Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Disney's Hollywood Studios · Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
Overview
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is widely regarded as one of the most technically ambitious theme park attractions ever built. The 18-minute experience combines multiple room-scale set pieces — including a transport ship, a First Order Star Destroyer hangar with life-size AT-AT walkers, a prison escape, and a trackless dark ride through the ship's corridors — into a single seamless narrative. Characters from the sequel trilogy including Kylo Ren and Rey appear in both physical and holographic form throughout. With a medium thrill rating, it delivers an experience unlike anything else in a Disney park.
ParksLog Verdict
Not optional — Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is the most technically ambitious theme park attraction in the world, and no summary adequately prepares first-timers for the scale of the Star Destroyer hangar sequence. Lightning Lane Premier is effectively required; standby waits regularly exceed two hours for an 18-minute experience. Every Hollywood Studios visitor should see it at least once. Guests with claustrophobia should note the enclosed transport and prison segments.
About this experience
Join the Resistance in an unforgettable battle against the First Order on this exciting ride.
Best For
- Star Wars fans
- Theme park enthusiasts who appreciate technical achievement
- Families with children 40" and taller
- Guests seeking Hollywood Studios' most immersive experience
Tips
- Rise of the Resistance requires Lightning Lane Premier (the premium paid tier) — standby waits frequently exceed two hours; plan accordingly.
- The experience includes enclosed transport and prison segments before the ride vehicle section — guests with claustrophobia should be aware.
- The AT-AT hangar scene is one of the most impressive theatrical moments in any Disney ride — take a moment to absorb the scale before moving forward.
Details
History
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opened at Hollywood Studios on December 5, 2019, as part of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. The attraction required Disney Imagineering to develop new ride and set design technologies to execute its multi-phase immersive format, and it has been cited as one of the most complex projects ever undertaken by the team. It was designed to be the centerpiece experience of Galaxy's Edge.
Fun Facts
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance combines at least four distinct ride systems and room-scale set pieces into a single 18-minute experience — an unprecedented level of technical complexity for a single Disney attraction.
- The AT-AT walkers in the Star Destroyer hangar scene are life-size physical props, not projections or screens — their scale is a significant part of what makes the sequence viscerally impressive.
- Disney Imagineers developed entirely new ride technologies specifically for this attraction, which required systems and effects that had no prior precedent in theme park design.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance take?
- The experience runs about 18 minutes. Budget extra time for the queue, any pre-show, and boarding — on busy days the full process can take considerably longer.
- Is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance good for young children?
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is not marked as kid-friendly on ParksLog. Check the height requirement and thrill level before visiting with young children.
- How intense is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance?
- ParksLog rates this as moderate intensity — some speed, movement, or simulated effects. May not suit guests with strong motion sensitivity. Use your own judgement based on personal comfort and any health advisories posted at the entrance.
- Does Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance cause motion sickness?
- Motion sickness risk is low. The motion is mild — most guests, including those with slight sensitivity, ride comfortably.
- Does Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance operate in the rain?
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is an indoor attraction. It runs in a climate-controlled environment, making it a good choice on hot or rainy days.
- Should I prioritize Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney's Hollywood Studios?
- Yes — ParksLog rates Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance as a Must Do at Disney's Hollywood Studios. It's among the park's signature experiences and should be near the top of your itinerary. Arrive early or use Lightning Lane to minimize wait time.
- Does Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance have Lightning Lane?
- Yes — Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is available as a Lightning Lane Single Pass, purchased individually per ride. This is one of the park's highest-demand experiences — book as early as possible through the My Disney Experience app.
- When did Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance open?
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2019.
- Does Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance have a single rider line?
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance does not have a single rider line. All guests join the standby queue or use Lightning Lane.