Construction Permit Filed for Work on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Update in Magic Kingdom

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Files New Permit as Galactic Overhaul Begins at Magic Kingdom

To infinity, and… construction! Walt Disney Imagineering has officially filed a new permit for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom, giving us a fresh signal that the long-awaited overhaul of this classic Tomorrowland attraction is in full launch mode.

The new permit, filed on June 2, 2025, is for electrical work and brings in Elite A/V Systems Inc., a Central Florida-based contractor often linked with themed entertainment projects. The location listed—1305 Monorail Way—corresponds directly to the ride’s current home, which has been zapping away since 1998.

Related: Test Track Construction Update for June 2025

This filing follows hot on the heels of a previous permit for set installation, filed shortly after Disney’s announcement of the ride’s upcoming reimagining. With these back-to-back filings, it’s clear that preparations are rapidly moving from the planning phase to boots-on-the-ground execution.

Here’s What’s Coming to the New Buzz Lightyear Attraction:

• New Scene Featuring Buddy the Robot: Say hello to a fresh face in the Buzz universe! Buddy, a new robot companion, will be featured in the updated storyline.
• Brand-New Ride Vehicles: The current Star Cruiser ride system dates all the way back to 1972 (yes, really!). For the first time ever, these will be replaced with updated, modern vehicles that include video monitors to track real-time scoring and other gameplay stats.
• Freestyle Blasters: The new handheld blasters are similar to those found in Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters at Disneyland. These lightweight, color-coded weapons will provide greater range of motion, plus light and haptic feedback to let riders know when they’ve locked onto a target.
• Interactive Targets: Targets will now flash in the color of the blaster that hits them, so you’ll know if you’re actually nailing those high-point zones—or if your space aim needs work.

A Bit of Tomorrowland History

This attraction has seen a long evolution, beginning life as If You Had Wings in 1972. Over the years, it’s been If You Could Fly, Delta Dreamflight, and Take Flight—all celebrating the wonder of aviation. Buzz Lightyear and the Galactic Alliance took over in 1998, but remarkably, the original track and ride system from the early ‘70s remained intact. Until now.

This revamp brings Buzz’s Tomorrowland adventure in line with more modern shooter-style attractions like Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue in Shanghai and Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! in Hong Kong. In fact, the Tokyo Disneyland version of Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters just closed in 2024 to make way for a Wreck-It Ralph-themed replacement—so this may be part of a broader space sector strategy from Disney.

Related: Disney Reveals New Details for Cars-Themed Expansion in Magic Kingdom

Timeline for Takeoff

Disney has confirmed the attraction will close this August and reopen in 2026, although an exact closure date hasn’t been released. As of now, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin remains on the calendar through at least August 4, so you still have some time to help defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg before the blasters get an upgrade.

With new permits in hand and construction activity kicking off, it’s officially countdown time for one of Magic Kingdom’s most enduring attractions. Space Rangers, get ready—your next mission is going to be sleeker, smarter, and a whole lot more interactive.

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