A popular ride is FINALLY reopening in Magic Kingdom! After months of waiting, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is reopening very soon.
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
In less than 24 hours, you can fight your way through the galaxy to defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg because the ride officially reopens tomorrow! Ahead of this big change, we’re breaking down everything you need to know and maybe a hint or two at how to become a galactic hero.
Galactic heroes, your time has arrived! Buzz Lightyear is finally reopening on April 8th, 2026, after closing in August 2025. The ride did soft open at the end of March, but it wasn’t open every day leading up to tomorrow. We were some of the lucky few who actually got to check it out ahead of time so we know all about those changes!
Line for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin soft opening
While the ride is still a general shoot style ride, there have been a few big updates. There’s a brand-new scene at the beginning of the attraction. It features a new character called Buddy, who tells you all about the game and gives you a quick shooting lesson.
It’s Buddy!
There are also brand new ride vehicles! These updated vehicles got a fresh coat of paint and new blasters. Those new blasters really are the star of the update because now guests can pick them up and shoot more freely.
New ride vehicles
Once you’re inside the attraction, you’ll notice new targets too! These updates targets are much easier to see, plus they light up when you shoot them so you know that you actually hit the target rather than guessing. This has made it easier to hit the targets and feel confident in your shooting game!
New target!
Before you hop back onto the ride, we also have a few tips that can help you aim for that Galactic Hero status. Our best tip is to hold the blaster with both hands: use one hand for shooting and the other to steady it. You’ll also just want to keep your finger on the trigger and hold it down constantly as you move it around to hit targets. Cast Members did assure us that you can hold it down and it will shoot constantly, but if you’re looking to be quicker you might want to shoot manually. Both will give you points, so go for what works best for you.
Buzz is back!
Aiming for the black dot in the center of the target will also get you more points than aiming willy nilly. The way to really max out your points, you need to look for targets that are flashing white — those are worth more points!
The updated Escape Hatch
Those aren’t the only important targets though! You need to watchfor clusters of flashing rainbow targets. If you see those, shoot at them! They unlock a 10-second bonus mode, and you can rack up several points in those ten seconds to get your Galactic Hero status.
Scores
We are sersiouly excited to have this attraction back open in Magic Kingdom while we eagerly await Big Thunder Mountain’s reopening. For those who are checking out the attraction tomorrow, good luck defeating Zurg! As always, be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney news, updates, and more.
We Just Spotted a BIG Update at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 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!
Tell us what you think of the changes in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
My family got to ride Buzz during Early Preview! Thank you, Disney! The kids loved it.