Magic Kingdom Park guests riding the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover are getting an unexpected bird’s-eye view of major demolition work at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, revealing the extensive scope of the interactive attraction’s ongoing transformation.
The ride shut down in August 2025 for what Walt Disney World Resort described as a comprehensive refurbishment. Recent photos shared by parkgoers show torn-up concrete, exposed construction zones, and heavy equipment at the attraction’s entrance—all visible from the elevated PeopleMover track, despite ground-level barriers that block pedestrian views.
Disney has committed to a spring 2026 reopening but hasn’t provided a specific date. Based on the current state of construction visible in guest photos, that timeline may be trending toward late spring rather than early spring.
Ambitious Update Plans
The original Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin opened at Magic Kingdom in 1998, making it nearly three decades old. Technology and guest expectations have evolved significantly since then, particularly after Disney’s Hollywood Studios introduced Toy Story Mania! with its more advanced interactive gameplay systems.
Walt Disney Imagineering is addressing these gaps with substantial updates. The refurbishment includes installing modernized laser blasters in ride vehicles—the current handheld shooters will be replaced with more responsive, accurate equipment. Throughout the attraction, improved interactive targets will offer better feedback and scoring opportunities.
Beyond technological upgrades, Imagineers are adding new scenes and introducing Buddy, a completely new animatronic character. This robot will serve an instructional role, teaching riders how to operate their laser blasters and maximize their scores as they battle Emperor Zurg across the galaxy.
Construction Progress Visible From Above
X (formerly Twitter) user @kdodgers24 posted photos on January 27 showing the demolition in progress. The caption read:
Yea buzz isnt opening anytime soon
Yea buzz isnt opening anytime soon pic.twitter.com/SdyDaeOIkI
— RockNstardust🎸✨ (@Kdodgers24) January 27, 2026
Images captured from the PeopleMover show construction equipment and demolished concrete at the ride’s entrance. While plywood walls shield the work site from guests walking through Tomorrowland, the elevated vantage point from the PeopleMover makes concealment impossible.
Another user, @Thesolardude, shared similar observations from a weekend visit:
Saw that Saturday 👎
Saw that Saturday 👎 pic.twitter.com/lK5Uv6AKsm
— Zombie Scott (@Thesolardude) January 27, 2026
The visible destruction at the entrance suggests Disney is far from completing the project, though the exterior work could actually signal progress. If crews have finished interior modifications to the ride system itself and moved on to entrance area reconstruction, the project may be further along than appearances suggest.
What the Timeline Means
Walt Disney World Resort’s spring 2026 target window leaves significant ambiguity. Spring technically runs from late March through late June, providing a three-month window for the attraction’s return.
The extent of demolition visible in late January raises questions about whether Disney can complete the work by early spring. Late May or June appears more realistic based on current conditions, though Disney has demonstrated the ability to accelerate construction timelines when necessary.
Follow Disney Dining for updates on this and other projects at Disney parks worldwide!
Which part of the Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin makeover are you most excited about? Let Disney Dining know in the comments!
