We have no pictures of us anywhere near Rise of the Resistance because from the moment we walked into the queue, we were fully immersed. It is easily the best queue, the best ride, the best… everything we have ever experienced at a theme park. It is almost impossible to explain some of what makes this ride so special – you have to be able to feel how the trackless vehicles move in order to fully understand… there is just something about experiencing it all. But I will do my best to do this ride justice.
Due to the virtual queue system and the fact that we got Boarding Group 11, which meant we got to get on the ride quite early in the day, we were able to breeze through the line. The line queue is put together and looks well-suited for people who have to wait a while to get on the ride. There is a lot of detail to keep guests’ attention occupied. They even built in some places to sit along the way, which will definitely help when you need a few moments off your tired feet.
As you get toward the front of the line, the experience starts. It a spectacular 18-minutes of ride that is broken up into several acts. The “ride” itself is only 5 minutes or so, but everything that comes before it is just as much part of it. It starts with a hologram of Rey calling you to the Resistance and ends with you joining it. It is a thrilling adventure with breathtaking set pieces and heart-stopping action. If you want a write-up of every act and scene, check out the Star Wars Wiki. What makes it so unique is that it is not just a ride – it is much broader. Much of the time is spent boarding ships and oogling gorgeous, large sets. There are several twists, illusions, and dazzling moments along the way. The Galaxy Edge actors enhance everything.
The trackless element of the ride portion makes it so smooth and enjoyable. It’s the perfect way to experience this story. The animatronics are phenomenal. There is so much going on, and yet it is perfectly paced so you can truly enjoy all of the work and detail Disney put into it.
We weren’t 100% satisfied with Galaxy’s Edge before we got on Rise of the Resistance. When we got off, we were sold on the whole experience. I even shed a few tears because I was so moved. We immediately booked appointments at the Droid Depot and Savi’s Workshop to build a droid and Lightsaber. We were just like… take out money, Disney. It was that good.
Rise of the Resistance is easily a 5/5 for us. It combines all the things we love about Disney – great stories, immersive environments, and the best their Imagineers have to offer. From start to finish this ride embodies excellence. We can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
If you don’t mind spoilers, check out the full ride shot by 4K WDW. It won’t do it any kind of justice, but it will give you a glimpse into this incredible experience.