Credit: Alex Lue, Inside the MagicWalt Disney World Resort’s version of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is going through a rough patch.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was designed as Disney’s most ambitious themed land, placing guests inside the remote outpost of Batuu rather than retelling familiar film locations. Everything operates in-universe, from cast members acting as locals to storylines tied to the sequel trilogy. At the centre of it all sits the land’s most complex and headline attraction, Rise of the Resistance, widely positioned as its crown jewel.
Rise of the Resistance is a multi-part experience that blends multiple ride systems with large-scale physical sets, motion simulation, and trackless vehicles. Guests are recruited by members of the Resistance – including Rey (Daisy Ridley) – before they’re captured by the First Order and escorted aboard a Star Destroyer, where they go on to encounter the likes of Kylo Ren, General Hux, and the Stormtroopers unfold. The attraction moves between pre-show environments, transport sequences, and a trackless dark ride, creating a continuous, cinematic narrative.
The ride debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in December 2019 before opening at Disneyland Park in January 2020. Its rollout was marked by unprecedented demand, virtual queue systems, and frequent downtime due to its technical complexity. Despite operational challenges, it has remained one of Disney’s most acclaimed modern attractions, often cited as a benchmark for immersive theme park design.
But six years after its debut, it continues to experience issues.
Disney World’s Version of Rise of the Resistance Hits a Rough Patch
At Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is experiencing recurring operational issues.
Today (March 27), for the third day in a row, the attraction failed to open with the rest of the theme park. As of 10:50 a.m. EST, Rise of the Resistance remains closed to parkgoers.
Instead, guests hoping to ride the attraction have experienced a blockade of cast members prohibiting anyone from entering its queue. This also occurred on Wednesday and Thursday.
Technically, the attraction did open before the park’s official opening time today for Early Entry, which allows Disney hotel residents to enter the parks before other guests. However, it soon closed again.
As per Thrill Data, Rise of the Resistance experienced 326 minutes of downtime on March 26, 175 minutes on March 25, and 72 minutes on March 24. It also experienced notable downtime earlier this month.
This admittedly pales in comparison to the downtime it experienced in its earliest years. Disney initially delayed the opening of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance due to alleged unforeseen issues. As the first-of-its-kind ride, there was no precedent for Walt Disney Imagineering when establishing the attraction.
In the years since opening, guests have frequently noted missing or modified effects on Rise of the Resistance.
The cannon blasters, designed to move, are often static, while the Kylo Ren audio-animatronic is sometimes replaced with a B-mode projection sequence showing the character escaping in a ship.
When the attraction does operate, it’s one of Disney’s most impressive theme park experiences to date.
Other Issues Within Galaxy’s Edge
Since opening, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has faced criticism for prioritising atmosphere over substance. Early complaints focused on limited ride capacity, high food and merchandise prices, and the land’s initial lack of familiar characters, which some guests felt made it less accessible to casual fans.
Others have pointed to its heavy reliance on the sequel trilogy, arguing it dates the land and narrows its appeal.
Disney is officially seeking to remedy this issue. From April 29, 2026, onwards, Disneyland’s version of the land will shift focus away from the sequels towards an expanded timeline. Guests will be able to encounter characters such as Darth Vader, Leia Organa (although fans aren’t sold on her outfit choice), and Luke Skywalker within Black Spire Outpost.
That means Kylo Ren is being booted to Tomorrowland, while Rey will exclusively wander around the Resistance Camp.
Have you experienced issues with Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance?