Updated: Disney Shares Look Inside Updated Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Update: Walt Disney Imagineering has shared a new behind-the-scenes video highlighting the hyperspace tunnel scene in Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. The clip expands on what we saw during the Christmas Day preview.
Shay, a Visual Effects Designer, shared what his team has come up for the updated attraction:
“We are in a scene called hyperspace. We are adding so many new elements to this scene. We’re introducing Buzz for the first time. Zurg is out there in hyperspace, releasing all of these space mines, which we get to score more points by firing on.”
Imagineers are collaborting with Pixar artists who worked on the Toy Story films to bring those scenes to life. Tasha, who helped animate Toy Story 2, explained the challenges this project presented. “We’re actually projecting onto a tunnel. We’re not used to animating something in a tunnel, so we actually created a grid that we could animate on that’s all flattened out. But then when we get it projected, it all looks normal,” she said.
You can see the updated hyperspace scene in Imagineering’s latest Instagram post.
Our original story from December 26 follows.
Disney offered a brief sneak peek at the refurbished Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin during the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade broadcast. The attraction is scheduled to reopen in spring 2026 with several notable upgrades, including a new pre-game character named Buddy, refreshed ride vehicles, and blasters featuring always-on lasers.
Disney revealed Buddy’s concept art last March, but the Christmas special marked the first time we’ve seen her in action. Buddy’s role is to prepare Space Rangers before launch, giving them a chance to test-fire the new blasters at practice targets.
Based on the eight seconds of ride footage we saw, the gameplay has taken a significant leap forward. Each rider’s laser now has a distinct color, making it easier to track shots. And the targets clearly react when hit, adding much-needed feedback.
Finally, the blasters are no longer anchored to ride vehicles, a change that should make them more accessible, especially for younger riders. New in-vehicle monitors display scores and interactive elements, as well.
The segment centered on Cast Member Christopher Copeland and his wife, Joy. Christopher, a VIP Tour Guide, lost his brother Brian, a devoted Buzz Lightyear fan. Imagineer Kimberly Alson presented him with a sketch of Brian alongside Buzz Lightyear, created by Pixar’s art team. It was a touching moment, to say the least.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – and Buddy – debut in spring 2026.
