Soft Opening for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Disney does a great job refurbishing their rides and this time it has been Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin turn. Disney gave an official reopening date of April 8, 2026, but we got another Disney surprise. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin has soft opened at Magic Kingdom in Tomorrowland on March 30th.
Disney soft openings usually don’t give the public any notification. On the My Disney Experience app, still stated the attraction was closed for refurbishment and was not posting any wait times. It is a surprise to anyone who showed up the days they do soft openings. One thing to note with soft openings is that the schedule can be unpredictable with attraction hours varying throughout the day.
Disney stated that the Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will include a new show scene, updated ride vehicles and gameplay enhancements. With the soft opening starting, the construction walls which are rolling secrecy shrubs are down and the attraction marquee is lit up.
Disney stated the following will change or be an enhanced:
Brand New Scene
The friendly robot — aptly named “Buddy” — was created by Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar Animation Studios to play a key role on the Star Command team.
As a support-bot, Buddy makes sure departing Space Rangers are fully prepared for their mission, enthusiastically providing encouragement, final system checks on their Star Cruisers and a chance to hone their blaster aim. This will be a great time for guests to check out some of the new, interactive target features before blasting off to defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg and save the galaxy.
New Ride Vehicles
Star cruisers will also receive a face lift with a new design inspired by the colors of Buzz Lightyear and Star Command. Each enhanced vehicle will also now come equipped with video monitors that provide real-time scoring updates and other exciting features.
Handheld Blasters
Each ride vehicle will now include handheld blasters for better aim, helping guests to score even more points. These new blasters will be perfect for our younger riders, allowing them to participate more in the experience.
And, if you’ve ever wondered where you’re aiming (don’t worry, you’re not alone), these enhanced blasters will now include an always-on laser and come in two different colors per star cruiser, in addition to new lighting, sound and vibration effects, so players know where they’re aiming throughout the mission.
Interactive Targets
The static Z targets found in the attraction today will be upgraded with new technology that will allow them to react and light up when hit. It also opens the door for a few other ideas Imagineers have in mind.