When it comes to dark rides, Space Ranger Spin pioneered the shooter-style attraction at Disney Parks. Originally opening in 1998 at Magic Kingdom – almost 30 years ago – it’s safe to call this a modern classic, but one that’s been in need of some big updates to keep up with the theme of Tomorrowland. After they recently (quietly) updated the projection tunnel towards the end of the ride, we were left wondering if more updates were on the way… Happily, Disney has just announced some major renovations coming soon, including new ride vehicles, removable blasters and individual laser effects, a new animatronic, ride scene, and more!
Space Ranger Spin Updates
Each new ride vehicle will feature new handheld blasters for easier aiming. (If you’ve ever experienced Astro Blasters in Disneyland, you know how much better this is for gameplay and overall enjoyment!) The blasters themselves will feature haptic feedback and lasers that will remain on for better targeting, with corresponding colors matching your blaster. There will be two different colors per blaster to better distinguish where you’re pointing!
The new ride vehicles will feature video monitors providing real-time scoring updates, and will sport a new color scheme inspired by Buzz Lightyear and Star Command.
The ‘Z’ for Zurg targets are also getting major facelifts: new technology will allow them to light up and react when hit. The colors on the illuminated target will also correspond with your blaster’s color!
The updated attraction will start with a new ride scene featuring “Buddy” – she’s an animatronic “support bot”. Buddy will perform a “final systems check”, allowing guests to practice their targeting and blasting skills before the game’s scoring kicks in.
Imagineers recently participated in a playtest of the new targets, blasters and gameplay ideas.
“We’ve been working on this project for quite some time now, so it was exciting to see it all come to life for the first time in the field.” – Justin DeTolla, Project Creative Director
To make way for these updates, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will temporarily close in August and reopen sometime in 2026.
Chloé Ferreira
Theme Park Correspondent for The DIS | Chloé loves kitschy dark rides, roller coasters, a good background area music loop, hot Butterbeer, and all things Halloween. You’ll mostly find her wandering around Orlando’s biggest theme parks snapping pics and sharing tips… or probably talking about The Great Movie Ride.
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