A Disney World ride is facing some serious concerns from its fanbase as Star Wars might be in trouble within the parks.
This Disney World Ride Is in Trouble
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, anticipation builds the moment you step into Galaxy’s Edge. Guests rush toward Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, the blockbuster attraction that puts you in the middle of a galactic showdown with stormtroopers, droids, and Kylo Ren himself.
But recently, frustration has joined the excitement. Families eager to ride are finding themselves trapped in some of the park’s longest lines, with little explanation as to why.
The answer, however, is far more complicated—and much more disruptive—than most guests realize.
The Ride That Redefined Theme Parks
When Rise opened, it wasn’t just another ride; it was Disney’s biggest storytelling gamble. Blending multiple ride systems, walk-through sets, live actors, and jaw-dropping visuals, it became the gold standard for immersive attractions. Guests left calling it “the best ride Disney has ever built.”
It’s the type of experience worth traveling across the country for. Which is why the recent struggles hit even harder for fans who have been dreaming of this moment.
The Problem Behind the Scenes
Here’s the truth: Disney isn’t advertising. Rise of the Resistance is currently running at half capacity. Two of its crucial drop shafts—the machinery that powers the climactic freefall escape sequence—have been out of service for weeks. Replacement parts are still on the way, and until they arrive, the ride can’t run at full strength.
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
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! pic.twitter.com/V9ec8V9k3t— Orlando Amusement (@OrlandoAmusmnt) August 1, 2025
That means fewer riders per hour, longer waits, and more disappointed guests. Disney hasn’t announced when the ride will return to full operation, so for now, patience is part of the price of admission.
How to Ride Without Wasting Your Entire Day
While you can’t fix the downtime, you can avoid the worst of the lines:
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Go early or stay late: Lines are lowest right at opening or just before park close.
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Pay for Lightning Lane: With reduced capacity, this is often the only way to guarantee a ride.
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Refresh the app: Wait times dip unexpectedly during parades, shows, and meal rushes.
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Travel light: Smaller groups sometimes get pulled forward to fill gaps in loading.
Insider Secrets for a Smoother Experience
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Weather windows matter: Afternoon thunderstorms often clear crowds from outdoor rides, creating surprise drops in wait times here.
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Don’t rush the queue: With movie-like sets and Resistance briefings, the line is part of the story.
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Check multiple times a day: A posted 120-minute wait can sometimes shrink to half during off-peak hours.
Why Fans of This Disney World Ride Care So Deeply
For Disney fans, Rise isn’t just an attraction—it’s a milestone. Parents want to see their kids’ jaws drop when stormtroopers line the hangar. Star Wars devotees treat it like a rite of passage. And vacationers often plan entire days around getting on board.
When that experience feels uncertain or cut short, it hits harder than a simple ride closure. It’s a reminder of how much this attraction means to the culture of Disney parks and the people who love them.
Rise of the Resistance remains a can’t-miss adventure, even if the wait right now is longer than usual. If you’re heading to Hollywood Studios soon, go in prepared: plan, strategize, and know the ride is still worth the effort. The First Order may be slowing things down, but the magic of stepping into Star Wars is still unmatched.
