Disney knows how to stir emotions, and nothing proves that better than its handling of such a popular franchise.
Star Wars fans are fiercely loyal, and any major creative decision is bound to spark heated discussion. Right now, one ride is fueling that fire, and the controversy is louder than lightsaber sparks.
Stepping Into Batuu
The arrival of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was a game-changer. Disney didn’t just add a new land—they created a living, breathing outpost called Batuu.
Guests can construct a lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop or build a trusty droid at Droid Depot. Oga’s Cantina delivers intergalactic drinks with plenty of atmosphere, while stands around the land offer the now-iconic blue and green milk. Souvenir hunters can explore shops packed with robes, helmets, and collectibles, while Rey, Chewbacca, and Kylo Ren often roam the streets.
It’s immersive and ambitious, but the rides make or break the land.
Three Star Wars Adventures
First, there’s Star Tours, a classic simulator still going strong. It's constantly updated with new scenes and kept fresh enough to remain a fan favorite.
Next is Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Step into the cockpit of the Falcon, grab the controls, and work as a team to complete the mission. It’s one of the most interactive rides Disney has ever produced, and the appeal of piloting the Falcon never gets old.
Finally, the centerpiece: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. This is where things get complicated.
A Ride With the Wrong Inspiration
Rise of the Resistance is technically brilliant, with multiple ride systems, jaw-dropping sets, and an ambitious storyline. The issue is the storyline itself. Disney tied it directly to the sequel trilogy, widely considered one of the franchise’s weakest points.
The Rise of Skywalker (2019) was slammed by critics, earning only a 51% Rotten Tomatoes score. Many fans argue the trilogy lacked direction, overused CGI, and didn’t carry the same emotional weight as earlier films. For Disney to make the sequels the centerpiece of Galaxy’s Edge felt like an odd choice that continues to spark debate.
The Harsh Reality
Despite the backlash, Rise of the Resistance isn’t going anywhere. The ride still posts some of the longest wait times in the park, often rivaling newer attractions. Fans may groan about the story, but they still line up to see the jaw-dropping hangar filled with stormtroopers or to experience the escape sequence from the Star Destroyer.
Disney knows it has a winner, even if the storytelling foundation isn’t universally beloved.
Divided But Still Popular
At its core, Rise of the Resistance represents Disney’s willingness to take risks—even if those risks divide the fan base. For some, it’s a frustrating reminder of a controversial trilogy. For others, it’s the most ambitious Star Wars ride ever created.
Either way, it’s not going anywhere. Love it or hate it, Batuu’s star attraction remains locked in place, drawing crowds every single day.
