Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland's Galaxy's Edge is an 18-minute attraction combining four ride systems—a motion simulator, walkthrough, trackless dark ride, and drop sequence—to immerse guests in a Star Wars battle against the First Order. Riders must be 40 inches or taller, and access requires either standby lines (often 2+ hours) or a paid Individual Lightning Lane purchase (around $20), as it's not included in standard Genie+. The ride features intense elements like sudden drops, loud noises, and dark, enclosed spaces, making it unsuitable for expectant mothers and potentially frightening for young children.

Group of Storm Troopers

Rise of the Resistance

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

Icon for height 40″ or taller

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Caution alert icon 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.
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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
     
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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:

  1. An animatronic BB-8 and a hologram of Rey brief you on your mission to rendezvous with General Leia Organa.
     
  2. 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:

  1. A motion simulator shuttle experience
  2. A walkthrough segment inside a Star Destroyer hangar
  3. A trackless dark ride aboard a First Order Fleet Transport
  4. 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.

Storm troopers inside a cargo bay

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.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

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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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get on Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland?

There are two main ways: join the standby line at park opening, which can have waits exceeding 2 hours on busy days, or purchase an Individual Lightning Lane entry through the Disneyland app for a fee (around $20 per person, pricing may vary) to skip most of the standby line.

What is the fastest way to ride Rise of the Resistance?

Purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane is the fastest option but costs extra. To avoid paying, arrive at the park gates at least 1 hour before opening and head straight to Galaxy's Edge once admitted to be among the first in the standby line.

How long is the Rise of the Resistance ride?

The complete experience lasts approximately 18 minutes from the start of the queue to the end of the ride.

Is Rise of the Resistance scary for kids?

It is not considered a scary attraction overall, but it does include loud noises, motion, drops, dark elements, and intense battle scenes 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 ride.

How does Rise of the Resistance compare to other Star Wars rides at Disneyland?

Compared to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, which is a more interactive motion simulator, and Star Tours, a 3D motion simulator with randomized sequences, Rise of the Resistance offers deeper immersive storytelling and multiple interlinked ride systems, making it more elaborate than both, as well as the passive walk-through Star Wars Launch Bay exhibit.