Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin Closing in August 2025
To inifinity and beyond! Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin will close in August for a major refurbishment. Here’s what’s coming!
Exciting Updates Coming to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Calling all Space Rangers! Prepare for an upgraded adventure at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Magic Kingdom! Next year, guests can look forward to an enhanced experience featuring a brand-new show scene, redesigned ride vehicles, and gameplay enhancements.
Brand New Scene
As your space mission begins, you will be introduced to an all-new character—“Buddy.” This friendly robot, created by Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar Animation Studios, serves as a support-bot for the Star Command team.
Buddy will help prepare departing Space Rangers by checking systems on their Star Cruisers and providing encouragement.
Additionally, guests can practice their blaster aim with new interactive target features before launching into an epic battle against the Evil Emperor Zurg.
New Ride Vehicles
The Star Cruisers themselves are getting a makeover! Inspired by Buzz Lightyear and Star Command, the new design incorporates vibrant colors and an upgraded aesthetic.
Each enhanced vehicle will now feature video monitors that display real-time scoring updates, making every mission even more engaging and competitive.
Introducing handheld blasters on each ride vehicle, designed to enhance your interactive experience. These innovative blasters provide better aim, enabling guests to score even more points during the ride. Ideal for younger riders, they promote active participation in the adventure.
Each blaster features an always-on laser, making it easier than ever to see where you're aiming, addressing a common concern among guests.
Additionally, the blasters are available in two vibrant colors per star cruiser, allowing for personal flair.
Enhanced lighting, sound, and vibration effects will guide players throughout their mission, ensuring a fully immersive experience. With these improvements, everyone can join in the fun and excitement more effectively than ever before.
Interactive Targets Enhancements for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
In an exciting development, the static Z targets in Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin are set to receive a significant upgrade.
The new technology will allow these targets to react and light up upon being hit, adding a dynamic layer to the attraction.
This innovation not only enhances gameplay but also opens up opportunities for additional engagement and interaction as envisioned by the Imagineers.
Recently, the project reached a key milestone, as a team of Imagineers participated in a playtest of the updated targets, blasters, and new gameplay concepts.
Playtests are an essential component of the design process, providing invaluable insights into what works well and how the experience can be refined to ensure it meets the high standards guests expect.
To facilitate these enhancements, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will close temporarily in August and reopen in the following year.
Guests can look forward to an out-of-this-world experience when they return to join Buzz Lightyear and save the galaxy with innovative and interactive capabilities. Star Command, over and out!
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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10 Ways You Can be Denied Entry at Walt Disney World.
More people than ever are getting turned away at Disney World. Some even get banned. Here’s why!
Disney World Cast Members stop a surprisingly large number of people every day from entering the theme parks. There are 30 prohibited items and behaviors, and Disney has trained employees all over looking for them. Some are simply honest mistakes with an easy fix, others will get you banned from Disney for life. My Name is Darren from OrlandoParksGuy.com, and I’m sharing the top 10 ways you can be denied entry at Walt Disney World.
Man climbs Mayan temple at Epcot - Walt Disney World
10
Most of us could figure out that weapons are not allowed in Disney theme parks. But what about things like pepper spray and pocket knives? Disney Security reports that a small number of firearms are discovered each year at theme park checkpoints. Disney uses sophisticated technology to detect weapons, better than most airports. Now, Florida allows people to carry guns with a license, but you cannot set foot on Disney World property with a weapon of any kind.
Recently, Fox 35 Orlando reported that a man was arrested at Disney's Hollywood Studios after a gun was found in a backpack while going through the theme park's security line.
According to one police report, the 35-year-old man voluntarily placed his bag on a table so it could be inspected by Disney security at the theme park. See, they already knew he had a weapon in his bag because the scanner alerted them. However, when the man opened a zipper, he took the bag off the table and proceeded to ask the woman he was with if she had taken something out of the bag. ‘Did you take it out?” he asked her. Security found a handgun, a magazine, and 13 rounds inside the bag. He did not have a permit to carry that gun and was arrested on the spot.
Security says the vast majority of cases come from confusion about the permit. Disney is private property and has the right to restrict anyone from carrying a weapon. And if you don’t have a permit, you will be placed under arrest by one of the many Orange Country Sherffs standing by.
This also includes ammunition, knives, and pepper spray. Disney does not give second chances and it does not matter that you accidentally left the weapon in your bag. If you have a weapon, you will be banned indefinitely, starting with being escorted off Disney property by police. Oh, and you’ll probably make the news and lots of YouTube videos.
9
While Disney World now sells alcohol, you are not allowed to bring your own into the theme parks. Well, there is one exception, but more on that in a moment. You are free to bring non-alcoholic beverages with you into the parks, such as water, soda, and juice, but they cannot be in a glass bottle. Disney doesn’t want anyone getting hurt if the glass were to break. You are allowed to bring alcohol to your Disney hotel room, but it must be consumed within the room. So you can’t bring it to the pool or public areas.
At the parks, Disney security will confiscate any glass, including bottles and food containers. And if you’re wondering, yes, you are most certainly allowed to bring your food into the parks. But more on this in the #8 block because there are actually some rules you need to follow.
So, what’s the one exception to the no alcohol rule? If you have dinner reservations at Disney Springs, you are allowed to bring your own bottle of wine to the restaurant. However, it must be opened and consumed at the restaurant. If it is already opened when you pass security, you will not be allowed to enter Disney Springs.
8
I got an email from a woman who brought her luggage to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on her checkout day. Her thinking was that she wanted to Uber to the airport right from the theme park rather than leave her bags with Bell Services at her Disney hotel. That would have required her to go back to the hotel to get her bags and leave for the airport from there, taking up valuable time.. But when she arrived at Hollywood Studios, she was denied entry. She didn’t even make it into the security line.
So, this is correct: Disney will not allow you to leave your bags at the theme parks. But there is one possible solution. Epcot and Magic Kingdom have jumbo lockers measuring 17"x 22" x 26" and cost $15. They cannot be reserved in advance. Renting a car might be another option so you can leave your bags in the car and then just return the car at the airport.
Bags, coolers, or backpacks larger than 24" long x 15" wide x 18" high are not permitted in the theme parks. That’s pretty small. And the item cannot be pulled behind you like a wagon or cooler.
Speaking of coolers, here’s a little-known rule that gets a lot of people stopped by security. You cannot bring loose ice in the parks. This apparently causes a slip hazard if the ice were to spill. But Disney uses loose ice in beverages, so I’m a little lost on this one. And Disney doesn’t even give you a lid for the cup, which increases the chances that ice will spill on the ground. Also, dry ice is not permitted because, well, it’s dangerous. If you ever saw Nikelodoeon’s Mr. Wizard in the 1980s, you know what can be done with dry ice. Re-usable ice packs are permitted and encouraged.
And what about bringing your own food into the parks? Did you know that Disney will not allow you to bring in food that requires heating, reheating, processing, or refrigeration? And it can not have a pungent odor, so leave the microwaved codfish sandwich at home.
7.
Of course, Disney World is a family-friendly park, but bring the wrong stroller, and you’ll be turned away at the gate. Strollers must not be more than 31 inches wide and 52 inches long. Many double-wide and jogging strollers exceed these dimensions, so you will need to measure before you go.
Keep in mind that strollers need to be folded up on Disney buses and watercraft. If you’re using Disney Skyliner, double strollers and jogging strollers must be folded. My recommendation is to use a light stroller - the smaller, the better- and use multiple smaller strollers over doubles whenever possible. And don’t pack it like you're going on safari. Nothing is more frustrating than watching someone struggle with a stroller to get on a bus while everyone is dying to get inside for the air conditioning. If your stroller has bicycle tires, you’re going to have a hard time getting through crowds, you’ll be running people’s feet over, you won’t be able to fit on narrow walkways and everyone on the bus is going to be rolling their eyes as you struggle to bring it down the aisle. And they seldom fit in doorways. No. Just no on the jogging strollers at Disney.
Wagons are prohibited at all Disney theme parks and water parks. This also includes stroller wagons.
Disney rents approved strollers at each theme park, and several third-party companies rent approved strollers as well. I’ll post a link to my article on stroller rentals here a link on the card at the top of your screen.
6.
Disney World is a place of fantasy, so there are a lot of people who often want to come to the park dressed as their favorite Disney character. Now, Disney does allow guests to dress as their favorite character, however, they may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other guests. Masks that restrict peripheral vision or those that are scary cannot be worn in the parks.
When you arrive at the theme parks, you’ll see a lot of Cast Members helping guests tap into the parks. But did you know that they are also there scouting out inappropriate clothing? This means no objectionable t-shirts, tattoos, excessively torn clothing, and clothing that drags on the ground.
Just keep in mind that guest safety is a top priority, and the theme parks are a family-friendly environment.
To be sure you’re appropriately dressed for the theme parks, you can check the Disney World website for Park Dress Guidelines. I’ll put a link in the show description below this video.
5
Last year, a cheerleading team was spotted in Epcot sitting down in a fountain at the France pavilion at Epcot. They were told to get out and were trespassed. On several occasions in recent years, fights have broken out in the parks, many of them caught on camera and uploaded to social media. I noticed a lot more flights breaking out in the parks ever since they banned smoking and started selling alcohol, it seems to be a bad combination. One guest was reportedly arrested after hitting a female Cast Member when she attempted to stop him from entering a restaurant. She suspected he was intoxicated or on drugs, according to the police report. At one point, he lifted a pole out of the ground and began swinging it at the Cast Members.
Now, I do want to say these instances are very rare. I hate to even talk about it because I don’t want to give the impression that the parks are unsafe. Disney has very strict guidelines about appropriate behavior in the parks, and there is zero tolerance for people who don’t know how to behave in public.. In the more mild cases, guests may have a conversation with leadership about what is allowed in the parks. In more serious cases, like the guest who climbed the pyramid at the Mexico pavilion, the guest will be trespassed from the parks, which is a legal ban that lasts forever. In instances where there is physical violence or verbal abuse, guests will be arrested and then trespassed from Disney parks.
And here’s a little secret. There are multiple sheriff’s offices on Disney property, including some secret locations right inside the parks. I cannot confirm or deny that one is located on Main Street, USA at the magic kingdom.
Disney’s goal is to make sure everyone has a great time and they are safe. And I think the amazing Cast Members do a great job of that. We love our Cast Members, right?
4
Social media has become a huge part of our lives. And, of course, there are so many things to share in the theme parks. I would be lost without my phone in the parks. But if you try to bring in a selfie stick or tripod, Disney will turn you away at the theme park entrance. The main reason for this is that they can interfere with other guests and they pose a hazard. Before they were banned from the parks, I remember being on Pirates of the Caribbean, and the person in front of me took out their selfie stick and started a FaceTime call. There were reports of people getting poked in the eye with them, and some guests were holding them up over construction walls to get a peek. Tripods and monopods are allowed, but they must fit in a backpack. Just be ready for security to inspect it and review the rules with you.
And just for fun, here are some other items that are banned from the parks: balloons at Animal Kingdom, folding chairs, and bull horns.
3
Make all the jokes you want about flying squirrels and airline nuts, but it was no joke for one woman at Orlando International Airport when she attempted to board a flight with her therapy squirrel in tow. While she had noted on her reservation that she would be bringing an emotional support animal and received TSA clearance, she neglected to inform the airline that her companion was a squirrel. Police eventually had to be called in to handle the disturbance inside the terminal. The woman said her squirrel was trained and very friendly. The airline denied her boarding and refunded her ticket.
Many companies, including airlines and Disney, are cracking down on what types of service animals they allow.
Pets are not allowed in the Disney theme parks, except for bonafide service animals. Service animals are defined as dogs and, I guess, miniature horses. Disney actually says you can bring a miniature horse into the parks! The dogs (and horses) must be trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities to qualify. Emotional support animals are not considered service animals and are not allowed in the parks.
There are several pet-friendly Disney World hotels where you can stay with your dog. These hotels offer amenities such as dog-walking areas and relief areas. The dog-friendly Disney hotels are:
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort
Rooms that are designated as dog-friendly are only assigned to those who have pets. If you don’t have a pet, you won’t ever be assigned a pet-designated room.
Best Friends Pet Care is a kennel located at Disney World where you can leave your pet while you enjoy the parks. Best Friends Pet Care offers a variety of services, including boarding, daycare, and grooming.
If you are planning on bringing your pet to Disney World, be sure to make reservations well in advance.
2
Disney has strict rules about smoking on property and even stricter rules about marijuana. Smoking, including vaping, is not allowed inside any of the Disney World theme parks. There are designated smoking areas just outside each of the parks. This means you will need to exit the park to light up, but you will be allowed back in, of course.
All Disney World hotels are smoke-free except in designated areas. 100% of Disney’s rooms are non-smoking, and Disney will impose a $500 fine if you ignore the rule. Smoking is also banned from hotel balconies.
Guests are not allowed to possess or smoke illegal substances, including marijuana, while on Disney property. This also includes marijuana that was purchased legally and medical marijuana.
Cast Members are trained to report anyone who smells like marijuana and deny them entry into the theme parks. Security is notified immediately, and they will instruct the guest on what they need to do.
According to an Orange County Sheriff, Disney trespasses about 70 people per day for not following the rules or breaking the law while on property. Most of this is handled discreetly so that other guests don't even know these things are going on.
1
We’ve all been in a hotel where someone in the hall is extremely loud, especially late at night when everyone is sleeping. And let me just say that it’s important to remember not to let the doors slam; just hold it so it doesn’t bother all your neighbors. Shouting down the hallway at your kid who forgot something in the room is not very considerate, either. Fortunately, Disney World has an official policy to handle noisy guests in the hotels. Each night, quiet hours begin at 11:00 PM and last through 7:00 AM. This means you need to keep the volume on your TV down, you can’t play loud music, and you shouldn’t have a late-night gathering in your room.
Rooms that have connecting doors are especially noisy at Disney. They have recently cracked down on late-night noise at the All-Star Resorts in particular, as youth groups often stay here for various competitions.
Which of these surprised you the most? What do you agree or disagree with?
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Disney World Drops Virtual Quques on 2 New Rides
Disney World drops virtual queues on 2 popular attractions. I applaud this decision.
Beginning today, you can experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT through either a standby queue or a Lightning Lane option.
I appreciate the added choice and flexibility that the standby queue provides. Getting up early to snag a virtual queue at 7 am could not have improved guest satisfaction. Especially for those who didn’t get in.
It wasn’t a great system. You pay $200 per person to get in the park, and then find out you missed the virtual queue signup or that you need to spend even more money just to ride to Tiana or Guardians. It was heartbreaking to hear guests asking Cast Members how they get their family on these rides only to find out that passes are sold out.
I applaud Disney for reconsidering this policy. It’s the right thing to do.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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10 NEW Reasons to Visit DISNEY WORLD in 2025
2025 is going to be a big year in Orlando. Several new experiences coming to Disney World plus the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe!
I think the big story in Orlando in 2025 will be the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe Theme Park. Still, not to be outdone, Disney World will also have a lineup of new experiences for vacationers.
Here’s my list of 10 reasons to visit Disney World in 2025.
10. FREE Disney water park admission on your arrival day
Planning your next Disney vacation just became even more exciting! Walt Disney World has unveiled new opportunities for savings on tickets and accommodations for 2025, making it an ideal time to turn Disney dreams into reality.
Beginning in 2025, guests who check into one of the Disney Resorts Collection hotels will receive free admission to a Disney Water Park on their arrival day.
Disney has not operated both water parks at the same time in the past few years, so you’ll have access to either Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon -or- Disney’s Blizzard Beach. Currently, Blizzard Beach is operating and based on historical data, I would expect it to remain open until the spring of 2025. At that time, Typhoon Lagoon will likely take over for the summer.
9. Disney After Hours Return
Guests can look forward to experiencing Disney After Hours during their stay! Yes, the popular after-dark event is returning in 2025! Enjoy complimentary snacks like ice cream, popcorn, and select bottled beverages with your ticket.
This after-hours event adds an extra special touch to a Walt Disney World vacation! Ticket prices for Disney After Hours start around $157 per person but can go as high as $185 depending on the park and date selected.
With limited attendance, After Hours offers a unique opportunity to explore iconic rides and stunning entertainment in a more intimate setting. I recommend you purchase tickets well in advance as these events usually sell out.
8. Last Chance to Ride Dinosaur at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Be sure to ride DINOSAUR one last time before it goes extinct. Disney has not provided a specific closing date but I expect the ride will close in late 2025. Disney will be closing this thrilling ride to make way for the new Tropical Americas land. I think this will become the new Indiana Jones ride when Tropical Americas opens in 2027.
7. Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
Now this one is a mystery to me. Disney says that a new 3D show will replace It’s Tough to be a Bug show located inside the Tree of Life.
According to Disney, Zootopia: Better Zoogether the all-new 4D production will be arriving in the winter of 2025. To me, that would be sometime in January, February, or March. But I see It’s Tough to be a Bug on the operating calendar for most of the winter. So, does Disney really mean fall of 2025? Technically winter begins again on December22, 2025. So could it mean they are going to open the attraction during the last week of 2025?
I reached out to Disney for clarification but they only reiterated “winter of 2025.”
Disney is also promoting Zootopia: Better Zoogether as a 2025 coming attraction. So it would be unlikely that it will come in late 2025.
But either way, we can expect to see Zooptopia at some point in the coming year. Now is a good time to see It’s Tough to be a Bug one last time.
See my video on 7 rides that will be closing in 2025
6. Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern
Prepare yourselves for an exciting adventure as aspiring pirates and buccaneers are welcome to join a vibrant crew at a new tavern inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean.
Set to open in Adventureland in late 2025, this lively lounge will cater to pirates of all ages, featuring a delightful assortment of drinks and food, along with some intriguing and enchanting surprises waiting to be discovered!
5. Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away
A night-time parade will once again light up Magic Kingdom Park! “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away" is coming in the summer of 2025. This will make trying to leave Magic Kingdom interesting, but I’m still exited about it.
Guests will experience an enchanting transformation of their favorite characters during this parade, where beloved figures from both classic and contemporary Walt Disney Animation Studios films come to life in a whole new light.
From iconic classics like "Peter Pan" to modern favorites such as "Encanto," "Frozen," and "Moana," the vibrant lights will create a spectacular display, turning the night into a mesmerizing canvas of glowing colors that surrounds everyone in attendance.
As the parade unfolds, each character and float will shine brightly, offering guests a unique and immersive experience filled with joy and nostalgia.
4. Test Track presented by General Motors
Test Track will reopen in late summer of 2025. Walt Disney Imagineering has been working with General Motors on an all-new storyline. Disney says this new version will pay tribute to the original attraction, World of Motion.
I’m hearing that this project is ahead of schedule so we might see Cast Member and Passholder previews coming in early in 2025.
3. Spaceship Earth Lounge
This elegant lounge pays homage to the rich history of Spaceship Earth and EPCOT, creating a unique space that celebrates the legacy of this iconic landmark. The carefully curated culinary offerings from Disney’s chefs enhance the sophisticated ambiance, providing guests with exquisite flavors that reflect the essence of the park.
Guests can enjoy sweeping views of the World Celebration Gardens, offering a breathtaking perspective of EPCOT's vibrant landscapes and attractions. As the sun sets and the park transforms for the evening, the lounge becomes the perfect setting to experience the nightly fireworks from an entirely new angle.
This space was the former home to the employee corporate lounge that was for the exclusive use of those who worked for the attraction’s sponsors like AT&T and Siemens. I’m excited to see it, I’ve always wanted to go up there.
2. The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure
“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” will open this summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. “The Little Mermaid” will once again come to life on stage! Disney says there will be all-new sets, a vibrant cast of puppets, live performers, and stunning visuals to take us under the sea.
1. Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After
Prepare for an enchanting experience as beloved villains take center stage in this delightfully wicked show at Magic Kingdom. Guests will find themselves entranced as Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent break through the glass to deliver live performances that blend witty humor with a mischievous charm.
As the storyline unfolds, the audience can expect surprises at every turn. Magical mirrors create an atmosphere of intrigue by revealing glimpses of other notorious evildoers eager to join in the fun.
With a thrilling mix of captivating storytelling and engaging performances, this show promises to keep guests on their toes, ensuring an exciting outing for fans of all ages.
Whether you're a lifelong Disney aficionado or just looking for a whimsical twist, this event highlights the enchanting power of imagination and the allure of the dark side.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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New Attraction Poster, Animatronic Critters Unveiled for Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World
New details released on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World has announced the new audio-animatronic characters that will be in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, opening this summer in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Park.
Octavia the Bobcat, an adventurous bobcat kitten, loves climbing and hanging out in trees almost as much as she loves performing.
Pawpaw the Bobcat - Octavia’s devoted grandfather, lives to make Octavia smile and has the view that everything has a way of working itself out.
Claude the Louisiana Black Bear – plays his horn along with the other members of his family. He’s a tinkerer who loves to create with things found in the forest, and brings humor to the ride, especially when it comes to his home-grown creations.
Bernadette the Louisiana Black Bear – loves to enjoy life, from splashing in the waters of her bayou home with her cub, Sebastián, to playing the horn with her mate, Claude.
Sebastián the Louisiana Black Bear – Though he’s definitely a “mama’s cub,” Sebastián charted his own musical course as a drummer. He’s happy to follow his friend Octavia’s adventurous lead as they explore and play, and is fascinated with the small details in the bayou, like the insects and mushrooms.
Phina the Gray Fox – She’s constantly thinking of new ideas with optimism and energy! This imaginative fox is continually starting new projects with excitement, and her friends accept and celebrate her unique thinking.
Walt Disney World also released the official attraction poster for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Look closely and you notice the cast of characters mentioned above.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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A galaxy of adventure awaits Star Wars fans as “Season of the Force” returns at Disneyland Park, March 28 through May 11, 2025