Not today, Zurg! Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is both fun and games for all ages. With an infrared laser cannon, you’ll help fight Buzz Lightyear’s arch-nemisis, Zurg.
While blasting targets, not only do you earn points, but you’ll become a Junior Space Ranger and maybe even a Galactic Hero, if you’re lucky.
In this article
Quick Facts
- Location: Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland
- Height Requirement: None
- Description: This is a ride and game in one. You board ride vehicles and then aim at the Zs and earn points which appear on the screens in your ride vehicle.
- When to Visit: During the second hour.
- Recommended: Yes
- Tip(s): Aim for the top of the volcano and at the robot’s left hand for huge points.
- Scheduled Refurbishment: None scheduled right now
Everything You Need To Know About Buzz Lightyear
Location
You can find Buzz Lightyear on the right-hand side as you walk into Tomorrowland from the main Hub. Here’s the location on the map.
Height Requirement
There isn’t a height requirement for Buzz Lightyear. We have guides on other WDW thrill rides and height requirements for attractions at other theme parks and water parks.
Rider Switch & Single Rider
Buzz Lightyear doesn’t have Rider Switch or a Single Rider Line available.
History
Following the massive success of Pixar’s Toy Story in 1995, Buzz Lightyear opened in 1998 at Magic Kingdom.
As detailed by Undercover Tourist, before becoming an attraction dedicated to the beloved space ranger, If You Had Wings was housed inside the same building starting in 1972 using the Omnimover ride system just like Haunted Mansion, Spaceship Earth, and more.
Initially, the ride was sponsored by Eastern Airlines and guests were able to experience the different cities that airline flew to, like Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and New Orleans.
But, when the ride switched to sponsorship by Delta in 1987, the attraction’s name changed to If You Could Fly. This attraction closed its doors in 1989.
Queue
The queue for Buzz Lightyear is mainly indoors, but when there are longer waits, the line extends outside of the buidling.
The interior queue is themed to the ride and Buzz Lightyear’s Star Command. There also isn’t any type of interactive queue.
Motion Sickness
There’s a brief section where you go through a simulated star tunnel. You may want to close your eyes here. There’s also a joystick that spins the car. If needed, we have a guide on motion sickness that’s filled with information and tips.
Ride Vehicles
Each ride vehicle can fit at least 2 to 3 guests, depending if you have littles one with you. Keep in mind that there are only two laser cannons and two score-keeping displays in each car. There’s one pull-down lap bar for all riders.
Is It Kid-Friendly?
Buzz Lightyear is kid-friendly, but the overall darkness may bother some little ones. We have a full guide on several other things that might scare little ones at WDW.
PhotoPass/On-Ride Photos
Your photo is taken on Buzz Lightyear, but not until the end of the ride. Pay attention to the room with the giant Emperor Zurg, because the camera is on him!
When you ride with a MagicBand and a linked Memory Maker entitlement, your photo will automatically be uploaded to your My Disney Experience account. The same can be said if you’re a WDW Annual Passholder.
Be sure to read more on PhotoPass and how Memory Maker works.
At the end of the ride, there’s also a touch point for those without a MagicBand to tap their park ticket or Memory Maker card. Your photo will then be added to your account.
Video
It’s not as fun as earning points on the actual ride, but here’s a ride-through video of Buzz Lightyear.
Other Fun Details
- Easter Eggs: At the end of the ride, keep your eyes peeled for the Little Green Men near a Space Ranger with a mustache. Not only is there a hidden Mickey, but you can see Stitch in his stolen police spaceship outside the window.
- Play Disney Parks: N/A
- Movie Connections: Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spins is, of course, inspired by the Toy Story franchise.
- Galactic Hero: If you get a score of 999,999, you’ll earn the title of “Galactic Hero.” Let a Cast Member know in the store you exit into after getting off the ride and you’ll get a free “Galactic Hero” sticker. You might want to take a photo of your score to show a Cast Member, just to be safe. Here are some tips on how to get Galactic Hero status.