Disney Shares First Look at Buddy for Updated Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Disney Unveils “Buddy” and Major Gameplay Upgrades for Reimagined Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

During the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade, Disney offered fans a first look at the extensive updates coming to the classic Magic Kingdom attraction, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. The reveal confirmed that the ride is on track to reopen in Spring 2026 with significant technological enhancements and a brand-new character integration.

Related – First Look at New Ride Vehicles for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Meet “Buddy,” Your New Training Bot The centerpiece of the update is the introduction of Buddy, a new support-bot character created specifically for the attraction by Walt Disney Imagineering. Buddy will feature in an all-new opening scene, replacing the previous static launch sequence.

Described by Imagineers as having “youthful kid energy,” Buddy serves as an optimistic guide who helps recruits prepare for their mission against Emperor Zurg. Practically, this character solves a long-standing issue with the original ride by leading guests through an interactive tutorial level. This “practice round” allows riders to test their blasters and aim before the scoring officially begins.

New Tech: Handheld Blasters and Smart Targets Beyond the new character, the refurbishment addresses the most common guest complaint: the hardware. The fixed cannons of the past are being replaced with handheld blasters similar to those found in Disneyland’s Astro Blasters.

The upgraded tech features:

• Always-on Lasers: Guests will finally be able to see exactly where they are aiming.
• Haptic Feedback: The blasters will vibrate and react when shots are fired.
• Interactive Targets: The classic “Z” targets are being updated with smart technology that lights up and reacts instantly when hit.

Vehicle Overhaul The “XP-37 Star Cruisers” are also receiving a major facelift. The vehicles will sport a refreshed color scheme inspired by Star Command and will now feature on-board video monitors. These screens will provide real-time scoring updates, allowing competitive guests to track their progress more accurately than the old two-digit LED displays.

The attraction, which closed for this massive overhaul in August 2025, is expected to welcome Space Rangers back to Tomorrowland in Spring 2026.

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