With everything going on in Magic Kingdom right now, it’s hard to keep up with progress.
Over in Frontierland, Disney is getting ready to permanently close Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island to start work on Piston Peak, a new Cars expansion. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is currently getting a massive refurbishment. In Tomorrowland, Astro Orbiter is getting put back together after a refurbishment. Meanwhile, another ride in Tomorrowland, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will close in August for a big refurbishment, and we now have a permit that hints at some of the work to be done at this attraction.
According to a new permit filed with Orange County, Florida, Walt Disney Imagineering has contracted Elite A/V System Inc. to do “electrical work” on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. This is part of the major refurbishment the ride will soon undergo.
This electrical work is part of a larger refurbishment that will add a new show scene to the ride, as well as update the ride vehicles and add additional game enhancements. The ride will also introduce a new character, a robot named Buddy, who will introduce you to the ride and how it works.
The ride vehicles will also get a new design in new colors inspired by Buzz Lightyear and Star Command. Each vehicle will also get a video monitor with real-time scoring updates. The blasters will also be updated so you can hold them in your hand (rather than have them bolted to the vehicles) and will have an always-on laser. Even better, each blaster in the car will have a different color so you can tell who is aiming at what.
These changes are sure to make the ride a little more enjoyable for everyone, so we’ll be looking forward to seeing them when the ride reopens in 2026.
Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation.
Stay tuned to DFB for more.
All of the Changes Confirmed for Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin in Magic Kingdom
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What do you think of these changes? Let us know in the comments!







Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.

TRENDING NOW
Disney World just announced the Celebrity Narrators for the EPCOT Festival of the Holiday!
However, recent events indicate we can never say never when it comes to Disney.
We've got a reopening date for a closed attraction in Disney World.
Disney has FINALLY just released the menus for the 2026 EPCOT International Food and Wine...
Travel stress-free with these TSA-approved essentials!
The popular Disney World perk returns on September 16th.
We noticed something strange happening with the Disney World app!
A new store is coming to Hollywood Studios.
Disney just announced the lineup for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series!
MAJOR changes are happening over in Disney's Hollywood Studios!
Dining packages details have been announced for the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.
We tried an all-new fall drink in Disney World and we are bringing your our...
Grab these Magic Key souvenirs before they're gone for good!
A new Dot Cake has landed in Disney Springs, but is it worth nearly $30?
You can find a NEW buddy on Amazon right now!
These 'Toy Story' souvenirs are absolutely fantastic!
The Walt Disney World Railroad is closing soon.
These pie-flavored donuts are worth a trip to Disney Springs!
More animal figures have popped up in Hollywood Studios.
These are 13 of our underrated Dollywood must-dos!