Photo credit: www.techradar.com
Disney’s Plans for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: A Technological Upgrade Awaits
Disney is experiencing a fruitful week, having made several notable updates including the ability to remove content from the ‘Continue Watching’ list on Disney+, a glimpse into the development of the robotic BDX Droids, and the announcement of the cast for Avengers: Doomsday.
Amid these exciting developments and perhaps in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Toy Story, Disney’s Imagineering has rolled out plans for significant enhancements to one of its classic attractions—Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World.
The planned updates aim to integrate advanced technology with the attraction, promising a more engaging and enjoyable experience for visitors. Even though the updates are set to come after the ride’s closure in August 2025, there are numerous advancements to anticipate.
Foremost among the changes will be the introduction of new ride vehicles equipped with displays, redesigned blasters that shoot eye-catching colorful lasers, and a new animatronic that will debut in an updated scene. This balance seeks to retain the essence of the beloved ride while simultaneously enhancing it with modern features.
In this attraction, two riders enter a vehicle to assist Buzz Lightyear and his fellow space rangers in targeting the symbols of the notorious ‘Emperor Zurg’. Feedback from guests, including those who have experienced the current version, indicates that the existing lasers can be somewhat cumbersome due to the constant trigger action and unpredictability of the targets.
How Disney Is Leveraging Technology for This Ride Upgrade
While much of the core narrative and structure will remain unchanged, the new blasters will feature distinct laser colors, enhancing riders’ ability to identify their targets quickly. According to Disney, the updated targets will respond visually when hit, but specific details about the technology enabling this advancement have not yet been disclosed. One thing is clear: the technological evolution behind these upgrades is substantial.
Disney has confirmed that the revamped ride is scheduled for a 2026 opening, necessitating the ride’s closure in August 2025 for renovations. Playtests have already commenced, allowing the design team to evaluate and refine the proposed enhancements in real-time.
Project creative director Justin DeTolla expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We’ve been working on this project for quite some time now, so it was exciting to see it all come to life for the first time in the field.”
Images from the testing showcase the new blasters, which feature a sleek design with a probable LED-lit front circular section and a more compact form, though the targets themselves appear largely unchanged. Upon its reopening, the ride will also introduce an onboard screen that provides real-time score updates, moving away from the traditional red LED displays.
These developments come in an exhilarating week for Disney, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Toy Story, which is currently available for streaming on Disney+. Besides this attraction update, Disney World is also prepping for further expansions, such as a Villains Land and Cars land, as well as new areas at Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, including a Monsters Inc. land and the first-ever Encanto ride.
Anticipation is building as Disney shares plans for exciting enhancements, with confirmation that a major update to a cherished ride will be the first to debut in 2026.
You Might Also Like
Source
www.techradar.com