Join Us On the NEW Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
In case you missed it, one Magic Kingdom ride is getting some huge changes, and MickeyBlog is there!
Back in August, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin closed for its first major upgrade in 27 years.
The update will include enhanced blasters, new lighting, and lots more. The ride will reopen on April 8, 2026, and we were lucky to get a first look at the new changes.
MickeyBlog attended a special event for media and cast members to experience the updated attraction before the public.
Plenty of fans lined up early to check out the fun.
Let’s get into it!
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin opened in Magic Kingdom on November 3, 1998.
As both a dark ride and a shooting gallery, Space Ranger Spin tasks guests with shooting laser beams at targets of varying point values to defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg.
Check out the queue:
A refreshed look and bright colors!
As we walked through the queue, we noticed new signage and posters…
… And other fun elements are getting us ready for the game!
If you’ve ever ridden it over the years, you may have shared some of the same frustrations as other guests.
For the past 27 years, the blasters have remained fixed to their holsters, their laser beams can be hard to track, and you may have exited the ride wondering how anyone can receive a high score. (Just me?)
The attraction also now features interactive targets, new lighting, sound effects, and even haptics! Everything helps guests enjoy more accessible gameplay.
Let’s Check Out the Ride!
Here we go! Right away, we noticed the refreshed look of the ride vehicles.
The Star Cruisers have been updated with new colors and…
…and everything has a refreshed and brighter vibe.
Our team noticed that the attraction has a similar feel to the old one, just refreshed.
The ride still features the bright colors and neon look from the original.
Here is a great look as we go through the ride.
Buzz Lightyear’s arch-nemesis, Zurg, from Toy Story 2, is stealing batteries from helpless toys to power a new weapon. We have to stop him!
With the new updates, guests will finally be able to remove the blasters from their holsters and take better aim.
The new infrared blasters feature always-on lasers to help guests see where they’re aiming.
There are 2 laser guns per vehicle: one red and one green. The lasers are color coordinated, so you know if your laser hit a target.
Having the removable laser guns is great and allows for so much more movement and ability to hit targets.
Targets are not super easy to hit with the moving ride vehicle, but it’s easier without the attached laser gun.
The cruiser’s joystick lets you spin a full 360 degrees, so you can blast all the targets in sight.
We are loving the additional interactive targets!
There are more ways to score and earn points, making it even more fun!
Here is another great look:
And another:
Overall thoughts? It’s still a fun attraction for the entire family, and the reimagined updates are well done!
Here we go! Did we have what it takes to stop Zurg?
How’d we do?
Be sure to check out the new Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.
Check Out the Fun
Not visiting Magic Kingdom anytime soon? No worries- watch some of the gameplay below!
Incoming transmission from Star Command 💫 We have a first look at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom 🧑🚀🚀 pic.twitter.com/snoa6eNh02
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) March 19, 2026
A brand new scene has also been added to the ride, along with a new character! Buddy the robot is a new crew member who works for Star Command.
A new PhotoPass ride photo will also be available!
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