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Free Offering Missing From Popular Walt Disney World Attraction

tomorrowland archway magic kingdom walt disney world buzz lightyear space ranger spin
Credit: Brian McGowan on Unsplash

Walt Disney World, specifically Magic Kingdom, is home full of nostalgic rides and attractions that many hope to remember forever. For this reason, it isn’t uncommon for Disney to offer mementos associated with fan-favorite rides. Clothing, ornaments, paintings, and more can immortalize your favorite trip on attractions like Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and even more obscure attractions like Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin.

disney world reopens july 2020

Credit: Becky Burkett

As Magic Kingdom is home to arguably some of the most “Disney” rides and shows, the market for keepsakes is pretty high at Disney World. Some rides, like the aforementioned space adventure in Tomorrowland, even offer their own FREE souvenir, but when it comes to Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, you’ll have to put in a little bit of work.

Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin

Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin is an interactive dark ride located in the Tomorrowland area of Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. Opening in 1998 and inspired by the beloved character from the Toy Story movies, this attraction takes guests on an exciting space adventure, complete with evil space warlord, Emperor Zurg, adorable green aliens, and plenty of target practice.

Unlike Toy Story Mania, which is found in Hollywood Studios, at Magic Kingdom, guests can board their very own space vehicle and become honorary Space Rangers. Their mission is to join Buzz Lightyear in defeating the evil Emperor Zurg and his army of robots. Equipped with a laser cannon, guests use their skill and aim to shoot targets and earn points.

Related: Magic Kingdom Closes Down Iconic Ride, Plans Multiple New Attractions

The ride takes guests through different scenes representing locations in the Toy Story universe. The interactive nature of the ride allows guests to compete with their fellow Space Rangers to see who can score the highest points. Buzz Lightyear provides instructions, encouragement, and witty commentary throughout the ride, adding to the overall immersive experience.

Galactic Hero

One of the highlights of Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin is the opportunity to become a Galactic Hero. By reaching a certain score threshold (999,999 points), guests can earn this prestigious title and be recognized for their heroic skills. It’s an achievement that many strive for and adds an extra layer of excitement to the ride.

buzz lightyear space ranger spin

Credit: My Disney Experience App

Since all targets aren’t made the same at Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, to achieve this rare accomplishment, it’s essential to know which targets to aim for in each room location. Luckily for you, Disney Dining has taken the guesswork out of the equation and accurately described the easiest and quickest way to become a Galactic Hero.

A Badge of Honor For Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin Heroes

Despite bragging rights amongst your friends and family, one of the best parts of earning the Galactic Hero rank was the visual recognition from Cast Members who provided guests with a nice button to celebrate the achievement.

Earning the Galactic Hero rank is one thing, but claiming your badge is as easy as snapping a quick photo of your score and sharing it with Cast Members who work in the gift shop at the end of the ride. Easy, right? Maybe not!

Related: 8 Awesome Things About Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin At Walt Disney World

In recent months, Walt Disney World has changed from buttons to Galactic Hero stickers for those who earn the highest scores by shooting the correct targets. However, one guest reported recently via Reddit that at Walt Disney World, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin was no longer giving out the Galactic Hero stickers; instead, the guest received a random Buzz Lightyear sticker that you could get at Disney Park or Disney Resort.

Buzz lightyear Space Ranger Spin

Credit: Disney

User u/LussyPips posted a photo of the generic sticker featuring everyone’s favorite Space Ranger. According to the poster, this sticker was given to them by Cast Members after earning the Galactic Hero rank.

Are there no more galactic hero stickers?
byu/LussyPips inWaltDisneyWorld

Quickly, commentators noted the disappearance of the traditional Galactic Hero buttons, with some stating that most recently, although they didn’t get a button, they did receive a Galactic Hero sticker.

Overcoming old game design, an often faulty astro blaster, and long lines to hit Z targets accurately are frustrating enough, but not receiving your traditional Galactic Hero freebie is probably a massive downer for some! Going from room to room and target to target, only to be given a generic coloring bookesque sticker once you achieve the highest level possible seems a bit lackluster and ultimately led to the concern in the Reddit post over what happened to the traditional rewards.

Fun for All Ages

Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin is a popular attraction among both children and adults. Its interactive gameplay, colorful scenes, and connection to the Toy Story franchise make it a must-visit for fans of all ages. Whether you’re a space cadet in training or an experienced Space Ranger, this ride offers a fun and thrilling experience that will leave you wanting to ride again and again.

Related: Dining at Magic Kingdom: What You Need to Know

So, the next time you visit Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort, be sure to make a stop at Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin. Join Buzz Lightyear, defeat Emperor Zurg, and prove yourself to be a true Space Ranger. It’s a ride that combines the magic of Disney with the excitement of an intergalactic adventure. Get ready to take aim and save the galaxy, and if you do reach the level of Galactic Hero, let us know if you get a button because we want one!

About Michael Arnold

Michael is a father, husband, and an Army Veteran. Michael spends his weekends at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando checking out new merchandise and food. Michael is a graduate of the University of Alabama and has an education background in Public Health. You can find Michael riding Pirates of the Caribbean over and over again or binge watching new Marvel and Star Wars content. Han shot first. Thor is the strongest Avenger. Roll Tide and Wash Your Hands!