If you’re a fan of Disney World’s classic attractions, brace yourself—two more fan favorites are about to go dark.
Fresh off the announcement that Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat are permanently closing, Disney is getting ready to hit pause on two more iconic experiences. And while these aren’t “forever” closures (at least, not yet), they’re indefinite enough that you may want to prioritize them now before they disappear for a long while.
Buzz Lightyear Gets a Major Update
Over in Magic Kingdom, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is set to close on August 4. This won’t be a quick touch-up. Disney has already confirmed that the ride is getting a complete makeover, including brand-new vehicles, updated gameplay features, and even a new Pixar character named Buddy.
For longtime guests who’ve memorized the ride’s layout and know exactly how to hit the highest-scoring targets, this is a big shift. The laser blasters are being redesigned to stay on continuously (no more sore fingers), and riders will have video screens showing their scores in real time. Interactive targets will react when hit, which adds a new level of excitement.
But here’s the catch: Disney hasn’t said exactly when the updated version will open. The only timeframe given is “sometime in 2026.” That means this isn’t just a quick refresh—it’s a long-term closure, and fans have only until August 3 to experience the ride as they know it.
Spaceship Earth Will Also Go Offline
Not long after Buzz, EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth is closing down too, starting August 25. While this closure is officially labeled as “routine maintenance,” Disney has filed construction permits and brought in crews—signs that this might be more involved than your average tune-up.
There’s no word on exactly how long this downtime will last. Previous refurbishments have stretched on for months, and fans are already speculating that we might see at least some updates to the show scenes.
Fortunately, the new GEO-82 lounge (tucked into the back of the Spaceship Earth building) will remain open, so guests can still enjoy a drink beneath the dome—even if they can’t ride inside it.
Another Era Ending?
It’s hard not to notice how many attractions are disappearing or transforming in 2025. Whether it’s temporary or permanent, this wave of closures feels like the end of something familiar.
For those who’ve spent years traveling through time with Judi Dench or taking aim with Buzz Lightyear, these attractions hold more than nostalgia—they’re part of the Disney experience itself.
One Last Ride—If You Can Get There in Time
Buzz Lightyear’s final day is August 3, and Spaceship Earth will shut down August 25. If these rides matter to you, don’t delay. There’s no telling when they’ll be back—or what they’ll look like when they return.
