The fastest way to improve your score on Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters at Disneyland is to aim for triangles and diamonds, look for illuminated targets, and try to hit the hidden target on Emperor Zurg’s chest.
Not every target is worth the same number of points. A triangle is worth 100 times as much as a basic circle, and certain bonus targets can be worth even more. Once you understand that scoring system, it’s much easier to decide where to aim.
These tips apply to Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters at Disneyland Park in California. The similarly themed Buzz Lightyear ride at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom has different ride equipment and scoring details.
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster Tips That Matter Most
Before worrying about secret targets or complicated tricks, learn the four target shapes. They’re the foundation of a high score.
| Target shape | Standard points | Potential illuminated bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Circle | 100 | 1,000 |
| Square | 1,000 | 10,000 |
| Diamond | 5,000 | 50,000 |
| Triangle | 10,000 | 100,000 |
A single normal triangle hit is worth the same as 100 circle hits. That makes target selection much more important than simply firing at the closest object.
Here’s the order I’d follow:
- First: Look for illuminated targets, especially triangles and diamonds.
- Second: Focus on normal triangles and diamonds when no bonus is available.
- Third: Use squares when higher-value targets are blocked or out of reach.
- Last: Shoot circles when they’re the only targets you can reliably hit.
It’s better to hit an accessible diamond several times than spend the entire scene trying to reach a triangle you can’t line up.
The Secret 50,000-Point Target on Zurg’s Chest
One of the most useful Astro Blasters secrets is a small, unmarked target on Emperor Zurg’s chest. Experienced riders have documented hits worth 50,000 points each.
Unlike the usual glowing Z targets, this one is easy to overlook because it appears as a small opening between Zurg’s chest plates.
You have opportunities to aim for this spot during the two major Zurg scenes.
How to Hit the First Zurg Target
- When Zurg first appears, locate the green square target near the bottom of his weapon.
- Hitting that square can turn the figure toward your vehicle.
- Look for the small opening between the plates on his chest, below the prominent Z emblem.
- Line up your laser and fire repeatedly while the target remains visible.
The secret spot is much smaller than a regular Z target, so accurate aiming matters. Don’t spend so long searching for it that you miss several easy high-value targets nearby.
Look for Zurg Again Near the End
A second Zurg figure appears in the final portion of the attraction. Look for the same small chest opening.
If you manage to hit the hidden target even once, that can provide a substantial boost. Multiple successful hits can dramatically change your final score.
Learn How the Red Dot Behaves on the Ride
The targets are only part of the challenge. You also have to keep track of where your own laser is pointing while your vehicle moves through dark, colorful scenes.
When the ride begins, use an easy target to identify your laser’s position. If you’re riding with someone else, pay attention to which visible dot belongs to your blaster.
Once you’ve established that, make smaller aiming adjustments. Large, sudden movements tend to make it harder to stay on a valuable target.
Keep Firing When You’re Lined Up
One important clarification: you don’t need to stop firing after every successful hit. You can hit many targets repeatedly, so staying on a high-value target can be an excellent strategy.
If you’re consistently hitting a diamond worth 5,000 points, for example, several successful shots may be more valuable than abandoning it to search for something else.
The key is to keep your blaster aimed accurately while firing, rather than constantly swinging it between targets.
Use the Joystick to Improve Your Angle
Each XP-40 space cruiser has a joystick that lets you rotate the vehicle through 360 degrees.
Use it when a high-value target is to your side or behind you. You can sometimes continue shooting a valuable target after the ride vehicle has started moving past it.
Constant spinning is less helpful. It makes your surroundings harder to track and can spoil a good shooting angle just when you’ve found one.
If you’re riding with another person, remember that you share control of the vehicle’s rotation. Agreeing on who will use the joystick can prevent you from accidentally turning away from each other’s targets.
Best Targets and Scenes to Pay Attention To
Beyond Zurg’s secret chest targets, several parts of Astro Blasters contain particularly useful opportunities for high scores.
Robot and Spaceship Targets Near the Beginning
Look for triangle targets around the moving robot and spaceship elements in the opening sections of the ride.
Some are positioned where you may not notice them immediately. Watch for targets on moving components and surfaces that become visible as your vehicle passes.
Moving Aliens and the Jack-in-the-Box
In the alien scenes, pay attention to targets on moving figures rather than only the stationary objects directly ahead.
One useful sequence involves a jack-in-the-box. Hitting its exterior target can reveal another opportunity to shoot a high-value triangle.
Hidden Triangles in the Dark Tunnel
Don’t put down your blaster when the scenery becomes darker. The starry tunnel contains triangle targets that are easy to miss if you’re only looking straight ahead.
Watch for brief illumination and use the vehicle’s rotation to help locate the targets along the walls.
The Final Zurg Scene
Keep enough attention for the final room. Besides the hidden chest target, there are other scoring opportunities that can be revealed by hitting targets on surrounding objects.
By this point, you should already know how your blaster is tracking. It’s a good opportunity to apply what you’ve learned rather than rushing because the ride is almost over.
What Happens to Your Score if Astro Blasters Stops?
Temporary stops can create an unexpected scoring opportunity.
If the ride pauses and your blaster remains active, you may be able to continue hitting targets while your vehicle stays in one position.
That’s especially useful if you’re stopped in front of a diamond, triangle or other high-value target. Without the vehicle moving, it can be much easier to maintain your aim and fire repeatedly.
Of course, don’t count on the ride stopping. It’s simply an opportunity to recognize if it happens naturally.
Best Time to Ride if You Care About Your Score
There isn’t a special time of day when Astro Blasters targets are worth more points. The scoring system doesn’t become easier in the morning or harder at night.
What changes is your opportunity to ride again.
If the standby wait is manageable, a second ride can help you remember the target locations and get more comfortable controlling your blaster.
I like the idea of riding once to learn the sequence, then returning later if the wait is short. You’ll recognize the Zurg scenes, know when to look for triangles and waste less time figuring out where you are.
Check the Disneyland app for current wait times rather than relying on a fixed hour. Astro Blasters is in Tomorrowland, so it’s also easy to fit into a visit that includes nearby attractions.
Astro Blasters Mistakes That Cost You Points
- Aiming only at nearby circles: They’re easy to hit but worth far fewer points than diamonds and triangles.
- Ignoring illuminated targets: A successful bonus hit can provide a major increase.
- Constantly spinning the vehicle: This makes it harder to keep your blaster lined up.
- Leaving a valuable target too quickly: Repeated hits can add points while the target remains within reach.
- Forgetting the second Zurg appearance: You may get another opportunity to hit his hidden chest target near the end.
- Never checking your score: Glancing at the onboard display can help you recognize whether your current approach is working.
How to Reach a Higher Star Command Rank
Your final score determines your Star Command rank. Disney identifies Galactic Hero as the highest rank, while the lowest rank is Space Cadet.
The most efficient path toward a higher rank isn’t a complicated trick. It’s a combination of accurate aiming, understanding target values, recognizing high-value scenes and taking advantage of the secret Zurg target.
If you’re riding with a friend, make it a challenge to see who can improve the most between two attempts. Comparing your own scores is often more interesting than trying to match an expert rider who’s memorized every target location.
And if you manage to get a great score, check the photo and score options available at the attraction’s exit.
A Simple High-Score Strategy for Your Next Ride
Here’s how I’d approach one trip through Astro Blasters:
- At the start: Identify your laser dot and focus on triangles or diamonds instead of easy circles.
- During the opening scenes: Watch moving objects for partially hidden high-value targets.
- At the first Zurg encounter: Try to turn Zurg toward you and aim for the hidden chest opening.
- In the alien scenes and dark tunnel: Watch for triangles, illuminated targets and objects that reveal additional targets.
- At the final Zurg scene: Look for the second opportunity to hit the 50,000-point chest target.
- Throughout the ride: Keep firing when your aim is good, and rotate the vehicle only when it improves your angle.
Once you’ve learned the point values, Astro Blasters becomes less about luck and more about recognizing opportunities. The biggest gains usually come from spending more of your ride shooting high-value targets rather than spreading your attention evenly across everything you see.
For current attraction information, check Disney’s official Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters page.
