Walt Disney World is in a state of transition. From new lands and attractions to massive refurbishments, there’s construction happening all over Walt Disney World.
One of the projects that began this summer is the refurbishment of a Magic Kingdom ride from 1998 that – if our readers are to be believed – was a LONG time coming!.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom closed for a major refurbishment this past summer.
If you’d been to Magic Kingdom in the months leading up to it, you may have heard the buzz (pun intended) about how this classic ride could use a little TLC, and after reading some of the latest reviews about it here on AllEars, it definitely seems like Disney adults everywhere were officially declaring that it’s time for a refurb.
Let’s Talk Reviews
Sure, Space Ranger Spin still had its fans, but more and more guests were pointing out that it’s just not living up to what it used to be. Let’s dive into what some of you were saying.
First up, we’ve got AE reader TaraMartin, who gave the ride a respectable 7 out of 10 but had some constructive criticism: “Fun target shooting type attraction that the whole family can enjoy. Needs a bit of a refurb as it is becoming quite dated.” She also felt that the ride could use an upgrade, especially to the projection-style animatronics and target system. “Similar rides in other Disney parks have better technology,” she added.
Then there’s an anonymous reader who also rated it a 7 but made a pretty valid point: “I absolutely love this ride! However, it definitely is outdated and is not as good as the Disneyland version!” We all know the “Disneyland vs. Disney World” debate is eternal, but when one version of a ride is noticeably superior, yeah, something’s gotta change.
Meanwhile, PlanetNoah wasn’t feeling the love quite as much. He gave it a 3 out of 10 and didn’t hold back: “This ride is always broken down so wait times will be higher than is warranted for this ride…The ride itself is a little outdated. Toy Story Mania at Hollywood Studios is much better.”
Even haleymm12, who also rated the ride a 7, admits it’s in desperate need of some love: “Worth riding if you haven’t done it in a while, but not worth it if you need to skip out on other fun rides. Still a lot of fun, just needs a wee bit of updating.”
Are we beginning to sense a theme here? Everyone seems to agree that Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is fun, but it’s far from perfect, and by 2025, we were all expecting even more from Disney’s attractions.
The History and What’s Next
When it originally opened back in 1998, Space Ranger Spin was a groundbreaking ride for its time.
It combined interactive gameplay with a dark ride experience, and really was a hit among park-goers, especially after the success of Toy Story in theaters. Now, fast forward over 25 years, and the ride was starting to feel like it’s stuck in, well, the late ’90s.
Disney had clearly noticed this issue, too, because over at Tokyo Disneyland, the ride’s counterpart, Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters, is closing in October 2024 to make way for a brand-new, Wreck-It Ralph-themed attraction.
That left some wondering id the Magic Kingdom ride was next for a change. However, Disney went in the opposite direction. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin closed in August 2025 for a refurbishment that’s expected to last until 2026.
The refurbished attraction will feature new ride vehicles, new blasters, and a new scene featuring the park’s original robot character named Buddy, who will ensure “departing Space Rangers are fully prepared for their mission (by) enthusiastically providing encouragement, final system checks on their Star Cruisers, and a chance to hone their blaster aim.”
We’re always here to bring you the latest Disney World news, tips, and tricks, so stay tuned to AllEars!
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What are your thoughts about Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom? Tell us in the comments!
I agree this ride could use a refurb. I would like to go sidewise right now. Peter Pan needs a refurb yesterday. This ride is just so old looking. It’s time Disney. Just looking at the wait times tells everyone that it is a popular ride.
I hoe Magic Kingdom upgrades/updates buzz lightyears space ranger spin but LEAVE IT BUZZ Lightyear themed!
They need to make the shooters come up off of the ride vehicle like they do in California. Easier to play.
This ride is beyond hurting for a complete overhaul. Great theme, but ancient technology.