If you’re planning a visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there’s one attraction you absolutely cannot miss: Star Wars Rise of the Resistance. This groundbreaking ride is more than just an amusement park experience, it’s a fully immersive adventure that drops you right into the heart of the Star Wars universe. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just curious about the galaxy far, far away, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance delivers an unforgettable journey that combines storytelling, innovation, and thrills like never before.

Star Wars Rise of the Resistance Ride Overview

Star Wars Rise of the Resistance is a headliner attraction located in Galaxy’s Edge, the Star Wars-themed land inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This ride isn’t just a single ride experience; it’s a multi-part adventure that blurs the lines between queue, pre-show, and main event. You’ll be recruited by the Resistance, captured by the First Order, and rescued in dramatic fashion, all within the span of one seamless, cinematic experience. With impressive effects, real-life AT-ATs, and a full-scale Star Destroyer hangar, it’s no wonder why this is considered one of Disney’s most ambitious attractions to date.

How to Ride Star Wars Rise of the Resistance

Virtual Queue System

Star Wars Rise of the Resistance has had a virtual que for much of it’s early operation. However in September 2021, the virtual que for this attraction was removed and the ride has moved to a standby queue. You can now simply join the standby line, as you would for any other attraction.

Lightning Lane

Lightning Lane access for Star Wars Rise of the Resistance is available as a “Lightning Lane Single Pass” purchase. It is not part of the standard selection for the “Lightning Lane Multi Pass”. If you’re set on riding without the wait, purchasing Lightning Lane access early can be a smart move, especially during busy seasons. This option provides a shorter, more predictable wait time, freeing up your day for other experiences.

Standby Line

As of September 2021, Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios has moved to a standby queue and you can enter the line just as you would do for any other attraction. Due to the popularity of the ride, arriving at rope drop or just before park closing can give you the best chance at a shorter wait. Always check the official app for real-time updates on wait times and availability.

Single Rider Option

Currently, there is no single rider option for Star Wars Rise of the Resistance. Because the ride experience is so intricately tied to the story, Disney has opted to keep groups together rather than split them up. This ensures you enjoy the full narrative from beginning to end with your party.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Ride Experience

Spoiler-Free Summary

Star Wars Rise of the Resistance takes you from the tranquil forests of Batuu into the chaos of a First Order Star Destroyer. You’ll encounter familiar faces from the films, get caught in the crossfire of a galactic battle and experience multiple ride systems, including a trackless vehicle and motion simulator. It’s thrilling, cinematic, and completely unforgettable.

Detailed Walkthrough (WARNING Spoiler Alert)

Your adventure begins in the forests outside Black Spire Outpost, where the Resistance has set up a secret base. As you enter the queue you wind through rocky caves, hidden control rooms, and supply areas that are super authentic to Star Wars. Throughout the queue, you’ll hear mission chatter, spot Resistance gear, and feel the tension of an impending battle.

Your journey begins as you’re recruited by the Resistance and ushered into a briefing room hosted by Rey and BB-8. Soon after, you board a transport shuttle that gets intercepted by the First Order. The doors you boarded through open to reveal you are now inside the massive hangar bay of a Star Destroyer, lined with stormtroopers and flanked by a towering TIE fighter.

(Spoilers continued…) You’re marched through corridors of the Star Destroyer, past towering officers and ominous hallways. The cast members here stay fully in character, treating you like prisoners of the Resistance. Eventually, you’re placed in a detention cell for interrogation by Kylo Ren and General Hux. Just as the situation gets dire, a team of Resistance fighters hacks the security system and breaks you out.

You board a trackless vehicle piloted by a reprogrammed droid. The vehicle moves smoothly and silently, adding to the feeling that you’re sneaking through the ship. You weave through control rooms, duck behind machinery, and narrowly avoid patrols. Along the way, you’ll see towering AT-AT walkers, droids, First Order Troopers and laser blasts lighting up the walls as you move to escape the Destroyer.

Eventually, your vehicle enters an escape pod and it launches away from the Star Destroyer, simulating a free-fall as you’re hurled through space in a thrilling descent, eventually crash landing safely back on Batuu.

Rise of the Resistance Technical Aspects

Star Wars Rise of the Resistance is a marvel of theme park engineering. It seamlessly combines multiple ride technologies, including motion simulation, trackless navigation, animatronics, and large-scale practical effects. One of the most talked-about features is the use of full-sized AT-AT walkers and lifelike animatronic characters like Kylo Ren. The transition between different segments feels natural and fluid, making the entire experience feel like you’re part of a blockbuster movie.

Rise of the Resistance Rider Info

The ride has a height requirement of 40 inches, and certain segments can be intense for guests who are sensitive to motion or flashing lights. If you or someone in your party is concerned about motion sickness, you may want to watch ride-through videos or consult a Cast Member for guidance. Star Wars Rise of the Resistance is wheelchair accessible, and Disney’s Rider Switch program is available for those with young children who can’t or don’t wish to ride. Be sure to check the latest guidelines on the official Disney website or app before your visit.

Star Wars Rise of the Resistance Guest Experiences

Guests consistently rate Star Wars Rise of the Resistance as one of the best attractions in any Disney park. First-time riders are often blown away by the immersive environments, while repeat visitors continue to discover new details each time they ride. Due to the complexity of the technology of the ride, occasionally there can be issues with downtime or wait times, but most agree the ride is absolutely worth the effort.

How does Star Wars Rise of the Resistance Compare to other Disney Rides?

When compared to other top-tier Disney attractions like Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run or Avatar Flight of Passage, Star Wars Rise of the Resistance consistently stands out for its depth and complexity. While Smugglers Run offers fun interactivity and Avatar delivers stunning visuals, neither provides the layered storytelling and variety of experiences found in Rise of the Resistance. If you’re prioritizing attractions on your trip, this one absolutely deserves a top spot on your list.

What We Really Think of Star Wars Rise of the Resistance

Star Wars Rise of the Resistance is an epic experience! It is not just a ride it’s a fully realized adventure that places you in the middle of a Star Wars story. With its cinematic presentation, groundbreaking technology, and richly detailed environments, it’s the kind of attraction that really leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re traveling with kids, friends, or on a solo trip, this is one experience you don’t want to miss. Make sure to plan ahead and get ready to join the Resistance in the battle against the First Order.

Star Wars Rise of the Resistance Frequently Asked Questions

How bad is the drop in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance?

The drop in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is brief and not overly intense, more like a quick elevator fall than a roller coaster drop.

Is Star Wars: Rise of Resistance a roller coaster?

No, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is not a roller coaster, it’s a multi-part dark ride that uses trackless vehicles and motion simulators to completely immerse you into a Star Wars story.

How intense is the Rise of the Resistance ride?

The ride is moderately intense, with dramatic visuals and action sequences, but it’s designed to be family-friendly and accessible to a wide range of guests.

Is Star Wars: Rise of Resistance worth it?

Absolutely, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is widely considered one of Disney’s best attractions and well worth the time and effort it takes to experience it.

Is the Rise of the Resistance ride scary?

While the ride has some suspenseful moments and dark environments, it’s generally not scary and is suitable for most children and adults.

Which is more intense, Smugglers Run or Rise of the Resistance?

Smugglers Run has more physical motion, but Rise of the Resistance is more immersive and emotionally intense due to its storytelling and scale.

What are the warnings for the Rise of the Resistance?

Warnings include motion sensitivity, flashing lights, loud noises, and a height requirement of 40 inches due to the motion simulator and drop segment.

How rough a ride is Rise of the Resistance?

It’s generally smooth, with some bumps and a controlled drop. Most guests find it comfortable and enjoyable without being jarring.

Is there a trick to getting on Rise of the Resistance?

The best strategy is to either purchase Lightning Lane early or to get in the stand by queue at rope drop or late in the evening.