Rise of the Resistance at Walt Disney World: Everything You Need to Know
Rise of the Resistance First Order Entrance
If you're a Star Wars fan like I am, you won't want to miss out on the Rise of the Resistance ride at Disney World. It’s an immersive experience that takes you on a thrilling adventure through the Star Wars universe.
As you join the Resistance in their fight against the First Order, you'll encounter iconic characters and face dangerous challenges along the way.
Located in Disney's Hollywood Studios, Rise of the Resistance is one of the most popular attractions in the park.
However, with popularity comes long lines and wait times making it a bit tricky to navigate. But don't worry - we've got you covered.
In this article, we'll give you an overview of the ride, share key information for parents, offer tips and tricks for making the most of your experience, and more. So buckle up and get ready for an adventure you won't forget!
Key Takeaways
Age Recommendation: 3.5-4 (at the earliest)
Height Requirement: 40 inches
Individual Lightning Lane: Yes, $20
Virtual Queue: No
Worth a 60-120 min wait: YES!
Scary for kids: Potentially.
Overview of Rise of the Resistance
The attraction is located in the area of Galaxy's Edge known as the ancient ruins on the outskirts of Black Spire Outpost, which includes a Resistance encampment. The queue itself is an experience, as you wind your way through the Resistance base, past blasters, and droids.
The holding area includes some familiar Resistance faces to get you excited for your mission.
Once you reach the loading area, you'll board a transport ship and be taken captive by the First Order. From there, you'll be whisked away to a Star Destroyer, where you'll face Kylo Ren and other First Order baddies.
The attraction makes you feel like you're really in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order.
Overall, Rise of the Resistance is a must-do for any Star Wars fan visiting Disney World. Just be prepared for long lines and high demand (or to pay $20 for an Individual Lightning Lane to skip the line), as this attraction is one of the most popular in the park.
How long is Rise of the Resistance?
The ride itself lasts about 4 minutes. Those that say it is roughly 18 minutes are including the set-up holding areas and boarding process.
Key Information for Parents
If you're planning a trip to Disney World with your family and want to ride Rise of the Resistance, it's important to know what to expect. Here are some key things to keep in mind as a parent.
Rider Requirements and Flexibility
Before you plan to ride Rise of the Resistance, it's important to know the rider requirements. Guests must be at least 40 inches tall to ride, and children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by a person who is at least 14 years old. Keep in mind that these requirements are strictly enforced, so make sure your child meets the height requirement before you get in line.
My son loves Star Wars and wanted to ride just before he turned 3, he was about a quarter of an inch short and could not ride and was devastated! Looking back, I think he was a bit too young for the ride anyway.
If you have a small child, consider using Rider Swap for the entire family to ride.
What age should my child be to ride Rise of the Resistance?
Rise of the Resistance is an intense attraction, and some children may find it scary. While there is no official age requirement, it's important to consider your child's individual temperament when deciding whether or not to ride.
Determining whether a ride is appropriate for your child at Walt Disney World can be difficult because there are limited (if any) opportunities for parents to ride first to “see what it’s like”. I always recommend guests look at photos, videos, and speak with friends, family or your Disney Authorized Travel Planner about their experiences on the rides. This is particularly helpful if you can reach out to those with kids of similar ages, experiences and backgrounds.
Some children as young as 3 or 4 may enjoy the ride, while others may find it overwhelming or too scary. I recommend guests with children under the age of 8 take extra time to research this ride and whether it is a fit for your family before getting on.
Is Rise of the Resistance Scary?
Rise of the Resistance is an immersive experience that puts you right in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. There are some intense moments, such as blaster fire and simulated explosions, but overall the ride is designed to be thrilling rather than scary.
From my perspective as a dad with several small children (who, while young, love Star Wars), this is a ride that parents should watch on YouTube before deciding whether it will be appropriate or too scary for their children.
My oldest was 4 at the time and she loved the ride. But there were certainly some intense moments, including the start of the story and theming before you actually get in the ride vehicle.
Unfortunately, because of the popularity of Walt Disney World attractions, it’s not typically possible for parents to ride Rise of the Resistance themselves before taking your kids. There are several ride-throughs available on YouTube and, while it does spoil the surprise and storyline, it’s well worth watching to determine whether Rise of the Resistance will be a positive experience for your family.
Is there a drop on Rise of the Resistance?
There is a small drop on Rise of the Resistance, as well as some moments of simulated turbulence that may feel like drops. If you or your child are sensitive to motion, you may want to consider skipping this attraction.
How fast does Rise of the Resistance go?
Rise of the Resistance is not a high-speed roller coaster, but it does have some moments of fast-paced action. The attraction features multiple ride systems, including a trackless ride vehicle and a motion simulator, which create the illusion of speed and movement.
The ride vehicles and motion are similar to that of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, though the vehicles move at a faster perceived speed and the ride includes more change of direction.
Location
Fastest route to Rise of the Resistance
To get to Rise of the Resistance, you can enter Disney's Hollywood Studios and head straight to the back of the park, where you'll find Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Once inside the land, you'll see the entrance to the ride on your left.
Once you arrive at the park and enter Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, you'll find that the area is designed to be fully accessible to guests with mobility disabilities. The pathways are wide and smooth, and there are no stairs or steep inclines to navigate.
Overall, getting to Rise of the Resistance at Disney's Hollywood Studios is easy and convenient, no matter how you choose to travel.
Wait Times
As one of the most popular attractions at Disney World, Rise of the Resistance is known for having long wait times and crowded standby queues. However, with a little bit of planning, you can minimize the wait and make the most of your experience.
First, it's important to note that wait times can vary greatly depending on the day and time you visit, as well as any unexpected ride closures or technical difficulties. It's always a good idea to check the wait times before you go through the My Disney Experience app. Rise of the Resistance is unfortunately subject to breaking down a bit more frequently than other attractions at the park.
During peak times, the standby line for Rise of the Resistance can easily reach two hours or more. To avoid these long waits, consider arriving to the park early and heading straight to the ride (also known as “rope dropping”). You can also consider purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane to skip the lengthy standby queue.
If you do decide to wait in the standby queue, make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as well as something to keep you entertained during the wait. Disney World provides interactive elements throughout the queue to keep you engaged, but it's always a good idea to have a backup plan, particularly with kids!
Tips for getting on Rise of the Resistance at Disney World
Here are some tips to help you ride with minimal wait times:
Arrive early: Arriving at the park before it opens is the best way to guarantee a spot on Rise of the Resistance. Consider taking advantage of Early Theme Park Entry if you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel.
Check the Data: In the week or so before your trip, check the wait times on the My Disney Experience App to see if you find a pocket or time of day where the wait times are more reasonable. You can also check historical wait time data.
Consider paying for Lightning Lane: If you don't want to wait in the standby line or try your luck with boarding groups, you can pay for Lightning Lane access to Rise of the Resistance. For $20 per person, this allows you to bypass the standby line and join a shorter queue. Essentially, this can be a time > money equation.
A Parent's Review
If you're planning a trip to Walt Disney World, you may be wondering if the Rise of the Resistance ride is worth the hype (and the cost). As a Dad who loves this ride, I’ll share some of my thoughts on common questions we receive from clients, friends and guests.
Is Rise of the Resistance worth the cost?
Rise of the Resistance is worth the cost in time and money, depending on which option you chose. If you can fit the Individual Lightning Lane in your budget, and the wait times or expected crowds are high, you should absolutely grab the Lightning Lane.
If you work with a seasoned Disney Authorized Travel Planner, they will be able to guide you through crowd and queue expectations for the time of year you are planning your vacation. Generally, if you are not visiting during peak season, you may be able to find shorter wait times and avoid paying for an Individual Lightning Lane.
Individual Lightning Lanes can add up quickly in cost, particularly for large families. To lower the cost, consider whether there are members of your party that are not interested in this particular attraction and plan separate attractions at that time to divide and conquer.
Is Rise of the Resistance worth the wait?
Yes. There are ample strategies available to find shorter wait times and avoid 1.5-2 hour waits.
If you're willing to wake up early, you can arrive at Hollywood Studios when it opens and head straight there. Riding Rise of the Resistance first thing on park opening can really lower the wait time. But bear in mind, many others will be attempting to do the same!
That being said, the ride is definitely worth the wait. The immersive experience and attention to detail make it a must-see attraction for any Star Wars fan.
History
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is an immersive attraction located in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney World. The ride was announced in 2015 at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, alongside the official announcement of the land. The ride was described as an experience where guests would be placed in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.
The attraction opened at Disney World in December 2019, four months after the opening of Galaxy's Edge. The ride is known for its innovative use of technology, including trackless ride vehicles and realistic animatronics. The ride is also notable for its length, with a total ride time of approximately 18 minutes.
How much did Rise of the Resistance cost to build?
The construction of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, including Rise of the Resistance, reportedly cost over $1 billion. This makes it one of the most expensive theme park expansions in history. The ride itself is estimated to have cost around $250 million to build. The high cost was due in part to the advanced technology used in the ride, including the trackless ride system and the numerous animatronics.
Despite the high cost, Rise of the Resistance has been a popular attraction since its opening, with guests often waiting several hours to ride. The ride has received critical acclaim for its immersive storytelling and cutting-edge technology.
What Star Wars characters will we see on Rise of the Resistance?
Encountering Star Wars characters is one of the most exciting experiences you can have at Rise of the Resistance. Throughout the attraction, you'll come face-to-face with some of the most iconic characters from the Star Wars universe, including, Rey, Chewbacca, BB-8, Poe Dameron, Kylo Ren, Finn, and members of the First Order.
Rise of the Resistance Rey Hologram
As you make your way through the attraction, you'll encounter Poe Dameron, BB-8, and Finn as they prepare to launch an attack on the First Order. You'll also come face-to-face with Rey, who will guide you on your mission to help the Resistance.
Later in the attraction, you'll face off against Kylo Ren and his army of Stormtroopers. But don't worry, Finn and other members of the Resistance will be there to help you fight back.
Other Star Wars characters can be seen throughout Galaxy’s Edge or in specific character meets.
Technical Aspects and Issues
Rise of the Resistance at Disney World is an impressive attraction that uses lifelike animatronics and the attention to detail is what you’d expect from a Walt Disney World attraction.
However, the ride has faced some technical issues since its opening, causing delays and limiting capacity. Some guests have reported issues with the ride's screens and other effects not functioning properly.
These issues, while less frequent, continue to plague the attraction occasionally.
In the event there are technical issues during your ride, check-in with a Walt Disney World Cast Member and they will typically offer you a different return time to ride it again, or an opportunity to skip a line on a different attraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ride time for Rise of the Resistance?
The ride time for Rise of the Resistance at Disney World is approximately 18 minutes.
Does Rise of the Resistance have a drop?
Yes, Rise of the Resistance has a short drop.
What is the height requirement for Rise of the Resistance?
The height requirement for Rise of the Resistance at Disney World is 40 inches (102 cm) or taller.
How can I ride Rise of the Resistance at Disney World?
You can ride Rise of the Resistance at Disney World by waiting in the standby line. Virtual Queues and/or Boarding Groups are no longer required. You can also purchase an individual Lightning Lane selection to bypass the standby line.
Is Rise of the Resistance worth it?
Rise of the Resistance is a must-do attraction for any Star Wars Fan.
Is Rise of the Resistance scary?
Rise of the Resistance is intense in some areas and parents should consider watching a full ride-through of the attraction before your vacation to determine whether it’s a good fit for your kids. This is particularly the case if your children are scared of the dark, loud noises, or under the age of 8.
