Everything You Need to Know About Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

You’re going on vacation to Walt Disney World! The only problem? You’re not sure which attractions are right for you and your kiddos and you have questions. Which attractions are too intense for little ones? What rides do I really need a FastPass+ reservation for? What’s the disability access like for certain attractions? We’re answering all those questions and more in our Everything You Need to Know attraction series with today’s focus on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at the Magic Kingdom!

What is Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin?

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is a slow-moving, interactive dark ride where guests point and shoot laser cannons at targets to compete for high scores.

Where is Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin?

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is located in Tomorrowland between Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor and Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress at the Magic Kingdom.

What is the History of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin?

This attraction officially opened November 3, 1998, and was the first of this type of attraction. Other iterations of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin have been repeated in Disney Parks all around the world.

The Magic Kingdom’s Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin replaced the attraction Take Flight, the last of aviation-themed attractions which had occupied this space in the park since 1972.

What You Need to Know About the Queue for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

The main interior portion of the queue consists of switchbacks in a space themed to look like Buzz Lightyear’s Star Command. It’s very cartoon-ish but manages to set the stage for the ride’s story. It also features a life-size audio-animatronic Buzz Lightyear who fills guests in on their mission.

What is the Ride Experience Like for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin?

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is an omnimover, meaning the ride vehicles move slowly but continuously through its black light cosmic, cartoonish sets filled with space creatures, little green men, robots, and Zurg. Guests press a button on their laser cannon to release a laser to hit targets marked with Zs for Zurg. Hitting certain targets yield higher points than others, and there is a way to max out your score and earn the rank of galactic hero. Tip: Keep the button on the laser cannon pressed down when aiming at targets for more points!

Overall, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is a gentle attraction whose thrill comes from competition and interactivity. It’s fun for both kids and adults and can be experience again and again.

What are the Ride Vehicles Like for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin?

Each car accommodates 2 to 3 people; however, there are only two laser cannons and two score-keeping displays. Cast members will usually allow two adults plus a small child, or one adult plus two small children, to ride in one vehicle. Larger adults can be seated in their own vehicle; this is rarely necessary. A single joystick between the two score-keeping displays allows you to spin the car to line up the various targets.

Guests sit on a lightly padded bench with a hard back and a single pull-down lap bar for all riders in a vehicle. Guests must take a small step up from a moving walkway to board the ride vehicle.

Each car only has two laser cannons, which can be a problem for single adults with multiple children. If there is a need to divide into separate cars, know guests can see other cars both in front and behind them. Also, the cars will arrive at the unloading area at about the same time. If there’s a need to separate into more than one vehicle, be sure the children are comfortable with this arrangement and know what to do in the case the ride stops. If a child needs to ride separate from an adult, but doesn’t want to ride with a stranger, speak to the Cast Member at the loading area. Disney should honor this type of request.

What You Need to Know About Accessibility for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

One ride vehicle will accommodate wheelchairs. Cast members will briefly pause the ride for wheelchairs to board. ECV users must transfer to the standard ride or to a wheelchair.

What You Need to Know About Health and Safety Warnings for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

There are no official health or safety warnings for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.

What are the Height Restrictions for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin?

There is no height requirement for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin!

Does Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Offer FastPass+?

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin does offer FastPass+, however it may not be the best use of a FastPass+ reservation. Its line does move faster than others and can have shorter waits than other popular attractions in the park.

Does Weather Affect Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin?

Since this attraction is located indoors, inclement weather won’t impact Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin. However, those waiting in the attraction’s extended outdoor queue may be exposed to the elements.

What’s the Best Time of Day to Experience Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin?

For the shortest wait, try to ride Buzz after riding Space Mountain first thing in the morning, or use FastPass+.

This chart shows you roughly how long you’ll wait for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin when you visit on a day with a given Magic Kingdom Crowd Level. The blue bars represent the average “peak” wait time (that is, how long the line will be at its busiest). The bottom and top black lines represent the range of peak wait times to expect (for you fellow nerds out there: it’s the 5th percentile and 95th percentile of peak wait times). Please note that these are estimates, and for a better forecast for your travel dates, see Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Wait Times.

Did I answer all of your questions about Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin? Is this attraction at the top of your family’s vacation to-do list? Let us know in the comments.