On April 8, 2026, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is slated to reopen at Magic Kingdom. This popular Walt Disney World Resort attraction has been closed since last year. While closed, it has undergone a fairly substantial upgrade. This includes updating the technology that impacts ride experience with new ride vehicles, new blasters, new targets, and new characters. Ahead of the reopening, Walt Disney World has revealed a look at what the new marquee for the attraction will look like. The newly installed marquee brings the world in which Buzz Lightyear lives to life in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom. Below is a look at photos of the marquee that were shared by Disney on Monday morning. As can be seen in the photos, the whole entrance area has been refreshed.
Earlier this month, Disney shared a look at what the updated ride experience will be like when the attraction reopens. It shows the new gameplay that guests will get to enjoy when it returns. It can be seen here:
A New Scene and a New Robot
At the beginning of the attraction, guests will be greeted by a brand new character named Buddy. This is the new support bot at Star Command. His job is to help train recruits with target practice before sending them out on their mission against Zurg. Buddy encourages recruits and runs the final system checks on their Star Cruisers, and also gives them a chance to hone their blaster aim. This will also allow guests to check out some of the new, interactive target features before they blast off to defeat the Evil Emperor Zurt and save the galaxy! Buddy was created by Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar Animation Studios.
New Ride Vehicles
The star cruisers will also be getting updated with a new design. The facelift will be inspired by the colors of Buzz Lightyear and Star Command. Each enhanced vehicle will now also come equipped with video monitors that will provide real-time scoring updates along with some other exciting features.
Blasters
The new star cruisers will also now have handheld blasters. These will allow for better aim to help guests score even more points. The new blasters will be ideal for younger riders and allow them to participate more in the experience.
Interactive Targets
When the attraction reopens next year, guests will discover that there is a lot more interactivity. The static Z targets that are found in the attraction today are going to be upgraded. The new technology will allow them to react and light up when hit.
More Buzz Coming
The opening of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin comes ahead of the arrival of Toy Story 5 in theaters on June 19, 2026. This movie will bring Buzz Lightyear to the silver screen once again. This time, Buzz and the other toys will be facing a challenge unlike any before: modern technology.
What do you think of the new marquee for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin? Are you excited about the return of this attraction? What are you most looking forward to experiencing when it does? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
