cruisers and zapping glowing “Z” targets to help Buzz defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg. It was the first time in the building’s history that guests controlled part of the action — and the Galactic Hero pin suddenly became one of the most coveted souvenirs in the park. And the little attraction that could was finally happy, the ride it had always hoped to be.

For nearly 27 years, Buzz kept watch over Tomorrowland, but once again it is time for something a little new, and little updated, and little more fun. On August 4, 2025, our attraction hung up its blaster for a little R&R (Refurbishment & Reimagining). Disney has promised that when our beloved Space Ranger Spin returns in 2026, it'll be better equipped than ever — with new blasters, sleeker vehicles, a training scene with a brand-new robot pal named “Buddy,” and targets that actually react when you hit them. What more could our friend want? For now, however, we will have to wait for the story to be continued.

But just like every good Disney tale, there’s a little more magic tucked between the pages. Our Space Ranger friend’s current chapter might be on pause, but the story of this show building is still unfolding behind those Tomorrowland construction walls. And if you know where to look, you can spot clues from every era it’s lived through — from tropical flyovers to aviation dreams to galactic battles.

Which brings us to the next part of our mission: what’s coming next, what Disney has confirmed, and a few hidden details that have been quietly carried through every transformation for more than five decades.

🔍 Hidden History: Tomorrowland’s Time Capsule

Even as each attraction in this building changed, Imagineers quietly reused parts of the original If You Had Wings infrastructure — most famously, the “speed tunnel” projection scene. In the Eastern Air Lines days, that tunnel gave the illusion of soaring through clouds and down runways; in Buzz’s version, it became the swirling vortex before the final battle with Zurg. In the “Planet Z” scene of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, if you looked closely and you could spot a few green “alien” chickens. These quirky critters are actually leftovers from the attraction’s earlier life as Delta Dreamflight — a little nod to Tomorrowland history hiding in plain sight.

Look closely when the new version opens in 2026, and you may spot other timeworn details hiding in plain sight — from the shape of the load platform to the track’s gentle curves. That’s because the Omnimover conveyor and much of the show building have been in constant motion here for over five decades. (So have I, but who's counting?)

If you’ve ever wished your blaster felt a little more accurate (or secretly suspected your score was sabotaged by a sticky joystick), this update is for you.

✨ What Disney Has Confirmed

• Brand-New Training Scene: Meet “Buddy,” a new robot character who will train Space Rangers before their mission begins. Think of it as a warm-up round to hone your aim.

• Upgraded Ride Vehicles: Sleeker cruisers inspired by Star Command, each with built-in video monitors so you can see your score in real time.

• All-New Blasters: Always-on lasers in two colors per cruiser, with built-in lighting, sound, and vibration for instant feedback when you hit a target.

• Reactive Targets: Those old “Z” decals are being replaced with interactive targets that light up and react when you score a hit.

• Behind-the-Scenes Boosts: New electrical systems, projection upgrades, and ride control tech for smoother spins and better show quality.

Concept art of “Buddy” the new training robot image credit @DIsney

🚨 Update: First Look at the New Ride Vehicles

Disney has shared a sneak peek of the new ride vehicles for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, revealed through media coverage this week. The updated Star Command cruisers feature a fresh paint scheme, bold insignia, and two big upgrades:

• Handheld blasters that give Space Rangers better aim and tactile feedback.

• On-board video monitors to display real-time scores (yes, unlimited high scores are now possible!).

While Disney hasn’t posted the photos on the Parks Blog, trusted outlets and official media previews confirm the look matches Imagineering’s earlier descriptions. Below is the first image of the updated vehicle console and blaster, shared via X (formerly Twitter):

🪐 The Rumor Round-Up

While Disney’s official details are exciting enough, insiders are buzzing (pun absolutely intended) about a few possible extras:

• Dynamic Animatronics: Similar motion tech to Rise of the Resistance, possibly giving Zurg and friends a more lifelike presence.

• Storyline Glow-Up: A richer narrative that more closely matches the newer Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue in Shanghai Disneyland.

• Target Opening Window: Many speculate a fall 2026 debut to tie in with Walt Disney World’s 55th anniversary on October 1.

• Gameplay Depth: Potential power-up effects or bonus rounds triggered by hitting certain targets in sequence.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin isn’t the only attraction on pause—check our Walt Disney World Refurbishment & Closures list for a trip-wide snapshot of what’s closed and when it returns.

🎯 Why This Matters for Space Rangers

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin has been a Magic Kingdom staple since 1998, but technology — and guest expectations — have moved lightyears ahead. This reimagining is more than a fresh coat of paint. If the upgrades play out the way insiders are describing, we’re looking at:

• Sharper, more satisfying gameplay

• Easier aiming for kids and casual players

• Higher replay value for competitive guests chasing Galactic Hero status

• A visual upgrade that makes Tomorrowland feel, well, a little more tomorrow

🧚‍♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you’re visiting before the reopening, keep an eye on the Tomorrowland construction walls — Disney often hides fun Space Ranger recruitment posters or Easter eggs during ride refurbishments.

Planning your next trip around Magic Kingdom’s must-dos? Check out our Magic Kingdom Attractions Guide for ride tips, height requirements, and insider advice to help you make the most of your park day. Want to plan with a little extra Disney magic? Grab our free Magic Kingdom Downloadable Cheat Sheets, your go-to toolkit for park overviews, crowd-avoidance strategies, character meet & greets, Lightning Lane tips, and more—so you can make the most of your day even while Buzz gets a makeover.

🧚‍♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: For a true time-travel moment, ride the PeopleMover once the new Buzz reopens. You’ll get the same peek inside the show building that guests had back in 1972 — just with a much more galactic view. For now, though, the construction walls are up, and even the PeopleMover windows are covered, keeping those curious Space Ranger eyes from sneaking a peek at what’s going on inside.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin isn’t the only attraction taking a break this year. Our Walt Disney World Refurbishment and Closures list keeps you updated on what’s currently closed — and when you can expect it to reopen.

For now, all we can do is wait and wonder what Imagineers are cooking up behind those walls. One thing’s for sure — whether you remember soaring through the skies with Eastern Air Lines, taking flight with Delta, or racking up Galactic Hero scores with Buzz, this little corner of Tomorrowland has always been about adventure. And in 2026, it’s getting ready to blast off into an all-new chapter. 🚀

Pixie Dust Hugs,

Bren, Lyn, and Kim