If your idea of a great date includes a little friendly competition, there’s a new reason to head to Magic Kingdom this spring.
Disney has confirmed that the refreshed Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will reopen on April 8, just in time for summer visits, and early details suggest this update is going to make the ride even more fun for couples who love a good challenge. We love a good Disney date, and soon you'll be able to level up your time together at Magic Kingdom.
What's Coming to Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Let’s be honest, this ride has always been one of the best places at Walt Disney World to turn a date into a scoreboard showdown. But soon, it will be even better.
With updated blasters, more interactive targets, refreshed ride vehicles, and an overall visual glow-up, the experience is getting a noticeable upgrade. That means more precision, more responsiveness, and (most importantly) more opportunities to outscore your partner.
If you’ve ever argued over who actually won on Space Ranger Spin, this refresh may finally settle the score.
A ride built for playful competition
What makes this attraction especially great for couples is how easy it is to turn it into a game within a game.
You’re not just riding — you’re competing:
- Who can hit the high-value targets first
- Who has the better aim
- Who walks away as the true Space Ranger
And with the refreshed elements, gameplay is expected to feel smoother and more engaging, making that competition even more satisfying.
Inside Tips
After riding the refreshed attraction ahead of its reopening, I can confirm this update delivers where it counts. It’s not a completely new ride, but it feels noticeably more polished, more responsive, and more rewarding to play.
It is much easier to know when you’re hitting targets, so instead of rapidly firing, you’ll get better results by slowing down and aiming with intention.
- Focus on targets that are fully visible and easy to line up rather than trying to hit everything in sight.
- Targets light up when you hit them, matching the color of your blaster.
- Pay attention to the audio and physical effects when you hit a target.
- Aim for every other target to give you more time to adjust your aim as you go.
- Take full advantage of the targets in the escape hatch tunnel.
– photo by Dani Meyering
Another key strategy is to take advantage of the opening moments of the ride. The new practice targets at the beginning are not just for fun — they help you dial in your aim before the real scoring begins.
Later in the ride, especially near the end, don’t check out early. Additional targets have been added in the final tunnel section, giving you a last chance to rack up points and potentially overtake your partner.
Skipping obstructed targets, maintaining a steady rhythm instead of rapid firing, and paying attention to the audio and physical feedback from your blaster will all help you build a stronger score.
Because every great date deserves a little competition — and maybe even a victory lap.
