When Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin Will Reopen
Tomorrowland’s most "crusty" classic is finally getting the love it deserves. Disney just confirmed that Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will reopen in Spring 2026 with a total technical overhaul. We’re talking handheld blasters, haptic feedback, and a brand-new character named Buddy. Here’s why this might finally become the best blaster ride in the world.
We finally have some concrete answers on a project that has had the rumor mill spinning faster than a Star Cruiser.
If you’ve been to the Magic Kingdom lately, you’ve probably noticed the giant void where Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin used to be. It’s been closed since August 2025, and honestly, it was time. While I love the nostalgia of the original 1998 version, the ride was starting to show its age—the fixed blasters were clunky, and half the time you were just guessing where your laser was actually pointing.
Well, during the 2025 ABC Magical Christmas Day Parade, Disney finally dropped the news we’ve been waiting for: Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is officially reopening in Spring 2026.
The Timeline: Spring 2026
"Spring" is a broad window, but in Disney-speak, that usually means they’re aiming to have it open before the heavy Spring Break crowds hit. Easter falls on April 5, 2026, so my money is on a mid-March opening.
This isn't just a quick paint job; they are stripping this thing down to the studs. When you realize the ride will have been closed for over seven months by the time it opens, you start to understand the scale of the upgrades.
The Big Tech Upgrade: Handheld Blasters
The #1 complaint I’ve heard over the years (and complained about myself) was those fixed blasters. Trying to aim a gun that's bolted to a moving vehicle while you're spinning 360 degrees is a nightmare.
That’s officially a thing of the past. The new ride vehicles will feature handheld blasters. This is a total game-changer. You’ll be able to pick up the blaster, aim with precision, and actually feel like you’re in control.
Disney also confirmed a few specific tech upgrades for these blasters:
Always-on Lasers: You won’t have to hunt for your red dot in a room full of twenty other people. You’ll know exactly where you’re hitting.
Haptic Feedback: The blasters will vibrate and make noise when you fire, making the whole experience feel a lot more modern.
Team Colors: Each blaster in the car will have a different colored laser. No more arguing with your kids about who actually hit the 100,000-point target—the colors will tell the truth!
Meet "Buddy": The New Kid in Tomorrowland
One of the coolest reveals from the parade was a brand-new character named Buddy. He’s a "Support Bot" designed to help recruits (that's us!) prepare for the mission against Zurg.
From what I’m hearing, Buddy is going to be a high-tech animatronic right at the start of the ride. Adding a character like this gives the story a much-needed boost. It’s not just about shooting targets anymore; it feels more like a cohesive mission. It’s a page taken right out of the international parks, and it’s a very welcome addition to Florida.
A New Look and Better Scoring
Beyond the blasters, the whole environment is getting a facelift. We’re talking:
Digital Scoreboards: No more squinting at those tiny, outdated LED screens. The new Star Cruisers will have high-def monitors that show your score and your current rank in real-time.
Reactive Targets: The old "Z" targets are being replaced with sensors that actually react when hit. This opens up the possibility for "combo" shots and bonus points that we’ve never seen before.
Enhanced Lighting: The neon and UV paint are being refreshed to make the scenes pop like they did back in the late 90s, but with modern LED tech that looks much crisper.
Why 2026 is Massive for Magic Kingdom
The timing of this is perfect. 2026 is going to be a huge year for the park. Not only do we get Buzz back, but Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is also scheduled to return in Spring 2026 after its massive track replacement.
With both of these heavy hitters coming back online at the same time, it’s going to help tremendously with wait times across the rest of the park. Plus, it keeps the park feeling "fresh" while we wait for the bigger "Beyond Big Thunder" expansions (like Villains Land) to take shape.
My Take
I’ve always had a soft spot for Space Ranger Spin, but it was desperately needing some love. Moving to handheld blasters puts us on par with the best versions of this ride around the world. It’s going to make the competition for Galactic Hero a lot more fun—and a lot more fair.
I’ll be keeping a close eye on the construction walls and the permit filings over the next few months. As soon as we get an exact opening date, I’ll let you know.
Are you guys ready to take on Zurg with the new blasters, or do you prefer the old-school challenge? Let me know in the comments!
About Darren:
Darren is an Orlando-based travel writer and YouTuber who specializes in helping travelers make the most of their vacations to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean Cruises. Through detailed travel guides, reviews, and insider tips, Darren gives families, couples, and first-time visitors everything they need to plan magical Orlando theme park trips and unforgettable cruise adventures.
🎥 Watch his latest videos and travel guides on YouTube: Orlando Parks Guy
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Tomorrowland’s most "crusty" classic is finally getting the love it deserves. Disney just confirmed that Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will reopen in Spring 2026 with a total technical overhaul. We’re talking handheld blasters, haptic feedback, and a brand-new character named Buddy. Here’s why this might finally become the best blaster ride in the world.