7 Shocking Secrets And Crucial Updates For Star Wars: Rise Of The Resistance In 2025-2026

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance remains the undisputed peak of modern theme park technology, a game-changing attraction that defines the immersive experience of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. As of late 2025, this massive, multi-system ride continues to draw the longest queues at both Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but the experience is constantly evolving, with new operational tips and crucial maintenance updates making headlines. This is everything you need to know right now, from the latest refurbishment news to the return of a long-broken, fan-favorite effect.

The attraction is not merely a ride; it is a sprawling, 18-minute adventure that utilizes four distinct ride systems, blending high-tech animatronics, massive screens, and dramatic set pieces to place guests directly into a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. To truly conquer this experience in the current theme park landscape, you need the most up-to-date strategy, especially with major closures on the horizon.

The Technical Blueprint: Rise of the Resistance Biography & Entity List

To appreciate the scale of Rise of the Resistance, one must understand its unprecedented complexity. It is considered one of the most ambitious and expensive attractions ever built by Walt Disney Imagineering. The ride requires an immense level of coordination across multiple platforms, which is why operational breakdowns (often referred to as a "101") are a frequent topic of discussion among fans.

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• Attraction Name: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• Locations: Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (Black Spire Outpost) at Disney's Hollywood Studios (Walt Disney World, Florida) and Disneyland Park (Disneyland Resort, California).
• Opening Date (DHS): December 5, 2019 (Walt Disney’s birthday).
• Opening Date (Disneyland): January 17, 2020.
• Experience Duration: Approximately 18–20 minutes.
• Ride Systems (4 Total): Trackless Dark Ride Vehicle (First Order Transport), Motion Simulator (Poe Dameron’s Transport Shuttle), Walk-Through/Pre-Show Experience, and a Vertical Drop Ride System.
• Key Characters/Entities: Rey, BB-8, Finn, Poe Dameron, Nien Nunb, General Hux, Kylo Ren, Stormtroopers, AT-AT Walkers, Lieutenant Bek.
• Height Requirement: 40 inches (102 cm).
• Current Access Method: Standby Queue and Individual Lightning Lane (ILL) Purchase.

Crucial 2025-2026 Updates: Refurbishment, Fixes, and "A-Mode"

The biggest news for fans planning a trip in early 2026 centers on a significant, scheduled maintenance period. Unlike many attractions, the sheer scale of Rise of the Resistance means any downtime is a major event.

Disneyland Refurbishment Confirmed for Early 2026

For guests visiting the Disneyland Resort in California, a major refurbishment is officially scheduled. The closure will temporarily remove the attraction from the park’s lineup, which is a critical piece of information for trip planning.

• Disneyland Closure Start Date: January 20, 2026.
• Duration: An end date has not been officially confirmed, but these major refurbishments are often scheduled to address the complex systems that have been running nonstop since the ride’s opening.

While Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Florida) has not announced a similar closure for the same period, it's wise to always check the official park calendar before your visit, as complex rides like this often require unscheduled maintenance.

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The Return of the Cannon Gauntlet Effect

One of the most exciting recent updates for long-time fans is the reported return of a major special effect at Disneyland that had been broken for years. This effect occurs during the trackless vehicle sequence, where the ride vehicle navigates a gauntlet of turbolaser cannons firing from a Star Destroyer.

When the ride first opened, this scene featured a dynamic, intense effect where the vehicle would stop, start, and seemingly dodge the cannon fire. For a long time, this sequence was either bypassed or featured a less-impactful, static version. Its return signifies the attraction is operating closer to its full, original design—often referred to by fans as "A-Mode."

The fact that Imagineering is investing time and resources into fixing these long-broken elements suggests a commitment to maintaining the ride’s cutting-edge experience, making late 2025 one of the best times to ride it at its full potential.

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7 Essential Secrets and Strategy Tips for Riding in Late 2025

The high demand for Rise of the Resistance means that a strategic approach is mandatory. Forget the old Virtual Queue system; the current strategy is all about timing and money.

1. Master the Individual Lightning Lane (ILL)

The most guaranteed way to experience the ride is by purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane (ILL) access via the Disney Genie service. This is a separate, a la carte purchase outside of the standard Genie+ package.

• Timing is Everything: ILL slots sell out within seconds or minutes. For Walt Disney World, resort guests can purchase at 7:00 AM sharp. For Disneyland, all guests can purchase when the park officially opens.
• Cost: The price fluctuates daily based on demand, often ranging from $15 to $25 per person.

2. Prioritize Early Entry or Extended Evening Hours

If you are a Disney Resort guest and choose the standby queue, your best chance for a lower wait time is during these exclusive hours.

• Early Entry: Arrive at the park entrance 30–45 minutes before the official start of Early Entry. Head straight to the ride. Average wait times during this period can still be around 43–48 minutes, but this is far better than the midday peak.
• Extended Evening Hours: Available only to guests staying at Deluxe Resorts (Walt Disney World). Wait times drop significantly during this time, with averages around 49 minutes.

3. The "End of Day" Standby Hail Mary

The standby queue typically peaks in the late morning and early afternoon (often exceeding 100 minutes). The wait time often drops dramatically in the last hour before the park closes. If the posted wait time is 60 minutes or less, it's a great time to jump in, as the actual wait is often shorter.

4. The Trackless Ride Vehicle Secret

The ride uses a sophisticated Trackless Dark Ride system, where the vehicles are programmed to move independently. Pay attention to the droid, Lieutenant Bek, who pilots your vehicle. The vehicles are designed to mimic a personality, sometimes seeming to "panic" or "flinch" during the battle scenes, enhancing the immersion.

5. The Kylo Ren Animatronic Effect

The Kylo Ren animatronics used in the ride are among the most advanced ever created by Imagineering, featuring a wide range of motion and realistic movement. There are multiple Kylo Ren figures throughout the attraction, each serving a different purpose, from intimidating the guests to engaging in a lightsaber duel.

6. The Hidden Millennium Falcon View

As you are walking through the queue, particularly the outdoor portion in the Resistance forest, look for specific vantage points. You can catch a unique, framed view of the Millennium Falcon docked nearby in Galaxy’s Edge, perfectly blending the two major attractions into the storytelling.

7. The Drop Tower Surprise

The climax of the ride involves a short, controlled drop sequence. This is the fourth distinct ride system and is often overlooked. It's not a typical free-fall tower; the drop is designed to simulate an escape pod descending from the Star Destroyer, adding a final, thrilling moment of escape before you return to the safety of Black Spire Outpost.