At a Glance
Duration: 4 minutes, 15 seconds
Look Out For: a couple of scary animatronics, spinning, and sensory overload
Opening on November 3rd, 1998, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is an interactive galactic blast that pits you against the evil Emperor Zurg and his minions. But how scary is Space Ranger Spin? Let’s take a look at the ratings:
1. Ride Length
Space Ranger Spin has a ride duration of 4 minutes and 15 seconds. While you may spend a few extra seconds in the ride vehicle during loading and unloading, the fact that this attraction runs constantly on a belt makes it fairly efficient in that way.
2. Height Requirement and Warnings
Space Ranger Spin has no height requirement. In addition, Disney has no official warnings for the attraction.
3. Ride Vehicles and Restraints
The Space Ranger Spin ride vehicles consist of individual cars (or XP-37 star cruisers) that seat approximately 2 people. Just like Toy Story Mania, each car has its own lap bar and an two interactive “guns” (space canons in this case) that allow you to shoot at your targets.
4. How Does Space Ranger Spin Work?
Space Ranger Spin works like a standard track ride, moving the cars along a predetermined track, but also allows its riders to interact with the environment via “space canons.” As you shoot at targets around the show scenes, the props and animatronics will respond accordingly. While similar to Toy Story Mania in many ways, this attraction relies solely on practical sets rather than screens of any kind.
5. Is Space Ranger Spin Scary?
Space Ranger Spin is not intentionally scary, but could definitely cause sensory overload to some riders. As a space-themed attraction involving the galactic battle between Buzz Lightyear and Emperor Zurg, there is no shortage of loud noises, canon blasts, flashing lights, menacing minions, and huge animatronic baddies along the way. In addition, the entire ride takes place in a dark setting with its set pieces and targets illuminated for you to shoot at. The whole experience could certainly feel overwhelming and chaotic – especially to those prone to sensory sensitivity.
While the theming is definitely cartoonish and feels a bit like an elaborate carnival ride, some of the bad guys could still be a bit frightening. Aside from wild-eyed alien monsters and evil robots around every corner, you also come face to face with Emperor Zurg at several points on the ride. With his glowing red eyes, menacing voice, and intimidating size, he could definitely be a problem for those not too keen on Disney villains – or at least getting up close and personal with them.
6. How High is Space Ranger Spin?
Space Ranger Spin does not involve heights. While definitely a space-themed attraction, your ride vehicle never leaves the ground and there is no simulated flight that might make you feel otherwise.
7. How Fast is Space Ranger Spin?
Space Ranger Spin does not go fast. As an indoor track ride, this attraction moves at a slow, leisurely pace – allowing you the time you need to shoot at the bad guys along the way.
8. Does Space Ranger Spin Have Drops?
Space Ranger Spin does not have drops of any kind.
9. Does Space Ranger Spin Cause Motion Sickness?
Space Ranger Spin may cause motion sickness to some riders. With the word “spin” being in this attraction’s name, it may come as no surprise that it involves some, well, spinning. However, while the ride vehicles are capable of 360-degree movement, it is ultimately up to the riders to decide when and how much to turn. Whether you want to rotate just enough to see the show scenes or go full-on teacups on this ride, you have the freedom to do so.
It should also be noted that there is a “star tunnel” sequence with rushing visuals projected all around you that may cause motion sickness to some riders. This segment lasts only 25 seconds, however, and you can of course choose to close your eyes if that helps.
10. Is Space Ranger Spin Claustrophobic?
Space Ranger Spin should not be especially claustrophobic to most riders. With it’s fairly average ride duration and interactive nature, this attraction did not feel overly confining in my opinion. However, you are still locked in with a lap bar and move through several enclosed scenes throughout the ride, so if other dark ride attractions make you nervous, you may want to skip out on this one as well.
11. Are There Animatronics on Space Ranger Spin?
There are many animatronics on Space Ranger Spin – some of which are pretty darn scary. You’ll first encounter Buzz Lightyear’s friendly face in the queue, but he is still pretty intimidating with his lifelike size and range of motion. He is definitely the most advanced animatronic found on this attraction, but he’s far from the most menacing.
Throughout the ride, you’ll come across a gigantic boxobot and the evil Emperor Zurg as he glares back at you with glowing red eyes. Zurg is easily the scariest part of this attraction, and though he has limited movement, his spooky voice and dialogue make for a pretty frightening experience.
Space Ranger Spin Queue Walkthrough
The queue entrance is located outside in the Tomorrowland area of Magic Kingdom. The line will take you inside and through a series of hallways – complete with blaring sirens and other galactic theming. At one point you will wind through an open area and find Buzz Lightyear himself (as an animatronic) prepping you for your mission.
While decidedly family-friendly with its theming, the queue can feel both a bit chaotic due to the sirens and claustrophobic due to the many enclosed and windowless hallways you’ll be waiting in. However, once you board the ride vehicle, this attraction does not feel terribly confining as a whole.
Space Ranger Spin Ride Walkthrough
Once you board the ride vehicles, the lap bar and “space canons” will swing inward, allowing you to shoot at targets as they pass by. You’ll first make your way past the “astro accelerator” as you prepare to enter the space battle. The first targets you encounter will be a massive boxobot surrounded by space stations, ships, and batteries scattered across a starry landscape. From there, you’ll move through an alien planet brimming with crazy creatures and monsters – mostly cartoonish and not too scary.
When you round the next corner, you’ll come face to face with Zurg and his little green aliens. While his animatronics don’t have much range of motion, he’s still an intimidating presence and could certainly be frightening to some riders. You’ll then find yourself heading for the “escape hatch” and will go through the 25 second star tunnel I was talking about earlier.
On the other side, you’ll find Zurg in his spaceship as you battle to the end – and by battle, I mean shoot targets. The last scene sees Zurg defeated and Buzz Lightyear congratulates you on a successful mission. With that you’re back at the loading station and the ride comes to an end.
That’s it! Remember, everyone’s riding experience is a little bit different and only you can decide whether to hop on that ride vehicle or not. I just hope this guide helps you be prepared and enjoy every second of your Disney experience!
So what do you think? How scary is Space Ranger Spin? Leave a comment to help keep this guide up to date!
For a full visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW:
