Several key attractions are going offline at Disney’s theme parks this summer.
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Disney parks are not strangers to change, and this summer, two prominent attractions featuring Buzz Lightyear will bid farewell to guests. Both Disneyland Paris and Disney World have announced the closure of their respective Buzz Lightyear rides, as the company embarks on a journey of upgrades and renovations. While many fans eagerly anticipate the improvements, the timeline for reopening these beloved attractions remains shrouded in uncertainty.
In Disneyland Paris, the Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast will shut its doors on June 23, 2025. This arcade-style dark ride has garnered a dedicated following since its inception, but the resort has yet to specify when it will welcome back guests.
Similarly, Disney World’s Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin is slated to close later in August 2025, paving the way for major enhancements designed to elevate the guest experience. As the park transitions into this new phase, many visitors will have to hold their excitement in check, waiting for further news from Disney.
Attraction Details and Updates
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The Buzz Lightyear attractions provide guests with a unique blend of adventure, excitement, and friendly competition. In these dark rides, participants board their own space cruisers to engage in an arcade-style shooting challenge alongside Buzz and his companions. Despite their popularity, recent maintenance reports indicate that both versions of the ride—at Disneyland Paris and Disney World—are showing signs of wear and tear.
Guests have highlighted issues such as peeling paint on ride vehicles and the outdated experience that could benefit from a refresh. A notable criticism relates to the blasters used in the Magic Kingdom’s version, which are fixed to the ride vehicles, limiting players’ interaction.
In contrast, Disneyland’s version allows guests to take their blasters off the vehicle for more accurate aiming, creating a more engaging experience. Such comparisons highlight the necessity for updates to enhance the immersive fun of the attraction and bring it in line with modern expectations.
As Disney sets out to revamp the Buzz Lightyear experience, the company is not only focusing on this one attraction but also looking to reshape the future of ride experiences across its parks. Plans are already underway for the reopening of the Buzz Lightyear rides in 2026, along with exciting new attractions that will redefine guest experiences.
In Tokyo Disneyland, the Buzz Lightyear ride closed permanently in October 2024, signaling the start of a transformation that will introduce a brand-new shoot-em-up attraction inspired by Wreck-It Ralph. These changes, paired with a broader enhancement of the park’s offerings, will undoubtedly excite visitors familiar with Buzz Lightyear’s intergalactic escapades. As the parks continue redesigning attractions, guests will likely see a surge in innovative experiences, keeping the essence of Disney alive while introducing fresh adventures.
Disney’s recent decisions reflect a strategic vision for the future of its theme parks, emphasizing technology and innovation. The announcement of a brand-new theme park in Abu Dhabi adds another layer to Disney’s ambitions, as this will be the company’s first-ever park in the Middle East. Disney positions this new venture as one of its most technologically advanced projects, suggesting an exciting future for immersive experiences in global entertainment.
Moreover, recent performance highlights from Disney’s Q2 earnings report indicate a thriving presence within the theme park industry, showcasing strong subscriber growth for Disney+ and Hulu as well. Such advancements display Disney’s commitment to enhancing the guest experience, whether through new attractions or cutting-edge technology. The company recognizes that keeping guests engaged and excited requires innovation, all while cherishing the time-honored charm deeply rooted in the spirit of Disney.
