Disney World Crowds Shift as Buzz Lightyear Reopens and Summer Headliners Stack Up
A rare overlap of reopenings is concentrating demand across the parks.
Overview
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, which officially reopened Wednesday, now has upgraded Astro Blasters and a new character named Buddy.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is expected to return by summer after a year-plus closure, and Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is slated to reopen with a Muppets retheme in the same window.
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will add a new mission featuring Din Djarin and Grogu tied to an upcoming film release, which is boosting interest.
- TRON Lightcycle / Run, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Slinky Dog Dash, and Rise of the Resistance continue to shape plans because they attract heavy demand.
- With nine high-profile rides peaking at once, outlets urge visitors to pick must-dos, use Lightning Lane paid access when possible, and stay flexible to avoid losing the day to lines.