The Experience: A Star Command vessel with full movement

The Trick: Modifying a classic Disney vehicle to modernize it

Image: DisneyThe immersive nature of Space Ranger Spin is critical to its popularity. To provide this sort of escapism, Imagineers had to construct a ride cart that felt perfectly at home in outer space. It also needed to operate at reliable speeds to assure appropriate throughput, a pragmatic consideration for park planners. To achieve both goals, Disney returned to one of its classic inventions.

The Buzz Lightyear ride employs third generation Omnimover technology. The carts are all interconnected on the same structures, and they move at a controlled pace. This solves the throughput concern. Disney added a new trick for this particular vehicle, though.

Image: DisneyYour starship is capable of 360-degree movement! Outer space is 3-D, and so Imagineers decided that Star Command trainees would need to full range of motion. On a practical level, this design puts the Spin in Space Ranger Spin. Should you miss a battery, you have the ability to turn all the way around to keep shooting at it.

When you’re in the midst of battle, you might take this movement for granted, but it’s revolutionary for an Omnimover. For the first time, Disney stopped controlling the line of sight of Omnimover vehicles. Instead, they ceded full control to theme park tourists, a huge step in the advancement of ride design. It’s in stark contrast to an Omnimover design like the Doom Buggy, which narrows your focus to a specific part of the Haunted Mansion attraction. Space Ranger Spin is a liberated interpretation of the original Omnimover concept.

The Experience: Shooting your way to bragging rights

The Trick: Laser tag concepts converted for a Disney attraction

Image: DisneyWhile the backdrop and ride system of Space Ranger Spin are fascinating, what people care about the most is the game itself. It’s what makes every ride experience different. It’s also what keeps bringing people back. No matter who you are or who you’re with, you’ll feel competitive the moment that you join Star Command. When you have those batteries in your sights, you’ll want to prove your skill by attaining massive totals and thereby gaining the associated bragging rights.

How does the gaming system work? Disney took a simple concept that was already in the zeitgeist at the time and plussed it. At the core, the Buzz Lightyear attraction is a glorified game of laser tag! The simple but elegant point-and-click system from that popular game is on full display here, only with special Disney touches.

Each ride cart comes equipped with two laser pistols and a joystick. On the Magic Kingdom version of the attraction, the pistols remain in place. The Disneyland iteration advanced the concept so that guests can move the guns and thereby fire more accurately. Score this round for the Happiest Place on Earth.

Image: DisneyThe purpose of the laser pistols is to aim at bullseyes, hard targets shown on each battery. You’ll know them by the accompanying Z for Zurg. The signal from the laser pistol notifies the system when your aim is true. When you “hit” a Z, you score points, just as a laser tag player’s armor lights up to signify a hit.

The joystick’s presence emphasizes the genius of the ride cart. You use it to “control” the vehicle, turning it in the direction of your preferred target. At least, that’s the intent. In practice, most people work the joystick to guarantee that their friends miss their shots…and also get annoyed. The joystick’s presence is what gives the ride the full 360-degree range of motion. While it’s true that Space Ranger Spin is a kindred spirit to laser tag, it’s the superior version due to these Disney touches.