This morning we were lucky enough to be among the first to experience Rise of the Resistance, the crown jewel of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The ride officially opens tomorrow. This article contains lots of photos and spoilers of the entire attraction, all the way up until you board the trackless ride vehicles mid-way through the experience, We save the best part of the attraction for you with just some general comments, so please consider yourself warned and view at your own risk!

The Resistance Forest

Your journey begins in an elaborate outdoor forest, where the Resistance fighters have established their camp.  

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
The queue begins outdoors in the Resistance forest.
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
For now, only standby is available, but Fastpass+ will arrive at an undetermined time in the future.
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
There is a large outdoor queue, which will more than likely be filled to capacity for years to come.
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
Beautiful waterfalls in the outdoor portion.

Resistance Caves

You then transition to the other side of the waterfalls inside the cave structures and into the indoor portion of the queue. 

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
The first of many cave style hallways.
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
Some up-close details of the aging on display.

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
The Resistance needs tools to repair their ships!

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
The first big room of switchbacks.
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
There is a place to replenish your water bottles mid way through the queue.
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
Another large room. Thankfully this is all climate-controlled, which will be huge during the summer months.

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
There are items to scan for the Datapad in the Play Disney Parks app.
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
This is so cool.

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
details begin to build as we head through the queue and the number of props you see increases.

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
Pilot breathing masks.
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
The famous Star Wars binoculars!
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
Another long and very themed hallway.
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
There is a weapons room full of blasters.
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
There are also thermal detonators!
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
Portable computers just like in the films.
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
X-Wing pilot suits!
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
The detail on these helmets is just incredible.
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
Notice here that there are basically seating areas built into the queue, just in case there is some unexpected downtime.
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
There is event a Bacta suit. This is not a drill.

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough

First Pre-Show Room

The intensity of the queue has been slowly building until you suddenly find yourself in the first pre-show room. The attraction has really begun at this point because important details begin to be revealed. 

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
This is the first pre-show room.
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
It features BB-8, in what feels very similar to the Rocket scene in the queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout.
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
The little droid is adorable as ever.
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
Here you receive a hologram transmission from Rey herself, thanking you for joining the cause and explaining your mission.

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
Gonk.
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
Rey’s role is pivotal as she’s the one who convinces you to join the Resistance and board the first attraction vehicle.
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
Here you also get your first glimpse at Poe Dameron.

On to the Action . . . 

Having been convinced to join the cause, you are whisked onto a troop transport and into the air. What could possibly go wrong?! 

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
From the pre-show, you head back outside to board your transport.
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
The Cast Members here are great, giving a sense of urgency and moving you from place to place.
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
This is the interior of the Resistance transport.

It’s a bit like a gentle version of Star Tours that you stand in.  

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
Here you meet Beck, a Mon Calamari who is tasked with getting you to General Organa’s rendezvous point.

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
There are small screens all over with views of the different pilots escorting you.

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
Of course, something goes wrong and you run into the First Order. You get caught in a tractor beam and pulled into one of their Star Destroyers.

Into the Star Destroyer!

What happens next is going to fill you with awe. I’ve seen people cry when they catch their first glimpse at rows of Storm Troopers on the deck of the massive landing bay.  

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
A First Order officer boards your craft and you are now prisoners.

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
Transport droid.

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
This hangar is full of detail and is a genuine wow moment.

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
Tons and tons of Stormtroopers.
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
Yes, I’m going to give you a few views of this scene, because it’s just a stunning moment.

 Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
The First Order officers are completely in character and have no time for your selfies.
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
Yes, that is a full size TIE Fighter! That’s how huge this room is. 

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
Look at all that detail.

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
Time to leave our transport and go further into the Star Destroyer.

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough

Captured! 

You know you are in trouble when you leave the safety of your ship behind and head down a long corridor with the First Order. 

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
This hallway is pure Star Wars.

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
You are placed into groups of four and given a color assignment to stand on.

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
The entrance to the Interrogation Room.
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
These guys are not happy to see you.

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
The Interrogation Room gets smaller and smaller, like a Willy Wonka hallway.

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
Here you encounter Hux.
Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
As well as Kylo Ren!

This is end of the road for our photos, as we don’t want to spoil what happens when you get on the trackless portion of the ride. 

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
Transport droid . . . we are about to head into the main portion of the ride and the trackless ride vehicle.

Overall, the ride is a complete experience, and is pure sensory overload. There are so many details that it just gets better each time you ride and find more of the details you missed after the first go. The trackless system allows the ride to go places and do things that are very unpredictable and thrilling. It really feels like you’re in a Star Wars movie and on an actual adventure.

One other major plus about this ride, compared to the rest of the land, is that from the minute you get to the first pre-show, there is Star Wars music everywhere. Star Wars music is something sorely missing from the rest of Batuu and makes you wonder why it’s OK for there to be music here and not elsewhere. 

Speaking of Batuu, this attraction does help flesh out the land, and changes the overall experience entirely. It now feels like a place that is much larger that you can spend more time in. Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run also no longer has to try to bear the weight of being the main attraction. Rise of the Resistance is something beyond an E-Ticket and is one of the most impressive attractions Disney has built, and they have every right to be as proud of it as they are.

I’m still soaking it all in, and we’ll be back with more from Batuu and Rise of the Resistance soon. 


Rise of the Resistance Video (SPOILERS)

If you want to see the rest of the ride, we are going to make it a little more difficult for you to see the spoilers. I’ve got a video of the trackless portion of the ride below. Again, PLEASE DON’T CLICK UNLESS YOU WANT TO SEE THE SPOILERS: 


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Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough

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Let’s Hear From You!

Rise of the Resistance, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough

 

What do you think? Will you be braving the crowds here in Orlando or at Disneyland next month to check out this epic new Star Wars attraction? Does this new attraction make the land feel more complete to you? Let us know in the comments below. Thank you for reading and sharing!  

 

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Cory Disbrow
Cory likes Walt Disney World so much, he recently packed his bags and moved to Orlando. Cory is a photographer and writes MiceChat's Dateline Disney World columns every Friday.