By Tinker Belle Diva
The first several years I rode Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters, without any clue what I was doing. I was randomly pointing my Astro Blaster at what I thought were targets. My score would be roughly what my then 2-year old toddler was scoring. So I decided I needed to come up with a strategy to make it on the leader board.
Buzz gives you the scoop about Zurg
Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters is a shooting game where you ride through the attraction and gain points by hitting targets. The Evil Emperor Zurg is stealing the power from batteries to fuel a weapon of destruction so it is up to you to help Buzz save the day! It is located at the entrance to Tomorrowland across from Star Tours and behind Astro Orbiter, and is open to any rider of any height. A portion of the line is outside if the wait time is long, and once you are inside, you will start to see what this game is about. Since the line tends to move quickly once inside, you may miss some of the hints that are given to you in the murals and when Buzz updates you on what Zurg is planning. You will then have parties of two (or three if a lap sitter) head into the ride vehicles from a moving platform, the base of the vehicle with the Astro Blasters will tilt towards you, and just before you turn the first corner, they will be activated and ready to shoot.
TIP#1 – Find your laser and keep pulling the trigger! As my Astro Blaster is activating, I remove it from the holster and pull the trigger repeatedly pointing to the wall so I can find my laser. This is key because your laser finding the target is how you get points. Everyone else has a laser too, so knowing where yours is located will be key. Also, you cannot rapid fire the trigger, but you do need to keep firing. You will hear the noise when the trigger is pulled so keep firing after you hear the sound.
The one time I was Top Space Ranger!
TIP #2 – Know which Targets have the most value. There are four shapes with a big “Z” in the middle. These are the targets. In order of value they are:
- Circle – 100 points
- Square – 1,000 points
- Diamond – 5,000 points
- Triangle – 10,000 points
Each time you enter a room, look for Triangles and then Diamonds first. I do not waste time shooting at circles or squares unless I am not in view of the first two. In addition, hit the targets when it’s edges are lit up, as it will be worth ten times its standard point value!
If you score above 1 million, you cannot see it on your ride vehicle
TIP #3 – Keep firing at the same Target. Once you hit a target (hopefully a Diamond or Triangle) don’t stop! You can keep hitting the same target several times in a row to rack up the points. If you or someone else hits a target while its edges are lit, it will go dark, but don’t stop shooting because it will light up again after it resets. If the ride stops or slows, don’t stop shooting! Your Astro Blaster will not be disabled, and you’ll have plenty of time to aim and fire at high point targets!
TIP #4 – Aim for the Zurg ‘hidden’ target – When you enter the second room, Zurg will be on the left and will rotate/pivot as the ride vehicles pass. If you are able to hit the large green square on the bottom of his gun, he will turn towards you, as your gun hit the square. Then look for a small black hole on his chest that is unmarked and doesn’t have a “Z”. It is small and I find it difficult to hit, but I usually can tag it at least once as we pass by. If I get super lucky, the ride vehicles will slow or even stop as we pass him, and then I can always hit it – sometimes multiple times!
My personal best!
TIP #5 – Stop at the TV screen and get your photo! As you exit the ride, queue up your photo on the touch TV screens and send your ride photo to your email! If you score over 1 million, the email will let you know what your score actually was.
Do you have a tip on playing this fun attraction? If so, please add to the comments!
If you want help planning your Disneyland Resort vacation so you get your high score on Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, be sure to contact Patricia at All For Dreams Travel for a free vacation quote.
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