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Rise of the Resistance Brings Back Major Battle Effect After Downtime

Disneyland guests visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge today were met with an exciting surprise—the long-dormant cannons on Rise of the Resistance are once again moving and firing, restoring one of the ride’s most thrilling effects. After months of behind-the-scenes work, Disneyland officials confirmed this morning that the iconic battle sequence has been fully restored.

Related: The Fall of Disney World’s Five-Year-Old ‘Star Wars’ Ride

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

A Key Effect Returns to the Battle

Since its opening in 2020, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance has been one of the most ambitious and immersive attractions ever built by Disney. As guests attempt to escape the clutches of the First Order, they find themselves in the middle of a chaotic battle inside a massive Star Destroyer hangar. One of the most dynamic moments of the ride features large-scale turbo laser cannons that move and fire overhead, simulating an intense space battle between the Resistance and the First Order.

However, for an extended period, these cannons had stopped moving, leaving fans disappointed as one of the most visually exciting parts of the attraction had been reduced to static props. While the ride continued to operate, many guests noted that the missing effect impacted the overall intensity of the experience.

Now, after months of extensive refurbishment, the cannons have been brought back to life, enhancing the attraction’s already cinematic quality. Guests riding today have shared their excitement online, with many celebrating the return of the immersive battle sequence that makes Rise of the Resistance such a standout theme park experience.

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

Months of Work Behind the Scenes

Disney has not publicly confirmed the specific reasons behind the cannon effect’s prolonged downtime, but insiders speculate that mechanical and programming challenges played a role. The complex trackless ride system, massive set pieces, and cutting-edge animatronics and projection technology make Rise of the Resistance one of Disney’s most technically advanced rides. Restoring such a large-scale effect likely required a combination of hardware repairs, recalibrations, and rigorous safety testing.

Over the past year, Disney has focused on maintaining and improving its most popular attractions, addressing missing or non-functional effects across multiple rides. The return of Rise of the Resistance’s cannons marks another successful restoration effort, reinforcing Disneyland’s commitment to delivering top-tier guest experiences.

Fireworks above Millennium Falcon at Disneyland's Galaxy's Edge
Credit: Disney

A Promising Sign for Disneyland Guests

The restoration of the cannons is a big win for Disney and Star Wars fans alike. Rise of the Resistance continues to be one of the most in-demand attractions at Disneyland, and today’s update ensures that new and returning guests can experience the ride at its full potential.

As Disney continues to invest in attraction upkeep and immersive storytelling, this update serves as a reminder that even the most advanced rides require ongoing care and attention. For those planning a visit to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, now is the perfect time to hop aboard Rise of the Resistance and witness the battle in all its glory—complete with its signature firing cannons once again.

Eva Miller

Eva was born and raised in the beautiful state of Oregon but has since relocated and lives in New York City. Since she was young, Eva has loved to perform in musicals, especially Disney ones! Through performing, Disney’s music became the soundtrack of her childhood. Today, Eva loves to write about all the exciting happenings for the Walt Disney Company. In her free time, Eva loves to travel, spend time in nature, and go to Broadway shows. Her favorite Disney movie is 'Lilo and Stitch,' and her favorite Park is Disney's Animal Kingdom.

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