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Credit: Frank Phillips, FlickrDisney World is set to lose two classic attractions this month.
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There’s an unprecedented amount of changes currently happening across Walt Disney World’s four theme parks, so many, in fact, that it can be hard to keep up. Between ride closures, land updates, and ongoing demolition, it can be pretty easy for things to slip through the cracks.
Magic Kingdom is seeing some of the biggest changes. Earlier this summer, fans said their final goodbyes to Tom Sawyer Island, the Liberty Square Riverboat, and the Rivers of America, all of which will be paved over to make way for the park’s upcoming new area, Piston Peak.
Inspired by Pixar’s Cars franchise and the real-life national parks that populate America, Piston Peak will feature several attractions and areas for guests to explore. The new area will also have one major thrill ride, an off-road racing adventure similar to Disneyland’s Radiator Springs Racers.
While many fans are likely focused on the arrival of brand-new expansions like Piston Peak, as well as Monstropolis, and Animal Kingdom’s new Tropical Americas, it’s important to note that two classic rides will be going offline very soon at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.
Let’s break down what’s happening.
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin Closing at Magic Kingdom
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On August 4, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin will close for perhaps the ride’s biggest refurbishment ever. Not only will the ride receive a new scene and character, but the blaster mechanism will also be reworked.
Guests have complained for years about he blasters featured on the ride vehicles. Unlike Disneyland’s version, the blasters aboard Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin in Disney World are stationary, making it difficult to aim and fire.
This will all change in this new update, with Disney teasing new handheld blasters earlier this year. The newly refreshed Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin is set to reopen sometime in 2026.
Spaceship Earth Closing at EPCOT
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On August 25, Spaceship Earth will close at EPCOT for refurbishment. The legendary dark ride has been taking travelers back in time for decades and could certainly use some TLC.
While Disney initially had plans to renovate the attraction in big ways, this upcoming refurbishment is expected to be a routine refresh and nothing more.
Spaceship Earth is set to reopen sometime later this year.
Will you miss these two attractions? Do you prefer visiting Magic Kingdom or EPCOT?