Disney World Files New Permit For Changes At Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin

Magic Kingdom has a lot going on right now. Big Thunder Mountain is still undergoing refurbishment, and the park’s expansion is well underway.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Disney is also busy working away at a major update on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, which seems to be progressing nicely. We now have an update on what changes to expect next, thanks to a new permit that was filed by Disney.

A Notice of Commencement has been filed with Orange County, Florida, for updates coming to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. The notice, which was filed on January 5th, 2026, details general improvements being made to the Tomorrowland attraction, which has been closed since August 2025.

Operations Suspended!

Disney details the general improvement of installing signage at the attraction. The permit details the work being done at 1205 Monorail Way, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, 32830, which is the home of Buzz Lightyear.

©Orange County

Disney shared that they’re working with Design Communications Ltd., which is a company that focuses on custom signage, environmental graphics, tech integration, and architectural elements. Design Communications has worked with Disney on many occasions prior to this.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

This means the attraction will likely see a new marquee in the near future, although the permit won’t officially expire until January 5th, 2027. The ride is expected to reopen in Spring 2026, around the same time as Big Thunder Mountain. The changes coming to this attraction are pretty major!

Space Ranger Spin

The updates to the attraction will include new targets, new blasters, new ride vehicles, and even a new scene to start off the attraction. The new scene will also include a new character named Buddy, whom Disney has already given us a look at. Buddy is optimistic, encouraging, and as confident in our skills as she is in us. She’s a support bot at Star Command, and she will help us get ready for our mission by making sure blasters are calibrated, ensuring our star cruisers are ready to go, and giving us the chance to have some target practice.

©Disney

Imagineers have shared that she has a youthful energy that is trapped inside her big, robot body! They even shared that she features detailing that’s a nod to If You Had Wings, which was the attraction previously located at the same spot in Tomorrowland.

©Disney

Signage is typically one of the last things that Disney does when refurbishing an attraction, so this could be a good sign! (Pun not intended.) For the Test Track retheme in 2025, the ride’s new sign debuted on June 3rd before the attraction reopened on July 22nd. Now, this doesn’t mean that the ride is reopening next month or anything, but it’s a good indication that work is moving along nicely. Spring doesn’t officially end until June 21st, 2026, so we could still be waiting several more months.

New ride vehicle for Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin

We can’t wait to see the update on this popular shooting attraction when it finally reopens later this year! As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news, updates, and reviews.

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