Walt Disney Imagineering has shared new details about Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin with Fox35, revealing Easter eggs, queue updates, and potential Toy Story 5 tie-ins coming to the Magic Kingdom attraction.
The refurbished ride will feature hidden surprises for superfans to discover when it reopens in spring 2026.
New Easter Eggs and Digital Targets
Kimberly Alison, a producer with Walt Disney Imagineering, told Fox35 that the updated attraction will include new Easter eggs for riders to unlock.
"We wanted to make sure that we preserved a lot of those special secrets that we know our superfans love to find," Alison said. "But now that we have all digital targets, it allowed us to actually take a look at the gameplay and add even more fun surprises. So we do encourage riders to keep a really sharp eye out as they ride."
The switch to digital interactive targets opens up new possibilities for hidden elements and gameplay features that weren't possible with the original mechanical targets.
Queue Getting Refreshed
The project also includes updates to the queue area, though Imagineering wasn't ready to share specific details about those changes.
"We are kind of reassessing our queue," Alison said. "It's going to feel refreshed as well."
Possible Toy Story 5 References
With Toy Story 5 set to hit theaters this summer, Fox35 asked whether riders might see nods to the upcoming film in the attraction.
"We're going to say keep a sharp eye out when you ride," Alison said. "There are some fun surprises that we can't wait for you guys to discover."
What Else is Changing
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin closed in August 2025 for the major refurbishment. The update includes new scenes, redesigned vehicles, upgraded blasters, and more responsive gameplay tech.
The opening sequence has been completely reworked to introduce Buddy, a new support robot created by Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar. The hyperspace tunnel scene features new projection technology showing Buzz Lightyear and Emperor Zurg for the first time during the ride.
Ride vehicles now have Star Command styling and onboard screens displaying real-time scoring. Handheld blasters replace the original fixed versions, offering better aim with vibration, sound effects, and an always-on laser to help track your shots.
Work on the exterior is also progressing. The new marquee featuring a Space Mountain-style white spire is now installed, with just the attraction name text still to be added.
Disney has not announced a specific reopening date beyond spring 2026.
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