In 2021, McKenzie and I took our first anniversary trip to Disneyland. It was her first time ever visiting the parks—and technically, it was our delayed honeymoon. We’d gotten married during the height of COVID, and this was our first big adventure as husband and wife. Naturally, as a lifelong Star Wars fan, I had one mission: get on Rise of the Resistance.
And wow… it did not disappoint.
Immersion from the Start
From the moment you enter the queue, you’re no longer in Disneyland—you’re in the Star Wars galaxy. The environment is rich with sounds, movement, and the kind of storytelling Disney does best. You can hear Resistance communications in the distance, and the orchestral score builds the tension like you’re about to board a mission.
The premise is simple but cinematic: you’re caught in the crossfire between the Resistance and the First Order. You’re recruited, captured, and then make a daring escape. But Disney doesn’t just tell you that—they put you in it.
What Makes Rise So Special
There are great rides, and then there are experiences. Rise of the Resistance is a culmination of all the latest ride technology Disney has to offer—multiple pre-show sequences, animatronics, projections, simulators, and the true star of the show: a trackless ride system.
Wait—What’s Trackless?
Unlike a traditional ride on rails, trackless rides move in unpredictable patterns. The ride vehicle glides, spins, reverses, and maneuvers without a visible track. It feels less like you’re “on a ride” and more like you’re being chased through a Star Destroyer—and in this case, that’s exactly what’s happening.
There’s a specific moment that really blew my mind. You’re brought into what looks like a loading area. You’d assume you’re exiting into another room—but somehow, the story continues right back through the same doors you entered. The illusion is flawless. You’re not just watching the story unfold—you’re in it.
(Fun fact: the entire experience—from queue to pre-show to the ride itself—can take 15–18 minutes plus the posted wait time.)
Hidden Details & Disney Magic
Even if you’re not a Star Wars superfan, the details are stunning. From the life-size AT-ATs to the blaster marks on the walls, every corner is rich with storytelling. And if you are a fan? Keep your eyes peeled for some nods to The Last Jedi and Galaxy’s Edge lore.
The Cast Members play First Order officers and don’t break character. They’re intense, intimidating, and totally immersed. It’s one of the few attractions where the CMs aren’t there to smile—they’re there to interrogate you. It adds so much to the authenticity of the experience.
Planning Tips for Families
If you’re planning to ride Rise of the Resistance, here are a few things we’ve learned:
- Genie+ or Lightning Lane is your best bet. It’s a super popular attraction, and wait times can hit 90+ minutes.
- Use Rider Swap! If you’ve got little ones who can’t ride, Rider Swap lets one adult wait while the other rides—and then switch without standing in line again.
- Watch a few Star Wars movies ahead of time. The sequel trilogy (The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, The Rise of Skywalker) will help newer fans understand who’s who.
- If it breaks down, try again. It’s a technically complex ride, and breakdowns happen. Be patient—it’s worth it.
Why Rise of the Resistance Matters to Us
As a couple who loves Disney and Star Wars, this ride is always going to be special. It was one of our first big memories as newlyweds, and it felt like the perfect intersection of everything we love—storytelling, adventure, movie magic, and immersive tech.
It also shows where theme parks are headed. Rise of the Resistance doesn’t just set the bar—it raises it. It’s not a ride you sit through. It’s a mission you survive.
Final Verdict: Is Rise of the Resistance a Must-Do?
Absolutely, 100%, without question—YES.
If you’re visiting Disneyland or Disney World, Rise of the Resistance is not just a ride. It’s an experience, a story, and a galaxy-sized memory in the making.