Disneyland's Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is home to an attraction that manages to turn the typical theme park experience on its head: Rise of the Resistance. This isn't just another ride; it's an immersive journey unlike anything else currently available at the park, offering an experience so distinct it challenges what visitors might expect.
The adventure begins long before guests even buckle into a seatbelt. Visitors find themselves recruited by familiar figures like Rey and BB-8, after winding through ancient caves that serve as a Resistance hideout. The journey continues with a boarding onto a transport vessel destined for Princess Leia’s clandestine base. However, plans swiftly change, and the group may find themselves abducted onto a First Order Star Destroyer, all while still on foot, moving through intricately detailed environments. The entire initial phase unfolds as a detailed narrative, setting the stage for what’s to come over its 15-plus-minute duration.
Once seated, the experience shifts into its third act, which unfolds in a zippy, Droid-navigated vehicle. This trackless route provides a fluid and dynamic journey, filled with unexpected turns and detailed storytelling. Guests are hurried through rooms, weaving around the mechanical legs of imposing AT-ATs, and might even observe plasma-red blaster bolts seemingly flying through thin air, creating an "astoundingly real" sensation within a "bombastic fantasy ride." Every minute feels like magic, leading to an experience that one might describe as simply sublime, leaving visitors wishing for another moment in the impossibly vast hangar bay peering into outer space.
For those planning a visit, Rise of the Resistance routinely sees lines extending beyond an hour. To potentially shorten the wait, guests have the option of a Lightning Lane Single Pass reservation, which can cost up to $29 per person. This is distinct from the standard Lightning Lane Multi Pass, which typically includes most other attractions and runs for $34. When aboard the transport ship segment of the attraction, a subtle tip for the keen observer is to look out the back during takeoff and feel free to walk around during the flight, even though many will naturally gravitate towards an aquatic animatronic positioned at the front. The less one knows about the ride's surprises, the better the overall experience tends to be.
