Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in the Magic Kingdom has been reimagined and will reopen on April 8th, but the internet has already begun to crack the code on how to rack up a high score. With new technology, updated targets, and more dynamic gameplay, there are now clearer strategies than ever for reaching Galactic Hero status. These Space Ranger Spin sleuths who attended media previews deserve credit for cracking the code are Len Testa from Touring Plans, but the main person who really has figured it all out was Drew Smith, or Drew The Disney Dude. I highly recommend watching his video as he has a full breakdown.
The updated ride introduces handheld blasters, and while that change is widely known, one key detail is especially important if you are aiming for a top score. The blasters are color-coded, with red on the left and green on the right. Your laser will match the color of your blaster, making it much easier to identify your shots. This addresses a common frustration from the previous version of the ride, where it was difficult to tell which laser was yours.
The new blasters also include sound and vibration effects that activate when you successfully hit a target. This means you no longer need to check your score display after every shot to confirm a hit. Target colors now correspond with your blaster as well. When you hit a target, it will light up in your blaster’s color, giving you immediate visual confirmation.
Another important note is that you do not need to repeatedly pull the trigger. Just like the old blasters, holding it down will continuously fire, allowing you to focus more on aiming and tracking targets.
So which targets should you prioritize?
Targets aren’t always the same every time you ride, so be aware that you can’t just spam “high value” targets anymore because they are seemingly always changing. And it remains critical that you hit the very center of the target. Targets with a white pulsating ring are among the most valuable. These appear randomly throughout the ride and double the value of the target they surround. For example, a 10,000-point target becomes worth 20,000 points. Because these bonuses are randomized and target point values seem to change, memorizing target locations is no longer as effective as it once was.
Even more impactful are the rainbow targets, and they should be the most important takeaway if you want to get a high score. These light up briefly and offer a significant point bonus. When activated, they create a ten-second window during which nearby targets also score at this elevated rainbow value for all riders in the area. Because they are only available for a short time, it is important to hit them immediately and as many times as possible. Even if you do not trigger the original rainbow target, you can still benefit by hitting surrounding targets during that bonus period.
There is also ongoing discussion among fans about whether hitting a variety of targets yields more points than repeatedly hitting the same one. This has not been fully confirmed, but it may be worth keeping in mind as strategies continue to evolve.
What do you think of these changes? Do you still think you can become a Galactic Hero?
