As part of their push to inform more people about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney aired a two-hour special on their Freeform television channel called Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Adventure Awaits. During the special, Disney put together a cinematic journey through Batuu that introduced guests to every aspect of their newest themed land, from food to flying – it was all there.

While those of you who have followed the development and opening of the land with us here at DBTN might not have seen a lot of new information, Bob Chapek did put out a bit of news while describing the headliner attraction for the land – Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. While initial rumors said that the ride would be a nearly 30-minute experience, Disney was sure to shut that down to manage expectations for the ride. It turns out, it won’t be 30 minutes, but it will certainly put you in the middle of the action longer than the roughly 5 minute long ride currently open in the land – Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. As he was describing the ride, Bob Chapek (Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products) said that the experience would be 15 minutes long.

“Imagine being chased for 15 minutes by Kylo Ren and the First Order. Stormtroopers everywhere, Lightsabers coming at you. It’s going to be fantastic”.

If you want to know more about the storyline, here’s a rundown of what you can expect on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

Rise of the Resistance starts in the cave systems of Batuu, where Resistance fighters have set up a base of operations to combat the First Order troops that have recently arrived at Black Spire Outpost. The attraction begins in the Resistance forest, with guests entering the queue under a canon and into an outdoor queue that winds between trees and rockwork before entering a cave system.

Guests will be going through tunnels carved by an ancient civilization with old carvings. In the caves, guests will also pass munition supplies before coming face-to-face with Poe’s ship and ultimately boarding the Resistance Intersystem Transport Ship. Before guests board, BB-8 will greet guests in the Ready Room.

Rey will then appear as a hologram asking guests to join the Resistance and fight the First Order in a dangerous mission. The wingman for the off-planet mission will be Resistance pilot Poe Dameron. The transport ship will be piloted by an audio-animatronic Nien Nunb that will be seated in the cockpit. The ship is then cleared for take-off as the transport doors close. While carrying out the mission for the Resistance, the ship and all of the guests on board will be captured by a Star Destroyer.

Poe will leave to get backup, but while he does, you’re taken hostage by the First Order. A massive hanger with a 100-foot wide screen of outer space will immerse you in a very familiar Star Wars scene. You’ll ultimately find yourself in a holding cell, formulating a plan to escape.

After being captured by the First Order, you’ll find yourself in a massive ship where you’ll be tasked with escaping the clutches of Kylo Ren. You’ll board a trackless ride vehicle, which will serve as your main form of transportation throughout the attraction. You can see the ride vehicle as displayed at Star Wars Celebration below. The First Order Fleet Transport trackless ride vehicle to wind through a variety of scenes as you try to make it back onto a friendly ship that can help you return safely to Batuu. Poe will arrive just in time with other Resistance fighters to help you escape and make it back to Black Spire Outpost.

The whole experience is going to culminate in one of the most ambitious and immersive attractions ever built by Imagineering.

Just a few reminders:

  • According to Disney, Rise of the Resistance will follow in the operational footsteps of Smugglers Run and it will not offer any FastPasses when it opens. This applies to both the Disneyland and Walt Disney World version of the attractions, as the answer shows up on each of the respective FAQ sections.
  • Rise of the Resistance will have a minimum height requirement of 40″.