Disney Finally Confirms Toy Story Ride’s Comeback With Massive Announcement

After more than six months of shutting down without any real warning, a Disneyland Toy Story ride is back and operational, at least in a soft-opening kind of way.

After Months of Silence, Strange Activity Detected in Discoveryland

For half a year, the faint glow of lasers and the echo of “To infinity, and beyond!” went silent in Disneyland Paris. Guests walking through Discoveryland would glance toward the dimly lit entrance of Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast — that once-bustling corner of interstellar chaos — and find only stillness. No neon streaks. No children tall enough to wield a blaster but still small enough to believe they could save the galaxy. Just silence.

But something has changed inside that darkened space. Late last night, fans noticed movement — the whir of ride vehicles testing, the telltale glow of green lights flickering back to life. Could it be that Star Command has quietly come back online?

Buzz Lightyear’s Return Sparks Buzz (Literally)

After closing suddenly on June 23, 2025, Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast has been one of the most-missed attractions at Disneyland Paris. For months, there was no official word on when it might return. Some fans speculated it would be down until mid-2026, folding into the park’s ongoing refurbishments. But as of this morning, December 19, 2025, the ride has soft opened — and the internet is collectively blasting off with excitement.

The Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast refurbishment also focused on redesigning the lighting and repainting a lot of the sets + the ride vehicles. It’s all looking fresh. Officially reopening on Saturday! – @DLPReport on X

🔧 The Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast refurbishment also focused on redesigning the lighting and repainting a lot of the sets + the ride vehicles. It’s all looking fresh. Officially reopening on Saturday! pic.twitter.com/bStFx9pzKw

— DLP Report (@DLPReport) December 18, 2025

Eyewitnesses report that Cast Members quietly reopened the gates without announcement, offering guests a chance to once again test their aim against Emperor Zurg. No fireworks. No ribbon cutting. Just the joyful hum of lasers in the dark — and the unmistakable sound of guests rediscovering one of the park’s most interactive adventures.

Videos and photos quickly flooded social media, with fans describing smoother ride systems, cleaner sets, and sharper colors. It’s clear Disney’s Imagineers used the downtime wisely, applying the kind of mechanical and cosmetic TLC that keeps a 2006-era attraction shining like new. For loyal parkgoers, the reopening feels like an early Christmas present — one that no one saw coming.

The Importance of a “Quiet” Comeback

While this soft opening might seem minor compared to massive expansions like Frozen Kingdom or the reimagining of Walt Disney Studios Park, its significance runs deeper. Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast isn’t just another ride — it’s one of the few that puts power directly in the hands of guests. You’re not just watching the story unfold; you’re in it.

In a park where spectacle often steals the spotlight, Laser Blast represents something quintessentially Disney: interactivity, imagination, and a sense of childlike accomplishment. Even the best shooters will admit — there’s nothing quite like landing a 999,999 high score and walking out a Galactic Hero.

Now that it’s operational again, the ride’s soft launch also signals that Disneyland Paris is prioritizing maintenance and preservation amid its major expansion era. The park’s current strategy appears to blend nostalgia and modernization, ensuring classics remain as sharp as ever while new lands and experiences continue to rise. For longtime fans, that’s a promising sign.

What This Means for Parkgoers in 2026

As of now, Disney has not provided any official statement or reopening schedule for Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast. In classic “soft open” fashion, the ride could temporarily close again as adjustments are made. Guests visiting during the holidays might experience intermittent availability — or a surprise chance to sneak in a ride before its full re-launch in early 2026.

If this soft reopening holds, visitors heading to Disneyland Paris this winter could find Discoveryland buzzing once again, perfectly timed with the resort’s festive crowds. In an era when refurbishments often stretch longer than expected, a six-month turnaround is something worth celebrating – and it may offer hope that other beloved attractions under refurbishment could return sooner than fans expect.

More importantly, this signals a renewed attention to the details that make Disneyland Paris one of the most beautifully maintained parks in the Disney portfolio. From the refreshed glow of Laser Blast to the gleaming upgrades across Fantasyland, each update reflects a company refocusing on guest experience and long-term park health.

For now, fans are left wondering: is this just a brief taste, or the start of Buzz’s full return to duty? Whether or not Disney confirms it soon, the galactic heroes of Discoveryland are ready — blasters in hand — for whatever’s next.

And judging by the smiles emerging from the loading bay today, some missions are just too good to keep grounded.