Buzz Lightyear and the Little Green Men Save Disneyland!|
St. Patrick's Day Threat Averted as Buzz and 250 Recruits Defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg

St. Patrick's Day is all about the wearin' of the green. Since the Little Green Men are an important part of the Galactic Alliance, it was no surprise that March 17 was chosen to dedicate the brand new Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters attraction at Disneyland Park. Guests on Main Street were urged to gather in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle for a special ceremony. But, just as the cheery announcement was winding up, static crackled through the air. Ominous music boomed, and the announcer changed his tone to order everyone to gather at the Castle, "When the Evil Emperor Zurg takes over the planet!" More threats followed, ending with the chilling promise, "Be there in just fifteen minutes, when the world will belong to Zurg!"

The atmosphere became more ominous as Disneyland's cheery music was replaced with hard driving galactic tunes by Meco and the B-52s. Further announcements became progressively gloomy for the fate of the planet... and the Happiest Place on Earth.

But, just when all seemed darkest, came the reassurance that there was no need to fear, Star Command's Cosmic Hero Buzz Lightyear was on his way.

The music faded, and space static filled the air. Suddenly, a Green Army Man raced into the plaza in front of the Castle. "Code Red! This is a Code Red!" he bellowed. "Red Alert!"

More Green Army Men rushed in as reinforcements. They excitedly announced the imminent arrival of heroic Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear. His bright green Humvee appeared in the open archway of the Castle. As the crowd roared their approval, Buzz entered, leading a whole platoon of Green Army Men. He urged the troops on, saying, "Come and follow me-we've got some work to do."

The Green Army men then fell in, and performed a snappy rendition of the song, "We Are the Fighting Army Green."

As they struck a final heroic pose, Buzz commissioned them on behalf of the Space Rangers and the Galactic Alliance. But would there be enough of them to face Zurg and his minions? The leader of the Green Army Men suggested that volunteers be taken from the crowd. Buzz granted permission, and soon everyone was pressed into service. All were admonished to repeat the pledge:

I promise to do all I can,
To resist Evil,
To defend Good,
And to defeat Zurg at all costs.

With those words, all in attendance were made honorary Space Rangers.

But Zurg's evil plans were not yet thwarted. As static again filled the air, Zurg announced that he had landed! All were doomed! One Green Army Man panicked and called for his Mommy. The leader immediately requested trained reinforcements. Buzz suggested a massive supply of Little Green Men, "On the double!"

Star Command responded swiftly, as the castle archway soon filled with 250 "Little Green Men." These were not exactly the three-eyed aliens made so familiar by Toy Story and it's sequel productions. They were, rather, fourth and fifth grade students from William GREEN Elementary school in Lawndale, California. Dressed in green, they were, indeed, Little Green Men (and Women)! With his fighting crew following, Buzz headed up Main Street in his Humvee. Following the Little Green men and their Green Army Man escorts was a bright green school bus. The parade made its way up to Town Square and turned back toward the heart of the Park. There, a dire announcement informed Buzz and the troops that they were too late. Zurg had taken over Tomorrowland. Soon, the announcer said sadly, all Disneyland would become "The Evilest Place on Earth."

Sure enough, back at Disneyland Star Command Base (or the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters attraction, as we know it), Zurg had indeed taken over, and sealed the door with his imperial emblem. Buzz hurried ahead of the troops and reconnoitered. Star Command gave him his orders, and the rest of the troops arrived. Buzz reassured the gathering crowd of anxious guests, saying, "Greetings! Nobody panic. The Space Corps has arrived." The massive crew spread out in front of the sealed door, as Buzz informed them, "The Evil Emperor Zurg has taken over the Star Command Base!"

The leader of the Green Army Men rallied the troops, bellowing, "Are you ready to defeat Zurg?" When the crew roared their assent, Astro Blasters were handed out, and everyone stepped back from the doors. There was a short count down from five to one, and the Blasters did their work. With a burst of smoke and a shower of confetti (green shamrock confetti), the doors were breached, and Zurg was defeated. The triumphant Space Corps then surged through the doors, clearing the way for all to enjoy Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. As the last of the Little Green (and Women) men filed through the doors, the leader of the Green Army Men happily announced "Mission accomplished! Let's Move out!"

After all that galactic mayhem however, the not-so-galactic local Fire Marshall first had to do a quick check of the attraction. Pyrotechnics (especially those required to defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg) had set off one of the sensitive smoke detectors inside. The Little Green Men (and Women) dutifully filed all the way through, and back again to the entry doors. Only when all was cleared for launch did they receive their sweet reward-the first official trips through the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster attraction.

Inside, a large Audio-animatronic Buzz was giving orders. A team of expert Cast Members guided everyone to their seats. And soon, the first lucky rider could be seen rounding the final corner.

This "Little Green Man" was Pete Patterson of William Green Elementary School in Lawndale, California. As he made his way out of the attraction, he happily said, "It was fun, it was tight, ‘cause you can shoot and spin!" When asked whether he preferred spending the day at Disneyland or school, he laughed and said, "I prefer to be here!" And what was his score? "300,000!" He was soon joined by sister Pharah and his friends to give big thumbs up to Disneyland's newest attraction.

When asked for their reactions, most of the students said, "It was awesome." One said, "It was the best ride I've ever been on." Another said, "The guns were awesome-they're the perfect toy!" Other reactions included, "It was fun... cool... it was exciting... I liked it so much... It was great... I wish we could do it again."

And, of course, we all can do it again, now that Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters is officially open in Tomorrowland in Disneyland Park... the Happiest Place on Earth.