Credit: rickpilot_2000, FlickrGuests walking through Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom are used to seeing construction walls pop up from time to time, but this latest change is hitting a little differently. One of Tomorrowland’s most recognizable entrance features has now been completely removed, leaving fans stunned at just how quickly Disney is willing to tear down pieces of the land’s classic identity.
And yes — this is one of those situations where “removed” really means removed.
Because what once stood at the entrance to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is now gone, and in its place is a work zone that makes it clear Disney is not simply repainting or doing minor repairs. They’re rebuilding the attraction’s entire entrance presence from the ground up.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Undergoes Major Work
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin has long been one of the most recognizable attractions in Tomorrowland, especially for families. It’s been a staple for years, offering a competitive ride experience where guests blast targets and rack up points while traveling through a neon-colored space battle.
But right now, the attraction is closed for an extensive refresh.
Crews are actively transforming the entrance area, including installing infrastructure for a completely new attraction marquee. While Disney has not revealed what the new entrance design will look like, the project has already moved into heavy construction territory, with crews digging into the pavement in front of the attraction.
The Historic Marquee Has Been Removed
This is the detail that has fans doing double takes.
The historic marquee that stood at the attraction entrance has now been removed entirely. This isn’t a situation where Disney temporarily took signage down for refurbishment and will reinstall it later. The marquee is simply gone, and construction photos suggest Disney has moved into the stage of rebuilding the area with brand-new support systems.
After construction walls were removed and the old marquee came down, crews began digging up the pavement in front of the ride, a clear sign that Disney is laying the groundwork for something new.
For longtime Tomorrowland fans, this is a pretty big deal. Tomorrowland has always been a land where the “look” matters almost as much as the attractions themselves. The signs, the lighting, and the futuristic design choices help sell the entire theme. When Disney removes a large marquee like this, it’s not a small adjustment — it’s a noticeable shift.
The Ride Itself Is Getting a Serious Upgrade
The entrance isn’t the only thing changing.
When Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopens, it will reportedly feature a long list of upgrades that could make the attraction feel almost brand new, especially for guests who haven’t ridden in years.
Among the changes, Disney is adding a brand-new opening scene that introduces a new character named Buddy, described as a support-bot that helps prepare Space Rangers for their mission.
That alone is a major update, since this attraction hasn’t seen a significant storyline refresh in quite a while. Adding a new character and a new scene suggests Disney is actively reworking the ride’s flow, not just polishing it.
New Targets Will Make the Game Feel More Modern
One of the biggest frustrations with Space Ranger Spin over the years has been the dated targeting system.
Many guests have complained that it’s hard to know where you’re aiming, and even harder to tell if you’re actually hitting anything. That may finally change.
Disney is upgrading the classic “Z” targets with new technology that will allow them to react and light up when hit.
That is a massive improvement for a ride that is built entirely around competition. When targets respond immediately, the game becomes far more satisfying, and the ride experience becomes much more interactive.
It also gives Disney the chance to expand the gameplay in the future, opening the door for more effects and more advanced scoring elements.
Brand-New Ride Vehicles Are Also Coming
Another major upgrade is the ride vehicles themselves.
Buzz Lightyear’s Star Cruisers are receiving an updated design inspired by the colors of Buzz Lightyear and Star Command.
That alone will likely refresh the entire ride visually, since the vehicles are one of the first things guests interact with.
But Disney isn’t stopping there.
The updated ride vehicles will also feature video monitors that provide real-time scoring updates, which is a huge improvement for guest experience.
This is something many guests have wanted for years, because it makes the competition clearer and keeps riders engaged throughout the entire mission.
Handheld Blasters Will Change the Entire Ride Experience
Arguably, the biggest change of all is the move to handheld blasters.
For years, guests have had to deal with mounted blasters that don’t always aim properly and can feel awkward, especially for kids.
Now, Disney is adding handheld blasters to each vehicle for better aim and better gameplay.
These new blasters will include always-on lasers, come in two different colors per star cruiser, and include new lighting, sound, and vibration effects to help players know where they’re aiming.
That is a major leap forward for this attraction, and it’s the kind of upgrade that could actually make Space Ranger Spin feel competitive again compared to newer interactive rides.
Tomorrowland Keeps Losing Its “Classic” Look
Even though these updates sound exciting, there’s no denying the emotional side of what’s happening here.
Tomorrowland has already gone through years of visual changes, removals, and updates that have left some fans feeling like the land has lost part of its original charm. The demolition of an iconic marquee only adds to that feeling.
It’s one thing for Disney to refresh an attraction.
It’s another thing entirely when a recognizable Tomorrowland feature disappears overnight.
For many guests, Buzz Lightyear’s entrance has been part of their Magic Kingdom routine for years. It’s the sign you walk past. The photo spot. The “we’re in Tomorrowland” moment.
And now it’s gone.
When Will Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Reopen?
As of now, Walt Disney World has not released an official reopening date or a full preview of what the new entrance marquee will look like.
But based on the amount of construction underway, it’s clear this project is moving forward quickly. Infrastructure work has already begun, and with the ride receiving major upgrades, Disney is clearly treating this as more than just a cosmetic refurbishment.
Whenever it reopens, guests should expect a noticeably updated experience — and possibly a very different-looking Tomorrowland entrance to match it.
One thing is certain, though: a classic piece of Tomorrowland is officially history, and Magic Kingdom fans are going to be watching every construction update from here on out.