At a Glance
Duration: 4 minutes, 40 seconds (not including pre-show segments)
Look Out For: loud noises, flashing lights, gunfire, explosions, a 23 ft drop, and a strong sense of peril
Opening on December 5, 2019, Rise of the Resistance is an innovative, multi-system attraction that throws you right into the action as you escape the First Order. But how scary is Rise of the Resistance? Let’s take a look at the ratings:
1. Ride Length
Rise of the Resistance has a ride duration of 4 minutes and 40 seconds. However, this only includes the actual dark ride section (or time spent in the moving ride vehicle.) This does not include any of the pre-show and live-actor sequences which many would consider part of the ride as well. Altogether, the experience takes about 18 to 20 minutes, give or take.
2. Height Requirement and Warnings
Rise of the Resistance has a height requirement of 40 inches. For reference, this is the same restriction you’ll find at Tower of Terror in Hollywood Studios and Space Mountain in Magic Kingdom. Disney also warns that riders should be free from high blood pressure or any heart, back, or neck problems to ride.
3. Ride Vehicles and Restraints
The Rise of the Resistance ride vehicles consist of individual trackless cars – think Ratatouille – that seat 8 riders in 2 rows of 4. There is no lap bar or safety restraints, which is a good indicator of how tame the thrill elements really are.
4. How Does Rise of the Resistance Work?
Rise of the Resistance is like no other Disney attraction to date. Using multiple ride systems (first a simulator, then an interactive live performance, and finally a dark ride), this experience is truly immersive in every way possible. Here’s the breakdown for the 3 segments:
The simulator transport ride at the beginning works just like a very typical, mild simulator that bumps and lurches you a few times during your 2 minute ride. The movement is not intense at all and you’ll remain standing (with handles available – like a subway) for the duration.
The next segment is an interactive performance in which you’ll be led through an elaborately-themed series of rooms and holding areas by live actors. There are high-tech props and truly incredible show scenes in this segment, but it’s the cast members who are the real stars of the show, in my opinion.
Finally, the dark ride segment works a lot like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure or Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway as the cars follow a predetermined path, though they appear “trackless.” The ride vehicles accelerate and maneuver very smoothly and even “freefall” at the ride’s climax – locking into place much like the elevators in Tower of Terror.
5. Is Rise of the Resistance Scary?
Rise of the Resistance could definitely be scary for some riders. While it does not include any outright or intentionally spooky theming, there is a strong sense of peril that follows you throughout the ride. Aside from the several interactions with villainous characters, this attraction also includes loud noises, flashing lights, gunfire, explosions, and even lightsabers which might make it a tough ride for those prone to sensory sensitivity.
In my opinion, it’s probably the most emotionally thrilling ride at Disney World as you’re constantly evading capture and being actively hunted by a formidable villain. Every sequence is extremely immersive and is certainly enough to get your adrenalin pumping. Some riders will love the suspense while others may find it feels a little too real.
6. How High is Rise of the Resistance?
Rise of the Resistance does not technically involve heights. However, the attraction does simulate space travel and notably includes a sequence where your vehicle unexpectedly zooms up an elevator (probably about 15 feet) and you’re left momentarily looking down over the show scene. While this doesn’t last long, the startling nature of zooming upwards might be uncomfortable for those with a fear of heights.
7. How Fast is Rise of the Resistance?
Rise of the Resistance does go fast at some points. Again, I would compare its movement to the other trackless rides in the park – Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. There are many moments of mild acceleration and 2 notable thrills – the sudden elevator lift upwards and the “freefall” drop in the escape pod. Aside from that, this ride capitalizes more on the suspense of being chased than outright thrill elements.
8. Does Rise of the Resistance Have Drops?
Rise of the Resistance does have a 23 foot “freefall” drop. While it’s very quick and tame by thrill ride standards, the sensation of falling is heightened by the visuals on the screen – implying that you’re dropping farther than you are. In my opinion, the sudden elevator lift upwards in the Imperial Walker scene was almost just as intense as the drop – as they both gave me a bit of that stomach-in-your-throat feeling. Some riders will find both of these sequences very tame, while others sensitive to drops and sudden motion might find them pretty uncomfortable.
9. Does Rise of the Resistance Cause Motion Sickness?
Rise of the Resistance should not cause motion sickness to most riders. While there is a brief (2 minute) simulator segment and some rushing visuals on screens, the open areas and mild movements will most likely not cause nausea. There is some light spinning in this attraction, but it’s on par with Disney’s other trackless rides and just keeps you facing the right show scenes at the right times.
10. Is Rise of the Resistance Claustrophobic?
Rise of the Resistance is definitely claustrophobic in many ways. While the fast-pacing and varied ride systems keep you on your toes, the extremely immersive scenes in this ride can feel a little disorienting as you’re moved from one “location” to another several times, with no clear way back. There are several notable moments that could feel confining to a lot of riders:
First, the queue is extremely closed-off, and you’ll find yourself winding through many tight tunnels and caves that all look very much the same. On top of this, the line is usually hours long, and you’ll remain in this crowded queue for quite a while. The first segment of the ride – the simulator transport – is mildly confining but fairly open and doesn’t involve any restraints or having to remain seated. It’s short, 2 minute duration will also make it more doable for some.
Those made especially uncomfortable in pre-shows or being enclosed in a room with other guests will find the live-action segment of this ride a bit difficult. You will be led through several (amazingly-themed) windowless areas and eventually placed in a “holding cell” while you wait to be “interrogated.” While just the idea of being locked in a cell is enough to make many riders uneasy, the immersive acting and tone of this segment do a great job of making it feel very real. That being said, your actual stay in the cell only lasts for about a minute (unless there’s a delay) and you’ll be out of there before you know it.
The dark ride segment of this attraction is not especially confining as it has a fairly average ride duration and no restraints of any kind. It does involve some closed-off areas and show scenes but the action-packed pacing make for a quick and exciting ride.
11. Are There Animatronics on Rise of the Resistance?
There are many animatronics on Rise of the Resistance. From friendly and beloved characters to storm troopers and the villainous Kylo Ren, this attraction is full of animatronic characters and set pieces. However, they are all very new with fluid movements and lifelike mannerisms – making them a little less uncanny compared to our shifty friends over at Pirates of the Caribbean and Spaceship Earth.
Rise of the Resistance Queue Walkthrough
The queue entrance is located outside in the Galaxy’s Edge area and takes you through a brief outdoor section before leading you into the caves. You’ll make your way through a serious of tunnels and the “underground” base of the Resistance – complete with elaborate sets and props along the way. While immersive, this queue can feel a bit monotonous and confining as riders are often stuck waiting for hours for this extremely popular attraction.
You’ll finally be led into a pre-show room and will be briefed on your mission by a very cool hologram of Rey (lasting about 1 minute and 20 seconds). From there you’ll be rushed over to the transport to begin your adventure.
Rise of the Resistance Ride Walkthrough
You’ll be led into the transport and told to stand against the walls. There are handles to hold onto (like you’d find on a subway), but the simulator doesn’t move dramatically enough to really need them. You’ll be greeted by an impressive animatronic of Bek at the front of the transport and take off into space. The mission is quickly compromised, however, when your ship is intercepted by the First Order.
You’ll prepare to be boarded and then be greeted by live actors representing the First Order. They’ll lead you through an absolutely stunning “hangar bay” before taking you through some hallways and towards the holding cells. The actors will line you up and prepare you to be interrogated.
Once you’re in the cell, you’ll see General Hux, some storm troopers, and Kylo Ren on a screen above you. After being interrupted by “a problem on the bridge” they’ll leave you for a moment just in time for one of the walls to be carved open (with some cool lighting effects and a hidden door) by a member of the Resistance. They’ll hurry you into the ride vehicles and wish you luck as attempt to escape the First Order.
As the actual ride vehicle sets off, you’ll glide down the hallways before running into a probe droid and quickly pivoting to another room. You’ll find yourself face to face with some storm troopers up on a landing and they’ll “fire” at you as you zoom quickly away – but we all know how great their aim is.
You’ll escape into a huge room with several (breathtaking) Imperial Walkers inside. Finn will find you there and rush you onto an elevator, telling you to take the lift down – only for it to send you up suddenly instead. You’ll continue to be shot at, maneuvering through various rooms and hallways before coming upon Kylo Ren and General Hux on the bridge.
Kylo will pursue you, telling you “there’s nowhere to run” before you zoom away, trying to evade him. He’ll find you quickly and walk menacingly towards you in a hallway. You’ll escape into an elevator, only for his lightsaber to start carving through the ceiling. He’s not quick enough, however, and you’ll escape past some huge firing guns before heading for the escape pod.
Before you can get there, though, he catches you, forcing your ride vehicle to spin around and face him. He tells you that you’ll give him the location to the secret base and that then he’ll destroy the Resistance. Suddenly, gunfire breaks through the window behind him and he lets go, allowing you to speed away towards the escape pod.
Once inside, your ride vehicle will latch into place and “freefall” about 23 feet as your escape pod drops out of the ship. With that, you’re on your way to safety and crash land back at your base – safe and sound. You’ll exit the escape pod and be greeted by Bek as you make your way to the unloading station.
That’s it! Remember, everyone’s riding experience is a little bit different and only you can decide whether to hop on that ride vehicle or not. I just hope this guide helps you be prepared and enjoy every second of your Disney experience!
So what do you think? How scary is Rise of the Resistance? Leave a comment to help keep this guide up to date!
For a full visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW:
