I am a fiercely competitive person who doesn't like to lose. This personality trait doesn't seem to go away while I'm on vacation at WDW. When I found out there was an interactive shooting dark ride themed after Buzz Lightyear in Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland, the gloves came off. No matter who rides next to me, it is my sole mission to crush the opposition. I have ridden Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin more times than I can count (and even gotten stuck on it a few times). Over the years, I have figured out how to get the highest score possible (999,999). Here are a few tricks I learned from trial and error to help you beat the competition.
My max score during our Christmas 2019 trip. You can get a crazy high score, too!
The Ride System:
This attraction uses an Omnimover system, which means the ride should continuously move throughout the experience. Each individual cart has two laser guns and a joystick that allows the cart to rotate 360 degrees. It's important you know where to turn your cart so you can give yourself the best chance at hitting those targets that will give you big points. By knowing what's coming up, you can work with (or against) your partner so you can ideally position yourselves.
The laser technology is...dated. In fact, I bet there isn't a single laser gun in that attraction that is 100% accurate. You can
have the sharpest aim this side of the Mississippi, and you will probably still experience trouble hitting the targets. This is not problematic if you
know which targets to shoot. Not all targets are created equal. Some are worth more than others. By focusing on the targets that score you big points, you will have more opportunities to successfully hit those specific targets.
Room #1:
In the first room you will encounter a gigantic red robot on your left. There is a small target on the inside of his left palm worth 100,000 points. The arm moves, and everyone and their Aunt Karen is going to be shooting at or around this one, so know which laser dot is yours. As soon as you hit it, use the joystick to rotate your cart to the front. On the ceiling you will see a gigantic claw. Shoot that for another 100,000 points. If you miss it, turn your cart backwards as you exit the room, which will give you another chance hit the target.
Room #2:
As you enter the second showroom, make sure your cart is turned to the right. On the back wall you will see a large volcano with two targets. Hit the higher one as many times as you possible can. Each hit will rack up another 50,000 points. Yes, you can hit the same target multiple times!
A little farther into the room you will notice the Alien-in-the-box (literally a jack-in-the-box but with aliens...so clever, Disney) also on the right. Hit the target and get another 50,000 points.
Photo Credit: Magic Guides
Room #3:
By this point, if you have hit most of these targets multiple times, you will be more than halfway to maxing out your score. Woohoo! As soon as you pass Zurg-o-Vision, turn your cart to the left side. You will see batteries on the lower half of the showroom. Hit these targets for 25,000 points each.
As soon as you get past the batteries, immediately turn your cart to the right side and prepare to hit the target at the very bottom of Zurg's ship. Hit this target for 100,000. This is my favorite target for two reasons:
- The target is somewhat tucked away at the bottom of the showroom. In my experience there are fewer guests aiming at this target, making it easier to see your specific laser dot.
- I feel like I have a longer period of time to hit this target, which gives me a greater chance at hitting it multiple times.
Room #4:
The final room is called the Emergency Escape Hatch. By the time I reach this room, I most likely already maxed out my score, so I usually can't get points in here. This is when I usually sit and and bask in the glory of sweet victory while my partner scrambles to catch up with me. If you didn't get your 999,999 points by the time you get to this room, you might be out of luck.
Photo Credit: Magic Guides
Level Achievements:
At the end of the game, you will be assigned a level based on your score. Of course, your goal should be to achieve Galactic Hero status (hair toss).
- Level 1 Star Cadet: 0 – 1,000
- Level 2 Space Scout: 1,001 – 10,000
- Level 3 Ranger 1st Class: 10,001 – 100,000
- Level 4 Planetary Pilot: 100,001 – 300,000
- Level 5 Space Ace: 300,001 – 600,000
- Level 6 Cosmic Commando: 600,001 – 999,998
- Level 7 Galactic Hero: 999,999+
I wish you the very best of luck as you compete to crush the competition in your family. There may be tears, but it's the price you pay for eternal glory.
Happy riding!
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