Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom has been closed for several months, but now has several upgrades, including a new crew member, blasters, interactive targets, and more. Take a look at all the changes here.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger SpinQueue
The queue appears mostly unchanged to us. Buzz is still on the platform between the Zurg wanted poster and the View Master toy.
However, the View Master toy now shows an image of Buddy, the support bot, among the scenes. Like a View Master, it flips through different scenes.
Sector 9 scan murals appear unchanged.
Star Command Power Center display also appears unchanged.
The green aliens’ journey mural is also unchanged.
Loading Zone and Vehicles
The newly designed XP37 Star Cruiser vehicles are armed with upgraded handheld blasters, which feature an always-on laser to help with aim. Each Star Cruiser has two different colors of blasters, which also have new light, sound, and haptic effects. They are not anchored to the ride vehicle like the previous blasters, allowing for a greater range of motion from the rider when aiming.
Each person also gets a new video monitor right in front of them. Previously, each person tracked their score with an outdated analog display. Once you hit a certain score, the achievements at the bottom of the screen light up. 999,999 (aka “Galactic Hero” status) is no longer the highest score riders can receive. Now scores can go to infinity and beyond. Disney has updated the ranking system and names:
+1,000,000 | Galactic Hero
600,001 – 999,999 | Cosmic Commander
300,001 – 600,000 | Space Ace
100,001 – 300,000 | Planetary Pilot
10,001 – 100,000 | Astro Aviator
1,001 – 10,000 | Solar Navigator
0 – 1,000 | Star Flyer
The joystick to spin the vehicle is still in the center of the console.
The sign above the entrance to the attraction says “Aim for the Z” and has a picture of a hand holding the new blaster shooting the Z in the middle of the target. Previously, the sign read “Score Counter,” which did not give as clear a direction as the new sign, although a hand was still holding the blaster and aiming at the Z in the center of the target.
Attraction
Buddy is in the opening sequence, encouraging guests to try out the blaster. Her job is to make sure all Space Rangers are ready to go and perform final systems checks on the Star Cruiser ride vehicles. She holds a target in each hand, and there are several more around her, which guests can practice shooting at. Previously, there were astronauts aiming blasters at a spinning disco ball, and there was no rider participation. The narration is clearly different to accommodate these differences.
Speaking of the targets, the old Z-targets have been updated to interact with the blasters, with each hit triggering lighting effects in the color that matches the blaster the rider has. Disney has said that these new targets “open the door for a few other ideas Imagineers have in mind.”
The next ride sequences are largely the same but with brighter and much more vibrant neon lights, and the targets’ design is different. There are also additional targets than in the previous version of this attraction. The large orange and blue robots are still present, as well as the alien sea creatures.
The large volcano in the next sequence continues to “erupt,” and the green aliens are still present. But again, the biggest thing we noticed was the vibrancy of the scenes. Before, everything was so dull with mostly blues and greens. Now, we notice a lot more oranges and reds, too.
There is also some new narration in a few of these ride sequences. For example, in the volcano scene, we used to be able to hear Zurg’s voice as we got a bit closer to the finale. However, now hear “Remember, we fear no foe, wherever they are.”
The music is also a bit more cheerful/friendly than the intimidating music that was in the attraction previously.
Moving into the room with Zurg, all of the attraction elements are the same for the most part. We did notice the floor beneath Zurg is now purple, which coordinates nicely with the targets. Zurg’s voice is also different—it’s not as menacing.
The spinning targets in the next sequence no longer spin. Now, that area is stationary, making it easier to hit targets.
The scene before the finale has been completely redone. Whereas before it was dark with red lights, now it looks like you are in outer space. Plus, there are new targets.
The universe is in jeopardy, and this is the team that will save it.
The animated targets are again brighter and more vibrant, making it easier to shoot at the targets. Buzz Lightyear also appears in this animated sequence, whereas he did not previously.
The finale features Zurg’s new voice, along with a new planet and more animations and narration. Buddy then says, “I’ll bring you in for landing. That was astro-mazing.” Your screen will then tally up your score and give you a name based on the badges you earned.
On-Ride Photo
The Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin on-ride photo shows riders’ mission score and rank for the first time. The top features the Mission Site (Gamma Quadrant) and Mission Date (date of your visit).
At the bottom, the photo also has Total Targets Hit and Special Targets Hit.
POV Video
Watch our full POV video below:
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