Rebels, the Resistance needs your help! In the heart of the planet Batuu lies a ride that quite literally kidnaps you to a galaxy far far away. March into the shoes of a Resistance recruit and join the battle against the First Order in a storyline that unfolds in a spectacular cinematic spectacle. Find out what secrets lie beneath the surface of this awe-inspiring attraction!
Perhaps Disney's most complex attraction, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, is an immersive experience that combines multiple ride systems and groundbreaking technology.
In this article:
Secrets of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
From groundbreaking ride technology to the meticulous attention to detail in every nook and cranny, we'll peel back the pod bay doors on the little-known facts, engineering marvels, and creative wizardry that make Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance a must-do ride in Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
Whether you're a Star Wars fanatic or simply a lover of immersive experiences, this journey into the making of Rise of the Resistance (ROTR) promises to deepen your appreciation for the artistry and innovation that define the magic of Disney's Imagineers.
Inspiration Behind the Humble Aesthetic
Disney Imagineers drew inspiration from different parts of the world to craft the enchanting planet of Batuu and its bustling Black Spire Outpost. With the vast array of planets within the Star Wars universe, the Imagineers aimed for a unique approach, ensuring guests could immerse themselves in any storyline they desired. Hence the creation of Batuu, a new planet where guests could choose a storyline for whatever adventure they sought. “We wanted it to be your Star Wars story. Not Luke's story, or Han's or any other Star Wars character, ” Walt Disney Imagineering Executive Creative Director Scott Mallwitz explained to Travel + Leisure. “It takes you away from trying to follow a story that's already been told and takes you into living out your own story with your friends and family.”
In the pursuit of bringing Batuu's distinct ambiance to life, Imagineers traveled to Turkey and Morocco for inspiration. These vibrant locations served as a fountain of ideas, providing valuable references for the creation of street markets, intricate stonework, pavement cracks, exposed electrical wiring, and a rich palette of earthy tones. Imagineers also tried to use pre-1980s props wherever they could to give an authentic feeling to the planet, as the Star Wars universe hasn’t strayed too far from the late 1970s technological aesthetic.
Fun Fact: creating Galaxy's Edge was the largest single-themed land expansion for Walt Disney World and Disneyland to date!
The X-Wing Outside the Ride Makes an Important Cameo
I had the incredible opportunity to chat with one of the VIP Tour Guides at Walt Disney World recently, delving into the captivating behind-the-scenes secrets of Rise of the Resistance.
To my nerdy delight, they revealed that the X-Wing situated next to the attraction was not just any replica–it was an authentic screen-used prop from none other than Season 1, Episode 6 of the Mandalorian show! To add to the excitement, it's the very X-wing that features Dave Filoni's cameo!
In the show Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian, Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni tell the story of how they “hijacked” the X-wing just as it was on the brink of being shipped to Orlando for placement in Batuu. Some modifications were necessary, considering it was originally constructed as a full-size X-wing, not initially intended for on-screen use.
It's worth noting that this information pertains specifically to the X-wing at the Walt Disney World location, as the Disneyland version is, in fact, a meticulously crafted replica.
Where Does the Adventure Begin?
The setting of Rise of the Resistance takes place between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. The ride itself is meant to serve as a bridge between the two films.
One of the leaders behind this galactic endeavor, Doug Chiang, the vice president and executive creative director of Lucasfilm, shed light on the collaborative masterpiece crafted by the Lucasfilm and Walt Disney Imagineering design teams. He explained, “The Lucasfilm design team and the Walt Disney Imagineering design team worked together seamlessly as one team, essentially.” This way, the story of Rise of the Resistance fits perfectly into the timeline of the Star Wars films.
The Actors Came Back During Filming
Much to everyone's joy, Disney collaborated with the sequel trilogy's iconic actors to reprise their roles for Rise of the Resistance. The galaxy's beloved characters—Rey, Kylo Ren, Finn, Poe, and General Hux—were brought back to life by the very actors who made them household names. Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Domhnall Gleeson respectively, all reprised their roles in new scenes exclusively crafted for this groundbreaking attraction.
What makes this reunion particularly thrilling is the foresight of filming these scenes simultaneously with the production of The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. Just as the setting of the ride is between the two movies, the actors filmed their attraction scenes during those corresponding movies. The decision to capture these moments during the making of the films adds an authentic touch to Rise of the Resistance, providing guests with an unparalleled opportunity to step into the cinematic universe seamlessly.
How the Tables Have Turned
Have you ever found yourself wondering how on earth (or I guess, Batuu) the Intersystem Transport Ship (I-TS) seamlessly whisks you away to the depths of the Star Destroyer on Rise of the Resistance? Well, the Imagineering team ingeniously employs a sophisticated turntable system—think of it as a remarkably advanced Lazy Susan.
Here's the ingenious mechanics at play: three transport vehicles are situated on the turntable simultaneously. One is loading at the Rebel Base, another is actively engaging guests in the immersive experience, and the third is unloading at the foreboding Star Destroyer. The initial movement of the pod, similar to a spaceship taking off, and the subsequent stop mimics the sensation of landing in the hangar of the Star Destroyer. It's a seamless orchestration of technology and creativity, where the turntable becomes the stage for a truly mind-blowing journey from one galactic destination to another.
A Stormtrooper Spectacle That Does Not Miss
Every time I step out of the Intersystem Transport Ship into the vast Star Destroyer hangar, my jaw always drops—it's a true cinematic spectacle. The sight of a legion of Stormtroopers, their heads pivoting with a realistic, military precision is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
The atmosphere exudes an undeniable sense of intimidation as you find yourself surrounded by 50 Stormtroopers. Personally, I had always wondered just how many Stormtroopers were in the room but was always whisked back into line before I could count. With blasters poised and ready, they create an immersive precursor to your impending interrogation.
A 360 Experience
Have you ever found yourself curious about the number of scenes flawlessly integrated into Rise of the Resistance? Brace yourselves – a grand total of 18 distinct scenes unfold throughout the ride. Yet, what truly grabs your attention is the seamless transition from one immersive setting to the next, creating an uninterrupted journey that transports you into the belly of a genuine Star Destroyer.
The real magic lies in the meticulous design that ensures a continuous 360-degree experience. No matter where your gaze wanders, the awe-inspiring presence of the Star Destroyer surrounds you, leaving no room for backstage projections or visible wiring to disrupt the illusion.
Doug Chiang touched on this subject in a YouTube interview with DIS Unlimited, explaining, “(…)we were trying to make this so immersive because we knew the guests were going to look at places we wouldn’t expect, and so we had to make sure that all the details were spot on. So, I would say, as you’re standing in the queue, look around, look up and down, because I think you’ll find some nice treats.”
The Officers Stay in Character
First Order Officers don't just enforce galactic law–they do it with a touch of theatrical intensity. Unlike for the majority of rides in Walt Disney World, ROTR has a secret twist: cast members aren't advised to flash those trademark Disney smiles. As a former cast member, we were encouraged to smile and engage guests with a happy disposition at all times. Rise of the Resistance, along with the likes of The Haunted Mansion and Tower of Terror, belongs to a select group of attractions designed to keep guests fully enveloped in the mesmerizing “show” by maintaining a more…intense presence.
Why the serious demeanor, you ask? Well, in the Star Wars movies, First Order Officers aren't exactly known for their sunny dispositions. It's all about staying true to the cinematic experience, and that means the cast members here stay in character. But fear not–this commitment to the Star Wars narrative doesn't mean you're in for a stern-faced encounter alone. Prepare for the unexpected, as First Order Officers might just spice up your journey with a fun and sassy interaction.
On our latest adventure, a quick-witted officer commandeered a family's park map, demanding the kids spill the beans on the location of the rebellion's secret base. When met with spirited resistance and an adorably emphatic “NO!” from the kids, the officer playfully declared triumph, insisting he'd not only found the base but memorized the map before returning it with a mischievous grin. It's these spontaneous, character-driven moments that add an extra layer of excitement to the secrets concealed within Rise of the Resistance.
We're Under Attack, Jar Jar
The heart-pounding sequence of narrowly escaping Kylo Ren's clutches and lightsaber fury is a dazzling display of Imagineering ingenuity that always leaves me utterly astonished. Witnessing it for the first time, I was completely captivated by the seemingly impossible effect crafted by the Imagineers. After a bit of digging, the secret behind this mind-boggling illusion is finally out!
Enter the “lightsaber,” a cleverly designed plastic prop that spins at a rapid pace, which creates the mesmerizing glow associated with these iconic weapons. What's truly remarkable is that, as the lightsaber whirls, a pre-cut section strategically emerges from behind a concealed panel, giving the illusion that the lightsaber is slicing through the ceiling.
Fun Fact:
- According to a Disney VIP Tour Guide, in this room, there’s a light switch panel in the back behind the transport vehicle that has “Jar Jar was here” written on it.
Three for the Price of One
The finale to Rise of the Resistance ingeniously melds three cutting-edge ride systems into one seamless adventure. The trackless system intertwines with a motion base reminiscent of the pods from Star Tours on a drop shaft similar to the iconic Tower of Terror.
This harmonious fusion not only propels your vehicle into the escape pod but also simulates a gravity-defying drop into space, before skillfully guiding you to a “crash landing” back to the world of Batuu.
No (Jedi-mind) tricks, here are some stellar additional fun facts about ROTR and Batuu according to a Disney VIP Tour Guide:
- In the last room of the queue before the pre-show, there's a room of Resistance pilot gear. One of the helmets is metal and made to resemble Iron Man's helmet.
- There are three scooters on the wall in the Black Spire Outpost marketplace area. The scooter in the middle has handles from the old Lights, Motors, Action! live show's jet skis.
- Near the droid depot there are droid tracks on the ground. Imagineers used costumes from 1977's A New Hope to create the droid tracks.
As we wrap up our journey into the hidden corners of Rise of the Resistance, it's clear that Disney's Imagineers have once again showcased their expertise in theme park storytelling. The nitty-gritty details, whether it's the schematics of the I-TS, the Mandalorian's repurposed X-wing, or those unexpected nods to underrated characters, those details reveal a ride crafted not just for thrills but to envelop visitors in an immersive experience beyond the norm, a true living movie.
Rise of the Resistance is more than a tour through the Star Wars universe and a Star Destroyer; it stands as a testament to Disney's commitment to artistry and dedication to innovating experiences that break the mold. So, the next time you're zipping through the escape pod, taking that gravity-defying drop, and returning to Batuu, don’t forget the meticulous blend of tech and creativity that breathes life into this adventure. May the Force be with you upon your next expedition on Rise of the Resistance! And make sure you don't give away the location of General Organa's secret base along the way!
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