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Disney World ‘Star Wars’ Ride Gets Unfortunate News

What This Means for the Future of This Attraction

Fans of this Disney Star Wars ride should be concerned as Disney World drops some shocking news quietly.

The ride vehicle passes some Storm Troopers on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Credit: Disney

Disney ‘Star Wars’ Ride To Change Indefinitely Following Shocking News

The hum of lightsabers, the smell of popcorn, and the excitement of stepping into a galaxy far, far away—few attractions have captured the hearts of Disney fans quite like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. It’s not just a ride; it’s an epic cinematic adventure where guests feel like they’ve stepped into the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order.

But lately, whispers in fan communities and frustrated TikTok updates have left many wondering: why are the wait times soaring higher than a TIE fighter? Is this a temporary hiccup—or something much bigger?

Before we reveal the surprising truth, let’s talk about what makes this attraction so legendary, and why people are willing to line up for hours just to ride.

Kylo Ren Rise of the Resistance
Credit: D23

The Star Wars Experience That Changed Disney Forever

When Rise of the Resistance debuted, it redefined theme park storytelling. With multiple ride systems, live cast interactions, and groundbreaking effects, it became Disney’s most ambitious ride yet. Guests aren’t just passive riders—they’re Resistance recruits dodging stormtroopers, evading Kylo Ren, and escaping Star Destroyers.

Disney knew it had created something historic, and fans responded with record-breaking attendance. For years, it’s been considered the crown jewel of Hollywood Studios.

But now, the jewel has lost some of its shine.

A Stormtrooper on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Credit: Brian McGowan, Unsplash

What’s Really Happening at Rise of the Resistance

Here’s the buried lead: Rise of the Resistance is currently operating at half capacity at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Two of the ride’s massive drop shafts—the mechanical heart of its dramatic finale—have been down for an extended period, awaiting replacement parts.

Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is currently operating at half capacity, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. 2 of the rides drop shafts have been down for quite some time and are awaiting the arrival of parts. Expect significant wait times! – @OrlandoAmusmnt on X

Without those ride vehicles fully functional, capacity is slashed, meaning fewer guests per hour and much longer waits. Disney has not released an official reopening date for full capacity, but insiders confirm the downtime has already lasted weeks and will continue for the foreseeable future.

In other words: expect your wait times to skyrocket.

star-wars-rise-of-the-resistance
Credit: DIsney

How to Experience It Without Losing Hours

Don’t panic—there are still smart ways to ride without burning your entire park day in line:

  • Arrive early or stay late: Rope drop or close-to-closing hours are your best bet.

  • Use Genie+ and Lightning Lane: Paid options are the only surefire way to bypass the extended queue right now.

  • Watch the app: Disney’s My Disney Experience app will update wait times in real time. Lines often dip during parades or mealtimes.

  • Split groups smartly: Smaller parties are sometimes pulled from the standby line to fill last-minute seats.

A vibrant street scene at dusk in Walt Disney World Resort's Hollywood Studios, illuminated by colorful lights. Palm trees line the street, and numerous shops and attractions are visible on both sides. Crowds of people walk along the street towards a large theater at the end as the Disney World park prepares for its early closing.
Credit: Disney

Hidden Hacks Only Pros Know

  • Single Rider Isn’t an Option: Unlike Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, this ride doesn’t offer single rider—but smaller groups often get luckier.

  • Check During Rainstorms: Many outdoor rides shut down during bad weather, which funnels crowds away from Rise, surprisingly lowering waits.

  • Don’t Skip the Queue: The pre-shows and themed queue are half the experience. If you can’t ride again soon, take your time soaking in the details.

the intersection of sunset and hollywood at disney's hollywood studios at this disney world park.
Credit: Becky Burkett, Disney Dining

Why This Matters to Fans of This Disney ‘Star Wars’ Ride

For fans, Rise isn’t just another attraction—it’s a pilgrimage. Families plan entire vacations around experiencing it. So when capacity is cut, the ripple effect is massive: frustration, rescheduling, and sometimes disappointment for first-timers.

Yet there’s also resilience in the fandom. Disney communities share hacks, trade tips, and post real-time updates to help others. The excitement hasn’t faded; if anything, this challenge underscores just how much the ride means to people.

Emmanuel Detres

Since first stepping inside the Magic Kingdom at nine years old, I knew I was destined to be a theme Park enthusiast. Although I consider myself a theme Park junkie, I still have much to learn and discover about Disney. Universal Orlando Resort has my heart; being an Annual Passholder means visiting my favorite places on Earth when possible! When I’m not writing about Disney, Universal, or entertainment news, you’ll find me cruising on my motorcycle, hiking throughout my local metro parks, or spending quality time with my girlfriend, family, or friends.

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