On December 5, 2019, Disney World’s Hollywood Studios saw the grand opening of one of its most anticipated attractions – the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride. A part of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge area, this ride offers guests an immersive, advanced, and action-packed experience that transports them straight into the epic conflict between the Resistance and the First Order.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opened at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios on December 5, 2019. This highly anticipated attraction is part of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge area and offers guests an immersive and action-packed experience set in the Star Wars universe.
A Journey Five Years in the Making
The creation of this ride was no small feat. It took approximately five years to bring this ambitious project to life. The Walt Disney Imagineering team, led by Imagineering executive producer Jon Georges, worked tirelessly to design and build the attraction, overcoming numerous challenges along the way.
Immersive Star Wars Experience
The attraction offers a seamless storyline, with guests becoming heroes of the Resistance in a climactic battle with the First Order. The ride experience combines a trackless dark ride, walk-through, motion simulator, and drop ride system elements, featuring Audio-Animatronics, practical sets, projection mapping, and screen-based media.
Guests begin their journey aboard a Resistance transport shuttle, which is soon trapped on a First Order Star Destroyer. The trackless ride vehicles zip through several hallways, avoiding probe droids and stormtroopers as blaster bolts fly around them. The ride also features characters from the Star Wars universe, including BB-8, Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron, and Kylo Ren, who appear as animatronics, holograms, videos, and even live actors.
Public Reaction and Reviews
The public reaction to the opening of the Rise of the Resistance ride was overwhelmingly positive. The Disney Tourist Blog called it “engrossing, immersive, and non-viscerally thrilling” and “Imagineering’s most ambitious and most impressive of the modern era”. IGN highlighted the ride’s ability to completely immerse guests in the Star Wars universe without overwhelming its storytelling.
Despite some guests expressing frustration with long wait times and occasional breakdowns, Rise of the Resistance remains a highly sought-after attraction, often having the highest demand for Individual Lightning Lane access.
Safety Measures and Accessibility
To ensure guest safety and satisfaction, several measures have been implemented. These include health and safety warnings, a minimum height requirement, accessibility provisions for guests with disabilities, and social distancing markers within the queue.
Conclusion
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is more than just a ride – it’s an experience that brings the Star Wars universe to life. From its complex design to its immersive storytelling, it’s clear why this ride has quickly become a must-visit attraction at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. Whether you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan or a thrill-seeker looking for your next adventure, this ride offers an unforgettable journey into a galaxy far, far away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the operating hours for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance?
The operating hours for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance typically align with the park’s operating hours. However, it’s always a good idea to check the official Disney World website or app for the most up-to-date information.
Is there a FastPass system available for the Rise of the Resistance ride?
Disney World no longer uses the FastPass system. Instead, it has introduced the Disney Genie+ service, which allows guests to access the Lightning Lane at select attractions for an additional fee. However, Rise of the Resistance is not included in the Genie+ service and requires an additional purchase for Individual Lightning Lane access.
Can I ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance if I’m pregnant?
Disney World advises that expectant mothers should not ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance due to its thrilling nature, which includes sudden and dramatic acceleration, climbing, tilting, and drops.
How long is the ride duration for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance?
The full experience of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, including pre-show elements and the ride itself, lasts approximately 18 minutes.
Is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance suitable for young children?
While the ride is designed to be enjoyed by guests of all ages, it does have a minimum height requirement of 40 inches (102 centimeters). Some elements of the ride, such as darkness, loud noises, and sudden movements, may be frightening to young children.
