Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Review - Walt Disney World

Rise of the Resistance

Join the Resistance in an epic battle against the First order on this exciting ride!

40″ or taller

Kids and Adults

Small Drops, Dark, Loud

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland is one of the most ambitious and technologically advanced attractions ever created. Located in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, this epic ride blurs the lines between fantasy and reality, immersing guests in a cinematic adventure of galactic proportions. With multiple ride systems, stunning special effects, and a gripping narrative, Rise of the Resistance sets a new standard for theme park storytelling. Prepare to join the Resistance in a climactic battle against the First Order.

General Ride information

Location: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California
Height Requirement: 40 inches (102 cm) or taller
Ride Duration: Approximately 18 minutes from start to finish
Genie+ and Lightning Lane: Disneyland Rise of the Resistance is an Individual Lightning Lane selection, requiring a separate purchase. It is not included with the standard Genie+ service.
Single Rider Line: Not available
Rider Switch: Available for parties with young children who do not meet the height requirement
Disability Access Service (DAS): Eligible for DAS return times
Early Entry Ride: Open during Early Entry for Disneyland Resort hotel guests
Best Times to Ride: The best time to ride Rise of the Resistance Disneyland is at rope drop at park opening or near park closing. Check the app for real-time wait times.

History & Design

Ride Development

Imagineers began developing Rise of the Resistance Disneyland in 2015, aiming to create a Star Wars experience on an unprecedented scale. Over 5 million lines of code were written to bring the attraction to life, combining multiple ride systems, physical sets, animatronics, and visual effects.

Immersive Storytelling

The attraction takes immersive storytelling to new heights, making guests active participants in an unfolding Star Wars adventure. The goal was to make riders feel like they are inside a Star Wars film, surrounded by iconic characters, settings, and events.

Groundbreaking Technology

Rise of the Resistance showcases cutting-edge technology, including:

One of the most complex ride systems ever, seamlessly blending multiple experiences
Lifelike Audio-Animatronics powered by custom “pancake” motors
High-resolution projections developed in partnership with Panasonic
Trackless ride vehicles that move in any direction and simulate motion

The Ride Experience

The Queue

The queue sets the stage for your mission, winding through ancient caves and Resistance outposts on the remote planet Batuu. Guests can explore weathered props, decrypt secret transmissions, and gather intelligence to aid the Resistance.

Preshows

Two preshows establish the attraction’s narrative:

An animatronic BB-8 and a hologram of Rey brief you on your mission to rendezvous with General Leia Organa.
You board a standing-room-only shuttlecraft piloted by Nien Nunb, but the ship is intercepted by the First Order and pulled into a Star Destroyer hangar.

Multiple Ride Systems

Rise of the Resistance ride Disneyland utilizes four interlinked ride systems:

A motion simulator shuttle experience
A walkthrough segment inside a Star Destroyer hangar
A trackless dark ride aboard a First Order Fleet Transport
A drop ride experience simulating an escape pod launch

Scenes and Special Effects

Guests exit the shuttle to find themselves inside a massive Star Destroyer hangar, surrounded by 50 menacing stormtroopers.
Riders are taken prisoner aboard a Fleet Transport and encounter Kylo Ren and General Hux.
A daring escape leads to a climactic space battle with life-like explosions, blaster fire, and blaring alarms.
The ride culminates in a thrilling drop as your vehicle plummets in an escape pod back to Batuu.

Characters

The attraction features a mix of animatronics, projections, and live actors bringing Star Wars characters to life:

Rey, BB-8, Poe Dameron, and Nien Nunb aid your mission
Kylo Ren, General Hux, and legions of stormtroopers stand in your way
Finn helps you escape from the Star Destroyer

Music and Audio

Legendary composer John Williams created an original score for Star Wars Rise of the Resistance Disneyland, complementing the attraction’s cinematic visuals. Sound effects, dialogue, and ambient noises heighten the sense of realism.

Tips for Riders

Securing a Boarding Group

Download the Disneyland app and create an account before your visit
Link the tickets of everyone in your party to your account
At 7:00 AM on the day of your visit, access the Rise of the Resistance Disneyland virtual queue in the app to join a boarding group
To maximize your chances, have all party members attempt to join simultaneously
If unsuccessful, try again at 12:00 PM when more boarding groups are released

What to Expect

An immersive storytelling experience that unfolds across multiple ride systems
Periods of walking, standing, and sitting
Sudden drops, swift motion, and loud noises
Tight, enclosed spaces and moments of darkness

Motion Sickness

Rise of the Resistance is a thrilling ride with several motion-based sequences. Those prone to motion sickness should take precautions or avoid riding.

Rider Warnings

Expectant mothers should not ride
Young children may be frightened by the ride’s intense scenes and characters
Guests with medical conditions should consult a doctor before riding

Comparison to other Star Wars Attractions

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Also located in Galaxy’s Edge, Smugglers Run is a motion simulator that puts guests in control of the iconic Millennium Falcon starship.
It offers a more interactive experience, with riders working together as pilots, gunners, and engineers.
While technologically impressive, it lacks the immersive storytelling and multiple ride systems of Rise of the Resistance.

Star Tours

A 3D motion simulator ride located in Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park.
Guests embark on a turbulent journey through the Star Wars galaxy, visiting different planets and encountering characters from the films.
Randomized sequences make each ride unique, but it does not have the same immersive qualities as Rise of the Resistance.

Star Wars Launch Bay

A walk-through exhibit in Tomorrowland featuring Star Wars props, models, and character meet-and-greets.
Offers a more passive experience compared to the thrilling rides of Galaxy’s Edge.

Rise of the Resistance Disneyland FAq

How to get on Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland?

There are two main ways to experience Rise of the Resistance Disneyland California:

Standby Line: Join the regular standby queue when the park opens. Wait times can exceed 2 hours on busy days, so arriving early is recommended. The standby line typically has the shortest waits first thing in the morning.
Individual Lightning Lane (paid): Purchase an Individual Lightning Lane entry for Rise of the Resistance through the Disneyland app. This allows you to skip most of the standby line for a $20 fee per person (pricing may vary). Availability is limited.

Fastest way to Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland?

The fastest way to experience Rise of the Resistance with minimal wait is by purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane. However, this comes at an additional cost of $20 per person. If you want to avoid paying extra, the next fastest option is to arrive at the park gates well before opening (at least 1 hour prior) and head straight to Galaxy’s Edge once admitted. This will put you among the first groups in the standby line for shorter waits.

What is Rise of the Resistance?

Rise of the Resistance is an innovative attraction that puts you in the middle of an epic Star Wars story. It combines immersive environments, advanced robotics, and a thrilling ride experience. Many consider it Disneyland’s most ambitious and popular attraction.

How long is the Rise of the Resistance ride?

The complete Rise of the Resistance experience lasts approximately 18 minutes from walking through the queue to the end of the ride.

Is Rise of the Resistance scary?

While intense with battle scenes, Rise of the Resistance is not considered a scary attraction. It does have some loud noises, motion, and dark elements that may be unsettling for very young children.

What is the height requirement for Rise of the Resistance?

Guests must be at least 40 inches (102 cm) tall to experience Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland.

Conclusion

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a groundbreaking attraction that represents the pinnacle of theme park storytelling and technology. By combining immersive environments, lifelike characters, and thrilling ride sequences, it transports guests into the Star Wars universe like never before. Despite its complexity and occasional downtime, the attraction delivers an unforgettable experience that will delight Star Wars fans and theme park enthusiasts alike. Disneyland Star Wars Rise of the Resistance sets a new benchmark for immersive attractions, proving that the future of themed entertainment is brighter than ever.

Location Map

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Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Review

The Final Word

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is an immersive, groundbreaking attraction that transports guests into an epic intergalactic battle. Combining trackless dark ride, motion simulator, and drop ride systems, it delivers an 18-minute, adrenaline-fueled experience where you join the Resistance against the First Order. A technical marvel that redefines theme park rides.

Creativity

Fun For Kids

Fun For Adults

Up-Keep

4.9