Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Join the Resistance in an unforgettable battle against the First Order on this exciting ride.
Updated: 2026-01-16
Composite Review (4.6 / 5)
Based on the many Google reviews and fan critiques, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is universally celebrated as a revolutionary and world-class theme park attraction.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is not just a ride; it is a full-blown, multi-phased adventure that critics and fans alike frequently call “the most immersive, most impressive, most insane thing that Disney has ever built.” The attraction is praised for its ability to flawlessly transport guests out of the theme park and directly into the heart of the Star Wars universe, making them feel like active participants in the conflict between the Resistance and the First Order.
Key Highlights from Reviews
1. Unmatched Immersion and Storytelling
The greatest strength of the attraction is its multi-layered structure, which begins long before the main ride vehicle. Reviewers describe the experience as a “cohesive story” that uses pre-shows, character interactions, and massive set pieces to build tension.
- The Journey: Guests begin at a Resistance base, board a transport ship that is captured by the First Order, and find themselves face-to-face with Stormtroopers and Kylo Ren on an Imperial Star Destroyer.
- Awe-Inspiring Sets: The most frequently cited “jaw-dropping” moment is the reveal of the Star Destroyer hangar, which is massive and filled with dozens of Audio-Animatronics Stormtroopers. As one reviewer stated, “My favorite part is when the door opens and you are present with the formation of Storm Troopers.” Another remarked on how completely immersive it is: “The room with the troopers, the shield behind them, I actually forget that that’s NOT actually outer space I’m looking out into.”
2. Cutting-Edge Technology
The attraction is considered a technological marvel, seamlessly blending multiple ride systems and effects. It utilizes trackless ride vehicles that move, spin, and even backtrack; advanced Audio-Animatronics (including Kylo Ren); and integrated screen effects.
- Reviewers often express stupefied admiration, saying, “WDI pulled out everything in their proverbial bag of technical tricks, and executed them all flawlessly.”
- The system is so effective that one visitor described the moment they realized the journey wasn’t over: “Holy FUCK that was an amazing ride. I’m not even into Star Wars and I fucking loved it.”
3. The Thrill of the Finale
While mostly a dark ride experience, the attraction includes a surprise thrill element that excites guests: a “vertical drop at the end is an exciting finale.”
- The unexpected nature of the drop is part of its appeal, with one user recounting, “I am the biggest chicken around and was told there were no drops… Thankfully it wasn’t a major drop though. I survived and would do it again. So all my fellow chickens out there, don’t let the drop stop you!!! It’s worth it!!”
Common Criticisms
The primary drawbacks noted by guests stem from the ride’s ambitious complexity:
- Reliability: Due to its scale and complex systems, the attraction has a reputation for frequent downtime and is described as less reliable than traditional rides. Reviewers concede, “I understand why it’s had so much downtime considering the scale and complexity of this attraction.”
- Wait Times & Logistics: Historically, the ride has had some of the longest lines in the park, and even when utilizing the virtual queue, the process can feel like “a hassle to get on.”
- Re-Ride Value (Minor): A few critiques suggest that the highly-focused, cinematic nature of the experience means repeat rides might feel less novel compared to older, more detail-rich attractions like the Haunted Mansion, but the consensus remains that it “is 100% worth it.”
Final Verdict
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is essential for any visitor to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It is a groundbreaking and “one-of-a-kind experience that cannot be missed,” offering a fully realized, heart-pounding journey into the world of Star Wars.
Reference
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/hollywood-studios/star-wars-rise-of-the-resistance/