Say Goodbye to the Old Tomorrowland — Magic Kingdom's Plans Are Taking Shape

Tomorrowland has always been the heart of futuristic adventure at Magic Kingdom, and lately, it’s been undergoing some pretty significant changes.

With the grand opening of TRON Lightcycle / Run in April 2023, Disney signaled a bold new era for this corner of the park. That high-tech thrill ride, which quickly became one of the most talked-about additions in recent years, brought sleek aesthetics and neon-lit energy to a land that’s long juggled retro-futurism and innovation.

Now, it’s not just TRON stealing the spotlight. The entire area seems to be in the middle of a long-overdue refresh. From visual overhauls to ride upgrades, Tomorrowland is starting to feel like it’s moving closer to the future Walt once envisioned — or at least a version of it that reflects today’s blend of nostalgia and interactivity.

A Big Piece Returns to Astro Orbiter

One of the most encouraging updates in this transformation is happening above ground in Magic Kingdom — literally. After being closed for refurbishment back in January, Astro Orbiter is showing some real signs of progress. The attraction’s massive central post has officially returned, a key step in bringing this beloved spinner back to life.

That central post isn’t just a support beam — it’s the visual centerpiece of the entire ride. Earlier this year, the structure had been stripped down entirely, save for the outer ring. Since then, the black post that houses the ride’s mechanics was the first to reappear, followed by the sleek silver arches. Now, Disney has reinstalled the golden orb and tall silver spire on top, giving the attraction its iconic silhouette once again.

The spire itself is pretty stunning — several silver posts tapering upward, wrapped in rings of silver and gold that shimmer in the Florida sun. It all builds up to a point, giving Astro Orbiter the celestial vibe it’s known for.

While ride vehicles aren’t back just yet, Disney appears to be actively working on the rocket arms, and early ride testing could be on the horizon soon. The current timeline has the ride closed through at least July 18, with a hopeful reopening sometime in Summer 2025.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Is Next

Once Astro Orbiter is back in action, attention will shift just a few steps away — to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. Disney has officially announced a major refurbishment beginning this August, which will close the 26-year-old attraction into 2026.

And this isn’t just a minor touch-up. We’re talking new ride vehicles, gameplay enhancements, and an all-new scene featuring a brand-new character named “Buddy.” Designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar Animation Studios, Buddy is a support robot who’ll help guests gear up for their mission, complete with blaster practice and encouragement before facing off against the Evil Emperor Zurg.

That’s not all. Each ride vehicle will be redesigned with Star Command-inspired colors and come with real-time scoring screens. More importantly for many guests — especially younger ones — the new handheld blasters will feature improved aim, always-on lasers, and added vibration and lighting effects to enhance gameplay. No more wondering where your laser is pointing or why you’re scoring zero!

Targets inside the ride will also get a massive upgrade. The old static “Z” targets are being replaced with reactive ones that light up and animate when hit. This opens the door for even more interactivity, and Imagineers are already testing variations to fine-tune the experience before its grand reopening.

Tomorrowland Is Stepping Into the Future

All these updates — from TRON’s 2023 debut to Astro Orbiter’s current progress and Buzz Lightyear’s future facelift — suggest Disney has big plans for the Tomorrowland area. And fans are absolutely here for it.

While the full vision for Tomorrowland hasn’t been officially laid out, it’s clear that Imagineers are working to modernize the land one piece at a time. It’s also worth noting that other Tomorrowland attractions could be next in line for updates in the years to come, as Disney looks to bring consistency to the land’s aesthetic and tech-forward theme.

In the meantime, the return of Astro Orbiter’s central post is more than just a structural milestone — it’s a symbol that Tomorrowland is on the move. And with Space Ranger Spin soon to be revamped, the buzz around Magic Kingdom’s most futuristic land isn’t dying down anytime soon.