10 Hidden Facts About Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

If you’ve ever experienced Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you know it’s far more than just a ride. This is an immersive, multi-phase adventure that puts you right in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order.

But even if you’ve ridden it multiple times, there are plenty of hidden details and behind-the-scenes secrets that make this attraction one of Disney’s most ambitious projects ever.  

Here are 10 hidden facts that will make your next ride on Rise of the Resistance even more incredible.  

1. It’s One of the Longest Disney Attractions Ever  

From the moment you step into the queue until you exit your ride vehicle, Rise of the Resistance lasts nearly 18 minutes, making it one of the longest attractions in Disney history.  

The experience is broken into multiple segments, including:  

• The queue, where you see Resistance outposts and BB-8.
• The pre-show with Rey and Poe Dameron’s hologram transmission.
• The outdoor portion where you board the Intersystem Transport Ship (I-TS).
• The First Order Star Destroyer hangar, complete with stormtroopers.
• The trackless ride portion, where you escape Kylo Ren.  

All of these elements combined make Rise of the Resistance more than just a ride. It’s an interactive, cinematic adventure.

2. The Full-Scale Stormtrooper Hangar Is a Special Effects Masterpiece

The First Order hangar is one of the most jaw-dropping moments in the attraction, with 50 stormtroopers lined up in formation and a massive TIE fighter docked in the background.  

What many people don’t realize is that the stormtroopers are a mix of static figures and animatronics. If you look closely, you may notice that some of them subtly shift their weight or turn their heads.  

Fun fact: This hangar scene was originally meant to be even larger, but Disney had to slightly shrink the space to fit the attraction into Batuu (and probably to cut the budget).

3. It Uses Four Different Ride Systems  

Unlike most attractions that rely on a single ride system, Rise of the Resistance incorporates four unique ride experiences:  

• A motion simulator (during the transport ship scene).
• A walk-through experience (when captured by the First Order).
• A trackless dark ride (during the escape sequence).
• A drop ride system (when you make your final escape via escape pods).  

This variety keeps guests immersed in the action and is one of the reasons Rise of the Resistance is so groundbreaking.  

4. The Escape Pod Drop Was Originally More Intense  

One of the most thrilling moments of the ride is when your escape pod “drops” from the Star Destroyer and crashes back onto Batuu.  

In early tests, the drop was more intense. Think of it as a mini version of Tower of Terror. However, Disney eventually toned it down to be more family-friendly. Now it makes more of a sudden descent rather than a freefall.  

5. The Kylo Ren Animatronic Can “Glitch” Into a Backup Mode  

At the climax of the ride, Kylo Ren attacks you with his lightsaber before being sucked into space. But sometimes, the animatronic version of Kylo malfunctions…a lot.

If this happens, the ride automatically switches to a backup scene. Instead of seeing Kylo in person, you’ll see him chasing you in his TIE Fighter on a screen before he gets blasted away.

Disney built this fail-safe to keep the ride running smoothly without major delays.  

6. The Blaster Bolts Are a Clever Optical Illusion

Throughout the ride, you will see blaster fire streaking across the hallways as stormtroopers try to stop your escape. But these aren’t actual projectiles or physical lighting effects. They are timed projections on walls and glass panels.

Each shot is precisely synced with sound effects and flashing lights. So, it look like the bolts are ricocheting off the walls.  

7. The Ride Features Real Movie Props and Authentic Sound Effects  

Disney worked closely with Lucasfilm and Skywalker Sound to ensure Rise of the Resistance felt like a true Star Wars movie. Some of the special details include:  

• Poe Dameron’s X-Wing in the queue is an actual physical prop used in filming.
• The audio from General Hux and Kylo Ren was recorded by their original actors, Domhnall Gleeson and Adam Driver.  
• The sound effects, including the TIE Fighter engines, droid beeps, and blaster shots, were taken directly from the Star Wars films.  

8. The Ride Uses One of Disney’s Largest Animatronics  

While Disney is known for its incredible animatronics, Rise of the Resistance features one of their largest ever: the AT-AT walkers inside the Star Destroyer.  

These towering 50-foot-tall machines are fully animated, with moving heads and laser cannons. The ride cleverly makes you feel like you’re tiny in comparison and crates a the sense of danger.  

9. You Can Trigger a Hidden Easter Egg with the Disney Play App

If you use the Disney Play app while waiting in the queue, you can unlock secret missions and Resistance tasks. These change depending on whether you’re a hero or villain.  

By completing missions, you can hack into First Order terminals, translate Aurebesh, and even interact with droids.  

Fun fact: The app tracks your progress throughout Galaxy’s Edge, so your “reputation” follows you across other experiences.  

10. The Experience Changes Depending on Where You Sit

Rise of the Resistance features two different ride paths, depending on which side of the vehicle you’re in.  

If you’re in the front row, you can get a closer view of the animatronics and set pieces.

If you’re in the back row, you may experience more motion effects and slightly different angles of certain scenes.  

Each time you ride, you may notice new details you missed before. That means multiple rides will always feel fresh.  

The Most Ambitious Disney Ride Ever?  

Rise of the Resistance isn’t just an attraction. This is a full-scale Star Wars adventure. Between its mix of multiple ride systems, real movie props, high-tech animatronics, and seamless storytelling, it’s no surprise that many fans consider it one of Disney’s best rides ever.  

Next time you’re in Galaxy’s Edge, keep an eye out for these hidden details and may the Force be with you!