Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is about to get a major glow-up—and we now have the official paperwork that confirms Disney’s not wasting any time.
A new permit has just been filed for electrical work at the building that houses the classic Magic Kingdom attraction, giving fans a clear sign that the overhaul is about to shift into high gear. The permit, filed by Walt Disney Imagineering and contracted through Central Florida’s Elite A/V System Inc., was approved on June 2 and covers electrical work at 1305 Monorail Way—that’s Tomorrowland territory, right where Space Ranger Spin lives.
What does that mean for you? If this ride is on your must-do list, you might want to plan a visit soon. The attraction is officially closing this August, with no return expected until sometime in 2026.
The Countdown to Closure Is On
Although Disney hasn’t shared an exact closing date, their online calendar currently shows the attraction is open through August 4. But with the permit approved and the prep work starting, you can bet the end is closer than it seems.
It’s not just a simple refresh either—this is going to be a full-blown overhaul. The permit filing confirms behind-the-scenes work is starting, laying the groundwork for what Disney has already said will be a tech-heavy, interactive revamp.
What’s Changing?
Get ready for a whole new version of this ride. The updated Space Ranger Spin will feature new ride vehicles, an entirely new scene with a Pixar-created character named “Buddy,” and—finally!—handheld blasters that will make it easier to aim and rack up those points.
Guests will also notice new interactive targets that actually react when hit, complete with lighting effects and sound. It’s a big jump from the current ride, which—while nostalgic—has definitely felt a little stuck in the past compared to the tech found in international parks like Shanghai Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland.
So What Happens Next?
With this permit filed, it’s clear that construction and installation are moving forward. The current version of the attraction is living on borrowed time, and by this time next year, we’ll likely be seeing something that feels much closer to what Disney is calling “the future of Tomorrowland.”
One thing’s for sure: this isn’t just an update—it’s a total reinvention. If you’ve always wanted to experience Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in its classic form, now’s the time to suit up and blast off.
