Calling all Space Rangers! Exciting updates are on the horizon for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, including a new show scene, updated ride vehicles and gameplay enhancements. Here’s what you can expect from this iconic Tomorrowland attraction next year.
Brand New Scene
As their adventure begins, guests will now be greeted by an all-new character! This friendly robot — aptly named “Buddy” — was created by Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar Animation Studios to play a key role on the Star Command team.
As a support-bot, Buddy makes sure departing Space Rangers are fully prepared for their mission, enthusiastically providing encouragement, final system checks on their Star Cruisers and a chance to hone their blaster aim. This will be a great time for guests to check out some of the new, interactive target features before blasting off to defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg and save the galaxy.
New Ride Vehicles
Star cruisers will also receive a face lift with a new design inspired by the colors of Buzz Lightyear and Star Command. Each enhanced vehicle will also now come equipped with video monitors that provide real-time scoring updates and other exciting features.
Handheld Blasters
Each ride vehicle will now include handheld blasters for better aim, helping guests to score even more points. These new blasters will be perfect for our younger riders, allowing them to participate more in the experience.
And, if you’ve ever wondered where you’re aiming (don’t worry, you’re not alone), these enhanced blasters will now include an always-on laser and come in two different colors per star cruiser, in addition to new lighting, sound and vibration effects, so players know where they’re aiming throughout the mission.
Interactive Targets
The static Z targets found in the attraction today will be upgraded with new technology that will allow them to react and light up when hit. It also opens the door for a few other ideas Imagineers have in mind.
Work on these updates recently passed an important milestone, as fellow Imagineers were invited to participate in a playtest of the new targets, blasters and gameplay ideas.Playtests are a critical part of the design process, where the project team is able to try out variations of a concept in a real-world setting, gaining critical insights into which ideas work best and how the experience can be improved. It’s all part of delivering an out-of-this-world experience for our guests.
“Everyone had a great time, and our team learned a lot,” project creative director Justin DeTolla said. “We’ve been working on this project for quite some time now, so it was exciting to see it all come to life for the first time in the field.”
To prepare for these updates, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will temporarily close in August and reopen next year. Star Command, over and out!
INTERCOT Founder & MCP
The OG Disney Fan Site - Founded 1997
I wonder if these 'updated' targets will interact with the MagicBand+ to light up or vibrate or buzz, etc. when hit.
The handheld 'blasters' could be good or bad, depending upon how they are used by guests. Will they break easier than the car-mounted ones?
All-in-all I see these as good upgrades/additions to the attraction. Unfortunately, it looks like I will have to wait to try them as the 'reopen next year' line is in the typically vague Disney timeline.
"The game never ends
When your whole world depends
On the Turn of a Friendly Card"
When I was reading this, I was thinking to myself "I think I have already ridden something like this." It occurred to me that Disneyland and Disneyland Paris Buzz Lightyear rides have had the handheld guns for a while. They are pretty tough and durable and the cords are not long enough to reach outside of the ride vehicles. I am glad they are switching to these at Disneyworld. The ones mounted to the vehicle always made my hands cramp and start hurting.
I have to admit, I'm kinda excited about actually knowing where I am aiming. I've had some VERY GOOD games, but aren't really sure which targets I hit. 
Heather aka ibelieveindisneymagic
INTERCOT Staff
Engaged at the castle!
My Disney Home is POFQ
