A Popular Magic Kingdom Ride Will CLOSE This Summer

The Galactic Alliance just got hit with a big one.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is officially closing for a major update this summer. Yep, that classic Tomorrowland ride where you frantically twist your car around to blast Zurg targets with those stuck-to-the-vehicle laser blasters? It’s getting a full glow-up. From new characters to new tech to new ride vehicles — Disney is pulling out all the stops. Here’s what’s happening, when it’s happening, and what else you’ll want to plan around if you’re visiting Magic Kingdom soon.

Let’s start with the big news: Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will temporarily close in August 2025 for a full refurbishment. This isn’t just your standard refresh or coat of paint. Disney is giving the ride a major overhaul with new game elements, better tech, and even a brand-new character joining the Star Command team. While we’re sad to see it go (even temporarily), the changes sound pretty exciting.

So what exactly is changing?

Say hello to Buddy, a brand-new robot character who will be part of the reimagined ride experience. Buddy’s job? Making sure all space rangers (aka you) are mission-ready. He’ll help with system checks on your Star Cruiser and guide you through blaster training before you launch into battle. It’s basically a built-in warm-up before the game begins.

Speaking of blasters — remember how the current ones are awkwardly mounted to the ride vehicle and kind of hard to aim? Those are GONE. The new version will feature handheld blasters that you can actually lift, aim, and control. Huge win for your score — and your wrist.

Plus, the blasters are getting a tech upgrade. Each one will have an “always-on” laser (so no more jamming the trigger hoping it works), with two different laser colors per vehicle. On top of that, you’ll get new lighting, sound, and even vibration feedback when you hit targets. It’s giving Toy Story Mania energy, and we’re into it.

And about those targets — you know the ones with the little “Z” logos? Those will now light up and react when you hit them, thanks to some new tech that Cast Members have already started testing behind the scenes. So not only will you be able to aim better, but now the ride will also give you more satisfying feedback when you’re actually landing those shots.

But that’s not all.

The ride vehicles themselves are getting a full redesign, inspired by Buzz Lightyear and Star Command’s signature look. Expect more color, more glow, and new video monitors in each car showing your real-time score updates as you go through the mission. Again — very Toy Story Mania vibes, and honestly, it’s about time this ride got some love.

Now, as far as how long the ride will be closed, Disney hasn’t given us an exact reopening date just yet. They’ve only said it’s reopening “sometime next year,” which likely means late 2026 at the earliest, depending on how the project goes. So if you’re planning a trip between August 2025 and early 2026, you’ll want to plan around this one being unavailable.

Here’s what else you’ll want to know:

Unfortunately, Buzz Lightyear isn’t the only attraction closed at Magic Kingdom during this time.

Astro Orbiter is already closed and will stay that way until Summer 2025. So if you were hoping for those high-up views of Tomorrowland, it’ll be a bit.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is in for a long haul. It’s also undergoing a big refurbishment and won’t reopen until 2026.
The Hall of Presidents is still closed, with no reopening date announced yet.

So yeah — if you’re heading to Magic Kingdom in late 2025, you’re looking at multiple iconic attractions temporarily off the roster. But hey, that also means fewer people crowding those areas, and more time to hit other rides with shorter waits.