Attention, Space Rangers! If you’ve ever ridden Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom or its Disneyland counterpart, Astro Blasters, you’ve probably dreamed of maxing out your score at a cool 999,999. Well, grab your laser blaster, and let’s get you that Galactic Hero badge!

Know Your Mission

Your objective? Help Buzz defeat the evil Emperor Zurg by blasting targets marked with the ‘Z’ symbol. Sounds simple, right? Well, if you’re aiming to reach the prestigious 999,999, you’ll need to go beyond just firing randomly. Let’s talk strategy.

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin attraction. Photo by WDW.

Target Shapes and Their Point Values

Not all ‘Z’ targets are created equal. The shape of the target determines its value, so knowing which ones to aim for can give you a major advantage:

• Circle Targets – Worth 100 points

• Square Targets – Worth 1,000 points

• Diamond Targets – Worth 5,000 points

• Triangle Targets – Worth 10,000 points

Wall mural in queue line for Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin displaying the different types of targets and their points value. Photo by Mix in Some Magic.

The Secret Targets That Pack a Punch

If you want to rack up points fast, focus on these high-value spots:

Room 1: The First Battle

• The Red Robot – As soon as you enter, look to your left for a giant red robot. Aim for the inside of the robot’s left arm (your right as you face him) or the hand that is further away from you—each hit is worth 100,000 points!

• The Large Claw – Quickly rotate your ride vehicle and find the large claw on the right side of the room. It’s another 100,000-point target, but you must hit it before moving into the second room.

The Boxobot in Room 1. Aim for the Z target on the interior of his left arm for 100,000 points.

The Big Claw in Room 1. Your best shot is to shoot the target once you are underneath it for 100,000 points.

Room 2: The High-Scoring Jackpot

• The Volcano – At the back of the room, there’s a volcano with two targets. The top target is worth 50,000 points per hit! Keep your aim steady and fire away.

• The Monster in a Box – Located near the middle of the room, this sneaky monster pops in and out of a box. It’s another 50,000-point target and can be hit from multiple angles.

• The Spinning Target – Just as you exit Room 2, look up! A spinning target above you is worth 25,000 points. You may only have time for one shot, so make it count.

In Room 2 look for the Volcano in the back of the room. Aim for the top target to get 50,000 points.

In the middle of Room 2 look for the Alien in a Box. When the box opens aim for the target on the inside.

At the end of Room 2 lookup and spot the spinning target. Photo by allears.net

Room 3: Zurg’s Doom

• The Z on Zurg’s Ship – As you enter, you’ll see a massive Zurg ship on your right. Look for the Z target at the bottom of the ship—it’s worth 100,000 points and is one of the easiest high-value targets to hit multiple times!

• Knock Over the Batteries – Before leaving this room, aim at the bottom of the large batteries. Knocking them over gives you another 50,000 points.

Room 3 aim for the Z under Zurg's ship. Photo by DVS Ventas.

Aim for the bigger batteries that knock over. Photo by Disney with Dave's Daughters.

Room 4: The Emergency Escape Hatch

• Keep Shooting! – This room has projections all around you, making it hard to aim precisely. But just for holding down the trigger and shooting “into space,” you can rack up an additional 300-400 points.

• Flying Zurg Target – Occasionally, an animated Zurg appears. If you manage to hit him, you’ll score 75,000 points.

Entrance to Room 4: The Emergency Escape Hatch. Photo by Defining Disney.

Final Room: The Last Chance for Points

• Continue Shooting the Z Targets – You can’t spin your vehicle here, but you can still aim. Every Z target hit adds a few more points before your ride ends.

• Smile for Your Photo! – Don’t forget, this is where your ride photo is taken, so strike a heroic pose!

Final Room and the last chance to rack up those points. Photo by guidetothemagic.com

Pro Tips for Precision Shooting

• Test Your Blaster First – At the beginning of the ride, put your hand in front of your laser blaster and fire until you see a red dot appear on your hand or the black wall. This ensures your blaster is working!

• Hold Down the Trigger – Continuous fire increases your chances of hitting high-value targets.

• Sit on the Right Side – Many of the best targets are easier to hit from the right-hand seat.

• For Young Space Rangers – The lowest score you can get is 1,300 if you keep shooting throughout the entire ride. If your child holds down the trigger, they will automatically reach Level 2 Space Ace!

• Broken Blasters Can Be a Bonus – Some blasters malfunction in a way that auto-fires continuously, giving you unlimited scoring potential!

The Ultimate Bragging Rights

Once you hit that magical 999,999, prepare to bask in Galactic Hero glory. If you’re at Magic Kingdom, head over to the nearby gift shop (Star Command Headquarters) and ask a Cast Member for a Galactic Hero sticker. It’s free, and trust me, it’s the best souvenir ever.

I did it, I scored 999,999 and achieved Galactic Hero.

Once you exit the attraction you end up in the attraction store. Get your photo with Buzz Lightyear and the little green aliens as they honor your Galactic Hero status. Also ask a Cast Member in the store for your Galactic Hero sticker.

Buzz vs. Buzz: Disneyland vs. Disney World

Both rides have the same mission—defeat Zurg—but there are some key differences:

• Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters (Disneyland) lets you remove the blaster from the vehicle, giving you more aiming control.

• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (Magic Kingdom) has a fixed blaster, so you’ll need to move your entire body to aim.

Space Ranger Ranking System

At the end of your mission, your score determines your Space Ranger rank:

• Level 1 Star Cadet: 0 – 1,000

• Level 2 Space Ace: 1,001 – 10,000

• Level 3 Planetary Pilot: 10,001 – 100,000

• Level 4 Space Scout: 100,001 – 300,000

• Level 5 Ranger 1st Class: 300,001 – 600,000

• Level 6 Cosmic Commando: 600,001 – 999,998

• Level 7 Galactic Hero: 999,999

Status Board at the end of the attraction just before you disembark your space pods. You can see what ranking you are according to your points. Photo by WDW Magazine

Two Last Super Secret Pro Tips

1. Ride breakdowns (yes, they happen!) can actually be a blessing in disguise. If the ride stops but your blaster still works, keep firing at a high-value target and rack up those points!

2. Zurg’s Chest Plate – There’s a 50,000-point target located in the middle of Zurg’s chest, just below the ‘Z’ holding his cape together. It’s easier to hit on the first full-sized Zurg you encounter. If the ride stops while you’re in front of him, aim only for this target to rack up massive points! So, there you have it, Space Rangers! With these tips, you’ll be a Galactic Hero in no time. Now go out there and defeat Emperor Zurg… to infinity and beyond!

Trivia question.

What real-life astronaut inspired Buzz Lightyear’s name?

Answer. Buzz Aldrin. Aldrin, the second person to walk on the moon, has even joked about how the famous space ranger is named after him! Plus, Buzz Lightyear’s original name in early drafts of Toy Story was Lunar Larry—imagine if that had stuck!

Buzz Lightyear recruiting space rangers for his attraction. Photo by Bill Harmon.