Ever since it opened in 2020, Rise of the Resistance at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has been a signature attraction at Disneyland. The Anaheim theme park got its version of the ride several months after the one in Walt Disney World. But for Star Wars fans, it was worth the wait. It stands as one of the greatest dark rides in history, and has had nothing but long lines since it opened. However, Disneyland has now announced that Rise of the Resistance will be closed for routine refurbishment, starting January 20. The news comes to us via All Ears.
Now, ride closures in January are very commonplace for Disneyland. It’s low tourism season, and the holiday overlays in attractions like Haunted Mansion and It’s a Small World need removal time. However, those ride closures usually are for just a few weeks or sometimes months. The attraction’s trackless ride system is state-of-the-art, but also problematic. The gun turrets in the big finale didn’t work for years, only recently returning. But could this refurbishment be the signal for something else fans have been asking for years?
Since it opened, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has been set in the era of the Disney-produced sequels. But in recent years, Disney has been loosening up that timeline. They’ve added characters like the Mandalorian and Grogu, as well as Ahsoka, into the land. We’ve suggested before that Rise of the Resistance is perfect for a seasonal overlay. A few tweaks, like replacing the Stormtrooper designs with original trilogy looks, and Kylo Ren with Darth Vader, could transform this into Rise of the Rebellion. And probably without a giant price tag attached. With the Star Wars franchise turning 50 in 2027, it would be the perfect time for Walt Disney Imagineering to do something like this. For more information on the closure, and when the attraction might reopen, head to the official Disneyland Resort website.