Credit: All photos Walt Disney World ResortIt’s been a tough stretch for fans of Disney World’s classic attractions.
It’s been a tough stretch for fans of Disney World’s classic attractions. Just as the community is processing the permanent closures of both Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat—two long-standing pieces of Magic Kingdom history—Disney is preparing to hit pause on two more fan-favorite rides.
That’s right. The closures don’t end with Rivers of America.
While each closure serves a different purpose and timeline, the timing feels like yet another wave of change washing over the parks.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Closing for a Massive Makeover
Beginning August 4, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will close for a refurbishment that is more like a total reinvention. Disney confirmed that the overhaul will include updated ride vehicles, new gameplay elements, and even the introduction of a brand-new Pixar character named “Buddy,” who will serve as your robotic mission guide.
Among the biggest updates? Blasters will be redesigned to feature always-on lasers (no more cramping your trigger finger), and a video screen on each ride vehicle will show your score in real time. Add in interactive targets that respond when hit, and it’s clear this is a major refresh aimed at bringing the ride into a more tech-savvy, interactive era.
But it also means guests will have to say goodbye to the current version for quite some time. No official reopening date has been announced yet, but Disney says the new version will debut sometime in 2026. That’s a long downtime—and it makes this August 3 the last chance to ride the original.
Spaceship Earth Also Set to Close in August
Just a few weeks after Buzz goes dark, Spaceship Earth at EPCOT is scheduled to close as well—this time for what’s being described as routine maintenance. But don’t let the “routine” label fool you. These types of closures can last weeks or even months, and no exact reopening date has been given.
A permit was filed for general construction at the attraction, with crews already lined up for the work. While this isn’t the major overhaul that had been rumored years ago (the one that was paused indefinitely), this maintenance window could still lead to noticeable upgrades inside the attraction.
Thankfully, the new GEO-82 bar located in the former Siemens lounge at the back of the building will remain open, so guests will still be able to enjoy a drink under the dome even while the ride is closed.
Why It Feels Like the End of an Era
It’s no secret that Disney World has been undergoing major changes for years, but when several iconic rides close in the span of a single season, it feels personal. For longtime fans, the summer of 2025 is shaping up to be a goodbye tour of sorts—especially for those who grew up riding through galactic battles with Buzz or listening to Dame Judi Dench narrate the story of human progress.
There’s nothing wrong with progress, of course. But it’s bittersweet to see the classics make way for new tech, even if the updates end up being spectacular. Change is inevitable at Disney, but that doesn’t make it easier.
Don’t Wait If These Rides Matter to You
If either of these attractions holds a special place in your heart, now’s the time to plan that trip. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will officially close after August 3, and Spaceship Earth follows on August 25. From there, it’s anyone’s guess how long the closures will last—especially in Buzz’s case, where a 2026 reopening already confirms a lengthy absence.
So whether you’re hoping to max out your score one last time or simply want to hear “Thank the Phoenicians” before it disappears for a while, make sure you don’t miss your chance. Because by the time fall rolls around, two more Disney staples will have gone temporarily dark—and the parks just won’t feel the same without them.