Credit: Jeff Krause, FlickrThe Walt Disney World Resort has confirmed a number of exciting things for next year, one of which being the opening timeline for a beloved Tomorrowland location.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is gearing up for a dramatic return to Magic Kingdom, as Disney has officially revealed new details surrounding the attraction’s ongoing refurbishment and long-awaited reopening window.
The classic Tomorrowland dark ride—closed since August 2025—has been undergoing one of its most significant overhauls in years, and Disney has confirmed that guests can expect to experience the refreshed adventure in Spring 2026.
As part of the updates, Imagineering is introducing an entirely new show scene, anchored by a character named Buddy, a creation developed in collaboration with Pixar that promises to expand the Star Command storyline in a fresh and immersive way. The ride’s vehicles are also receiving a major technological boost, trading their iconic mounted “Z-blasters” for new handheld versions and integrating onboard video screens that track real-time scoring, transforming the attraction into a more modern, competitive experience.
“Across Magic Kingdom in Tomorrowland, I’m ready to take on Evil Emperor Zurg with the help of updated ride vehicles, cool new handheld blasters, and interactive targets at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin,” Disney Parks Blog wrote in its 2026 Walt Disney World Resort roundup, “and guests of all ages won’t need to wait too long to try for that Galactic Hero rank, because the attraction reopens spring 2026!”
The refurbishment comes as Disney continues a broader cycle of updates across Magic Kingdom, with several other major attractions—such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad—also preparing for spring reopenings. While many fans have missed the chance to step back into Buzz Lightyear’s neon-soaked universe, the upcoming enhancements suggest a reimagined Space Ranger Spin that blends nostalgia with new storytelling and gameplay, promising a refreshed mission to defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg when the attraction finally reopens next year.
How do you feel about the new things coming to Walt Disney World Resort next year? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!