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Report: Disney World’s Biggest ‘Star Wars’ Ride in Meltdown

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is once again experiencing operational issues at Walt Disney World Resort.

The attraction, located inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, has failed to open with the park for multiple days this week. On March 27, it remained closed as of 10:50 a.m. EST after briefly operating during Early Entry.

Rise of the Resistance hangar room at Galaxy's Edge
Credit: Disney

Guests were prevented from entering the queue, with cast members blocking access — a scenario that also played out on Wednesday and Thursday.

Repeated Downtime Hits Disney’s Headline Attraction

According to Thrill Data, the ride recorded 326 minutes of downtime on March 26, 175 minutes on March 25, and 72 minutes on March 24. Additional interruptions have been reported throughout the month.

The ride’s reliability has been a concern since it opened in December 2019. Its scale and complexity made it one of the most ambitious attractions Disney had ever built, but also one of the most difficult to operate consistently.

Star Wars Rise of the Resistance, a Disney star wars ride at Disney World.
Credit: Disney

Rise of the Resistance combines multiple ride systems, including trackless vehicles, motion simulation, and large-scale physical sets. The experience moves through several environments, from a Resistance briefing to a First Order Star Destroyer.

Despite ongoing issues, it remains one of Disney’s most popular attractions. It continues to draw high demand, often shaping how guests plan their day at the park.

Longstanding Technical Challenges Continue

Some issues extend beyond downtime. Guests have frequently reported missing or modified effects inside the attraction.

The cannon blasters, originally designed to move, are often static. The Kylo Ren audio-animatronic is also sometimes replaced with a projection-based sequence.

A Stormtrooper on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at this Disney park in California.
Credit: Brian McGowan, Unsplash

These adjustments have become common, especially during periods of reduced functionality.

More broadly, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has faced criticism since opening. Early feedback focused on high prices, limited attractions, and a lack of familiar characters.

The land’s focus on the sequel trilogy has also drawn mixed reactions, with some arguing it limits broader appeal.

Disney has started to address that. Disneyland’s version of Galaxy’s Edge will expand its timeline from April 29, 2026, introducing characters such as Darth Vader, Leia Organa, and Luke Skywalker.

Kylo Ren Galaxy's Edge
Credit: Disney

Other updates are also planned. Star Wars: Millennium Falcon – Smugglers Run will incorporate characters from The Mandalorian & Grogu (2026), including Din Djarin and Grogu.

Are you surprised by the ongoing issues impacting Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance?

Chloe James

Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.

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