
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.
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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.
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.
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.