Walt Disney Imagineering Files Construction Permit for Major Buzz Lightyear Ride Update

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Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin Updates 2025

Posted: Wednesday March 26, 2025 11:00am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Walt Disney Imagineering has filed a Notice of Commencement for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom, marking the next step in the attraction’s upcoming refurbishment. The permit lists Icarus Exhibits as the contractor, with the scope of work described as “Install Set Elements.”

Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin Updates 2025

This filing supports Disney’s just announced plans to update the attraction with:

A brand-new opening scene featuring a support-bot named Buddy
Redesigned ride vehicles inspired by Star Command colors, with onboard video monitors
Handheld blasters featuring improved aiming and feedback features
Interactive targets that react when hit

Icarus Exhibits has worked on various Disney projects in the past, typically involving themed construction and scenic installations. Their role in this project likely involves fabrication and installation of physical sets tied to the new show elements.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is scheduled to close temporarily in August 2025 to allow for this work, with the updated ride expected to reopen in 2026.

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ProjectXBlog28 days ago

Wow, I had no idea this effect has been down for so long! Spinning the car through this tunnel was my favorite part of the ride but I haven’t been on it in almost 20 years.

Theme Park Nerdo28 days ago

I wonder if the long-broken "jet turbine" effect in the Escape Hatch left over from Delta Dreamflight will be restored or be replaced with another effect all together during the upcoming refurb. (I'm also praying the Dreamflight cloud sign and chickens area spared too. ^^)

HauntedPirateMar 30, 2025

Company-provided or stickers guests bring in and apply themselves? 🤔

HauntedPirateMar 30, 2025

I didn’t mean there was no information about WDW available, but you knew that. And yet, here we are. 🤦‍♂️

graphite1326Mar 30, 2025

There was plenty of information out there. You just had to pick up a book and read.

flynnibusMar 30, 2025

Probably new stickers…

Agent HMar 30, 2025

Hey if a penguin can do it why can’t a parrot?

MisterPenguinMar 30, 2025

Well, now we know... parrots can read blogs.

lazyboy97oMar 30, 2025

It says that in the blog post.

JayspencyMar 30, 2025

I heard 2026 being parroted around for when it could reopen.

MisterPenguinMar 30, 2025

MickMinn22Mar 29, 2025

Really excited about this announcement. This is my favorite ride and been dreading that it could be on the chopping block. Still could be, but this is much needed TLC for buzz. I’m really interested to see what they do with the queue. The announcement makes it seem relatively “quick” which not sure they could do too much. Plus doubt they would add any exterior structures to have more of the queue indoors especially if any larger work is planned for tommorowland.