How It Works: Rise of the Resistance | Disney's Problematic Star Wars Ride

Star Wars Rise of the Resistance is by far the most anticipated ride opening at Star Wars Galaxy's Edge at BOTH Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios. This ride combines decades of research into one jaw dropping ride. With all this amazing technology, it's no wonder this ride left fans so anxious to ride. But how does Star Wars Rise of the Resistance Work? Let's find out!
Unfortunately, while it's great to have all these fantastic effects and features, trying to run them in unison has led to the ride faulting more than any ride before with delays and breakdowns lasting hours multiple times a day.
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[@AmusementLabs]

I hope you enjoyed this video. If you'd like to support the channel and these videos please subscribe and share. 🚨EDIT ALERT🚨 In the video I made the following errors: -the vehicles are actually made by ROUSH, not ETF. -the drop tower mechanics are made by Zierer, the same company that did Verbolten at Busch Gardens and features a drop track. If you notice any errors you can contact me through email or Twitter or Instagram. Links are in the description. See you in the parks! -A

[@GrottiCrimeFamilyHD]

Coaster Labs you should pin this commitment!

[@pernellthethird]

Verbolten is from my neck of the woods!

[@air03man]

I just rode "rise of the resistance" ride & it's was amazing & I still amazed everytime I watch a ride & how it works

[@UCFArun]

Great video and thanks for making this! Always wanted to learn how this ride worked. Was a little surprised that ETF didn't manufacturer this ride (since they did help on Toy Story Mania).

[@AmusementLabs]

@@UCFArun me too. It's usually a number of companies that help out, but it seems Disney prefers Roush since they do it all.

[@williagr]

I was carrying the droid I just built in Galaxy's Edge when I rode this ride. One of the actors said "That better be a First Order droid!" I fuckin' went for it, I was feeling it, I was all caught up in the moment. I looked that guy in the face (kid, comparatively) and with a wave of my hand said "This is not the droid you're looking for." That dude stared me in the face, no smile, and said in a monotone voice "This isn't the droid I'm looking for" and walked away. Holy shit I'm a Jedi. Hats off to Disney and all cast members / imagineers for this one, it was amazing.

[@exkobri558]

That’s so awesome! Just tiny interactions like that bring the whole experience together.

[@WgdVids]

I had a similar experience. I was walking back from the restroom to meet up with my family and saw some stormtroopers asking some kids if they had their identification on them. And the kids were like, "We don't have ID!" So they Troopers kept asking them for it. So I walked over and said, "You don't need to see their identification ... these aren't the kids you're looking for", and went through the whole spiel, with them repeating. And after they told the kids they could go about their business, I flipped my sweatshirt hoodie over my head and went on my way.

[@deathsheir2035]

I give Disney a lot of shit. But the one thing I can not give them shit for, is their staff staying in character, and even going off script for the purpose of making things entertaining for the customer. So kudos to that staff member for giving you that fun little experience.

[@erinmaynard9566]

Our guard was named Luke. We had so much fun harassing him, telling his momma named him after a rebel.

[@chelious1973]

FYI: Most of the castmembers on the ride are trained actors who worked as extras or minor bit characters in several films. These are the ones who interact with the guests, not the ones who guide you on the ride or let you on the ride. Not really regular ride personel you see on other rides. The operation of the ride on a daily basis is mind boggeling the cost.

[@pault5557]

One of the best “immersive” parts is how the First Order cast members inside the ride can be rude to the guests who ask questions! 🤪

[@nateborck4577]

Oh they were rude to me! I was leaning forward and looking around trying to take it all in when as one of them told me several times, “Up against the wall!” Then asked my wife, “Is he always like this? You have my condolences.” As I made a remark about my capture being a mistake he said, “ Hands by your didd and get in there.” It was a great experience! Very immersive and worth the money!

[@HigherQualityUploads]

The cast members at Universal Orlando's Wizarding World used to act more like the characters in the films/books, where they'd tell you to hurry up to your seat and call you "muggles." That seems to have faded over the years, and they now just act like regular ride operators or cashiers. Hopefully Galaxy's Edge cast members keep the act up; helps with the theming.

[@ThatWeirdoRightThere]

I was recording and walking slowly when they were putting us in groups and the lady said “HURRY UP WE DONT HAVE ALL DAY YOU MOVE SLOWER THAN MY GRANDMA” and I absolutely died 😂

[@butterwings2279]

I tried waving at one and they got pissed

[@johngreenaway1472]

My mom got so flustered! It was fantastic!

[@busterb2958]

When I went on this ride, I wandered a little bit during the hangar section, and when I noticed I instinctively said sorry to a nearby First Order officer. The reply I got was “Don’t be sorry, be better.” That honestly made my day because of how committed these actors were to their roles

[@ziatully6920]

Same one said that to me

[@caydenmongolo401]

That cast member was definitely ex military

[@IGORSBETTER]

That’s a god of war reference lmao 💀 Kratos says that to atraeus

[@danandtab7463]

we were watching the stormtroopers slight head movements when the girl hollered "You're not going to escape by staring out the window!" haha

[@kronos2278]

@Buster B that happened to me too 💀 i did a small dance with my legs before the doors opened for the pre-show after the shuttle sequence, and there was a officer nearby who kept staring at me. as i went inside i said sorry as a joke and he said “don’t be sorry, just be better”

[@fritglassware9165]

That first shuttle fake out with the 2 doors and you exit through the same door got me good. I was totally fooled.

[@floridafamilyfun1597]

Rode it for the first time yesterday and that was the most surprising part to me!

[@willpalmi9397]

I missed what he said in the video. Did you catch it

[@ParfaitCup]

Wish I was fooled but we rode with two assholes who spoiled basically the entire ride for us because they’ve been on it already. They even specifically asked if it was our first time on and we said yes and they went on to talk about the entire thing.

[@michaelreimer951]

The ride broke down for us so they had to exit us through the 2nd door set to the inside. Was on a circular table like he said with 2 passenger cars, but expected it to open when we went back later to ride it. Was kind of funny a cat was sleeping on the front of the cruiser shell outside while we were inside riding it.

[@h0sti1e17]

I also liked how you go outside to the shuttle. We went on at night and I think that made it better with the lights and all.

[@sturmovik5448]

God, can you imagine a crew of original 1955 Disneyland imagineers time-travelling forward and riding this...

[@AmusementLabs]

Great Scott! -er, wrong company.

[@GMoney-B]

I have thought a number of times imagining what Walt Disney would have thought if he came from his day in time to current, watched the Star Wars movies, and then went on ride of the resistance, and then knowing that all of this was a result of him and his passion and vision in life. I can only imagine him being completely gobsmacked by it all that at the end of the ride him breaking down by complete awe, joy, and wonder, and that his legacy spawned something greater than he ever could have imagined.

[@sturmovik5448]

@@GMoney-B When you dream upon a star...

[@douglaspantz]

​@@GMoney-B and that it cost 50 times as much as it used to (only like 5 times with inflation, but still)

[@williamknifeman5751]

God said yes, yes he can imagine that

[@annelisemarie20]

i was in a wheelchair at disney and one of the cast members pulled me aside to ask if i was able to walk some of the ride. after the encounter, i kept shouting that she was the nicest bad guy there, and she yelled back, "don't ruin my reputation!" i will forever remember that moment!

[@runespar]

That hologram of Rey is unreal. Hats off to these engineers.

[@AmusementLabs]

Simple yet effective.

[@n721sw]

I stood there staring and trying to figure out how it worked, the cast pushes you tru quick tho

[@rodrigroudon1872]

Looks real

[@UXSpecialist]

It looks great, I only wish it looked like a 3-D image projected in 3-D space like in the movies, instead of a 2-D image projected in 3-D space.

[@denzelhughes8331]

I thought it was real lol

[@drosera88]

As much as I think Disney goofed with the Sequel trilogy, 'Rise of the Resistance' is an absolute masterpiece. I don't think I've ever been on a ride where I was just silent mouth agape the whole time looking around taking in all the details and marveling at all the effects. The immersion is phenomenal and everyone that worked on it and all the cast members deserve a raise. Simply incredible and worth the price of admission.

[@outland2874]

Imagine a world where galaxies edge was OT instead of ST

[@CoreyMarinoGames]

@@outland2874 Supposedly Rise of the Resistance can be changed to the OT. Galaxies Edge may be able to as well.

[@outland2874]

@@CoreyMarinoGames yeah i think they should change it if they can, it would become so much better

[@piranharoni]

@@outland2874 yup, just change Kylo to Vader, Hux to Tarkin, and Finn to a rebel trooper / Han Solo or something.

[@praisejesusrepentorlikewis6218]

Repent to Jesus Christ “for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ O

[@TheLegitAlpha]

This is actually very impressive, and to know that they had the foresight to put in an alternate ending if the animatronic does not work properly is cool.

[@leinadreign3510]

Im pretty sure disney has a lot of back-up plans for cases like that ^^

[@mattk8460]

Alot of the rides now have Plan b

[@eddistasio644]

its cause they dont want another yeti

[@gamertwo6263]

Very? EXTREMELY IMPRESSIVE

[@TheLegitAlpha]

jdisco1 Damn, that’s crazy! I don’t remember asking.

[@ScottSalazar]

The projection holding a physical prop!??? :O No wonder that scene looked so good!

[@MeguVusion]

Scott Salazar i freaked when i heard that

[@tedioustotoro4885]

I’m guessing it’s similar to how the penguins held the plates when filming Who Framed Roger Rabbit

[@BellaLineth2010]

I whant yo know...how Is that posible....does the prop flote???

[@ScottSalazar]

@@BellaLineth2010 The projection screen or screen appears to be a on a moving platform and there's an arm with the physical sword moving up and down as it moves forward.

[@frog1812]

@@ScottSalazar ok that makes sense thanks.

[@noakalter3497]

I didn’t think it was gonna drop and then I heard it click in the pod and I was like oh god

[@emilypadden6406]

As we were going into the pod I saw the two plates on the floor that attach to the bottom of the vehicle and I immediately grabbed the bar in front of me, hehe. My friend sitting next to me realized what I just did and did the same thing. :p

[@nateborck4577]

My wife and I rode it, and when I saw the “pods” on the screen in front of us drop I told her it was going to drop. Almost immediately it did! What a ride!

[@r4ls3i60]

In my opinion: Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway + Simpsons Ride + Tower Of Terror

[@gliscorgamer9312]

I screamed

[@comedygold2360]

Runaway railway: cars Simpsons: motion ride Tower of terror: drop

[@flybaur]

Rode it for the first time yesterday, I came out crying. As an engineer and huge Star Wars fan since 9 years old, this was truly spectacular. I noticed at the end when you're getting off there are jet engine parts used for debris props. Watching this video, I noticed they actually used a 777 thrust reverser core cowling and some other engine parts in other areas as well. The Imagineering Department knocks this one out of the park for sure!

[@medea27]

That's a really nice touch because the film production teams for the first 6 episodes had a history of using aerospace-related parts & other movie's props. The Rebel A-Wing pilots in the original trilogy wore high-altitude pressure suits used by the British Royal Air Force... the droid bounty hunter in _Empire Strikes Back_ has the combustion chamber from a Rolls Royce jet engine for a head... and in Watto's junkyard you can see Kubrick's pod from _2001: A Space Odyssey_ & from recollection, parts from a NASA rocket engine too. 😎👍

[@vinnylovesretro]

LOL same here, a speechless and crying tears of happiness 48 year old engineer stepped off that ride. Disney truly achieved greatness for this attraction.

[@danmorley6517]

Went as a family a few weeks ago to Disney World and experienced it for the first time. My wife cried during rise of the resistance. What an incredible experience that will never be forgotten. Made every penny worth it.

[@hippie_preppy_jock]

Glad to see it isn't just me-- I was shocked at how emotional / misty I was at the end. Took me awhile of thinking about it: then I realized I've been wanting this experience since I was 10. I can't remember the last time I spontaneously clapped, which I and the rest of my pod did.

[@NitroAuto77]

In one of the waiting rooms there's a large cast aluminum part that upon looking up the part number, fuel hatch for a 757.

[@passiton3801]

Even when u know "how it's done", it doesn't taken away the impact an sheer exhilaration, these fun rides produce!

[@chrisbaier6252]

yup. looks pretty amazing.

[@KeepCalmContemplateYourChoices]

It actually makes the way the ride was created even more astonishing, knowing all the work that went into it!

[@HeckuleStudios]

@@KeepCalmContemplateYourChoices Yeah, I completely agree.

[@TheSieBee]

Yes! It makes me appreciate the ride more knowing all the work that went into it. It’s so neat how technology can create the illusion of these fantastic worlds!

[@theotherjohnfromjersey2262]

@@TheSieBee Really inspires you to take up engineering instead of whatever liberal politically correct nonsense they teach these days.

[@ediah5]

For me, walking off the ship and approaching the 50 stormtroopers was absolutely amazing… a show stopper… I wanted to stop and take it in but was rushed off which I know was part of the experience but man, seeing them stormtroopers lined up was super cool … this video says that some were animatronics leaving me to assume that some are human but it appears they were all human … this was a great touch and the rest of the ride was epic! I was blown away. Great job Disney imagineers!

[@AmusementLabs]

I guess I should clarify, some are animatronics, most are static mannequin figures. Though of the storm troopers I would barely call them animatronics cause they barely move, it's just a head turn or an arm, not a full range figure.

[@JohnVanderbeck]

When I ride this I always work my way to the back corner of the shuttle so I can get off last and take in the hangar as much as possible.

[@CIeaner23]

@@JohnVanderbecksmart

[@itsd0nk]

It’s a classic Hollywood trick for dummies. Just make a handful of them move their heads slightly, and you create the illusion that they are all lively.

[@benester4225]

My mom has had some health complications over recent years that required surgeries that made some newer rides impossible to ride without hurting her. However, my brother, myself and our girlfriends got mom to come with us this last time and it was the first time I and my mom rode Rise of the resistance (hadn’t been to Disney in almost 4 years by that point). By the end of the ride, I saw my mom, this woman who beat breast cancer and multiple surgeries, tearing up because of how magical it was and how much fun she had. (We even got to ride it twice that day bc of lower wait times during the night shows). Freaking amazing.

[@ericburgess61]

We just rode this weekend at WDW and the ride broke down while we were in the Star Destroyer and the First Order cast let us sit on the floor through the breakdown. They even broke character, answered a bunch of questions and let us use the restrooms meant for the staff. (Though backstage photography was prohibited). Took about 30 minutes to restart and all of a sudden the First Order officers immediately got back into character, began ordering us around again and we got to finish the ride. Not sure if they do that all the time. I've also been in a ride vehicles during a breakdown and you certainly have to evacuate for that. But being in the destroyer holding area for that long was one of the coolest amusement park experiences I've had.

[@00levin]

I think they must have had a short breakdown when I was in the part after the interrogation. I watched the ride video and those people were only in there for a minute, tops. I felt like I was in that interrogation cell for 5-10 minutes with the other guests.

[@PBandJ21]

@@00levin The exact same thing happened to me too. However, since we went to the ride at the end of the day, this ended up making us the last people out of the ride, which was an interesting experience since all of the other cars were empty

[@Raindown15]

As an engineer... this is breathtaking. not just the scale, but the amount of precision and accuracy needed to pull this off perfectly every time without flaws or breakdowns and keeping peoples safety in mind. Its crazy.

[@HigherQualityUploads]

Disney Corporate: "So how many ride systems will this attraction have?" Disney Imagineering: *"Y E S"*

[@isadora.21]

former rotr cast member here - this attraction has my entire heart; it's complexity blew me away every single day and it continues to give me so much pride knowing that i was once part of it (especially after reading all of these comments!!). This is an amazing video, thanks for sharing! Hopefully it helps everyone in understanding why the ride is constantly down - there are so many details and if one thing does not cooperate correctly, it becomes difficult for the entire thing to function properly.

[@Rivercat0338]

We just rode this for the 1st time on Saturday and were blown away. Even my friend's husband who has zero familiarity with Star Wars loved it. I wondered if the CMs who play the FO guards are specially selected and/or have improv backgrounds?

[@Rivercat0338]

@@isadora.21 That's awesome! Love that it's possible for CMs to get the opportunity to work the attractions they love.

[@Tyani-sz6cg]

CP?

[@isadora.21]

@@Tyani-sz6cg yea!!

[@sophiamelinda1701]

i rode this completely blind for the first time a few days ago, and my jaw was on the ground the entire time. the drop/star tours element was the insanely big cherry on top of an already insane ride. SOOOOO COOL

[@Marnie_C]

My favourite moment from this ride was during the drop portion. I was riding with my brother and as we loaded into the drop pod my brother was looking at the battle but I saw the pods on the screen dropping and I remember saying "oh god" as I just realized we were about to drop too. My brother turned and said "what?" and then we dropped. The timing was perfect and was an amazing end to the ride

[@myanoel0]

i screamed in happiness when we dropped lol it was so fun

[@cmndrkool321]

My first ride I took a selfie with the Stormtroopers; and they said “Once you’re done documenting your failures, line up. This isn’t a vacation you know.” My second ride I gave them the location of the resistance base; and they didn’t believe me.

[@LordXerus]

As soon as the first First Order officer boarded the transport, I told him where the base was. He just glared at me. It was an impressive performance.

[@StumbleLuck]

I rode this and had no idea how they did these effects. With the explanation I am no less impressed. Easily the best Disney experience I’ve ever had

[@bryamaguilar190]

This is without a doubt the best attraction that any theme park has ever put out. Really sets the standard for where rides should be and I hope this technology becomes standard in more theme parks. Hats off to Disney. Their prices continue to go up but with rides like this, its hard not to give in. Also thanks for this awesome video! The ride left me speechless and figuring out how it works leaves me even more amazed!

[@r4ls3i60]

They need this type of ride, along with a ride like Indiana Jones at Universal.

[@brian782]

Overrated sorry

[@psyche5893]

Tend to disagree. I think the rides are just alright, but the land seems to be uninspired and cheap. Universal on the other hand has not only better quality rides, but better quality lands. I don’t think I’ll ever stop being a Disney person (I’ve been going to WDW since I was basically a baby), but universal is giving Disney a run for it’s money.

[@psyche5893]

@@brian782 exactly, this new Chapek era obviously doesn’t understand what placing an IP in parks mean. When universal does it, it makes sense, that’s basically what those parks were made for. But when Disney does it, it’s just cheap and uninspired. I wish they would just stop placing shitty IP’s in their flagships parks, and stick to doing what they did best.

[@conor8830]

@@brian782 name a better... overrated my ass, the engineering and imagination behind the mechanics of this are absolutely top tier.

[@DailyDoseOfMigue]

So basically... tower of terror, star tours, mystic manor, Soarin , all combined to make a ride? Lol

[@AmusementLabs]

Pretty much

[@jaypaidincash]

Yep. And its shitting on all of universal's rides so far as a experience

[@badideabearcub2747]

jaypaidincash Even those of Harry Potter? Those look more immersive.

[@jaypaidincash]

@@badideabearcub2747 nope. The harry potyer coaster looks bland compared to this

[@badideabearcub2747]

Jude Gross Maybe, it’s only than on video the ride doesn’t look like any of the movie sets. It looks like a generic sci fi set (a warehouse even) with some Star Wars props. Harry Potter on the other hand looks exactly like if you were on the actual movie sets, the attention to detail is incredible. Also the storyline is not very convincing either.

[@matthewwilliams6904]

Imagine what Universal would of done. Star Wars: The Ride 3-D

[@joeymoisica9467]

The accuracy of this 😂

[@filler2013]

would have*

[@clayflix9569]

All the ads would be like “The most THRILLING... IMMERSIVE... GROUNDBREAKING... ride of your LIFE!” The actual ride: A re-theme of the Despicable Me ride.

[@jinloonooi296]

With minions

[@bradbest9]

You say that, which makes me think you haven't seen the complexity that went behind Hagrid's Motorbike coaster. Universal innovates just as much as Disney does.

[@foxorian]

I rode this recently and got the Kylo flying outside the window animation --- I didn't even know there was an animatronic part. Maybe next time it will be fully working -- though I appreciate they built-in a Plan B to keep the ride running in case that one part is out of order for the day. I'll take the animated part vs not getting to ride at all!

[@paulmckenna5224]

I actually prefer "B-Mode" on this ride!

[@lowbird7947]

That animatronic looks bad

[@tuamigajordana]

OH MY GOD!!! I thought I had been so excited that I MISSED the Kylo animatronic being sucked into space!!! But we actually got the Silencer in the screen instead!!! I had NO idea there was a replacement i case of emergency!!!

[@keithcovington7176]

Rode this last week. Very impressed with it. The entrance to the imperial ship (with all the stormtroopers lined up in formation) had a HUGE wow factor. Not a Star Wars fan myself, but still loved it.

[@FlightX101]

yea thats the best part. I was like "Where in the actual hell are we lmao"

[@needleonthevinyl]

The Rey hologram effect is flawless. Even if you know exactly what you're looking for, it's super hard to try to break the illusion in your mind.

[@channydin]

When Disney makes the rides better than the films LMAO

[@godkinghell15]

Ikr

[@pungaboy]

Better than a HANDFUL of films at least

[@Greanery]

I liked the films

[@pedrorestrepo159]

@@Greanery The sequels?

[@Greanery]

@@pedrorestrepo159 Yeah

[@nickcastrellon909]

I finally experienced the crazy ride this year. I avoided any and all "making of" and any behind the scenes stuff so I can remained unspoiled. It was so worth it. This was the first video.I watched after riding it, then I saw all the Galaxy's Edge documentaries on Disney+. Seeing how it was made, from concept to completion, made me love it even more. If there is ever a "perfect ride" at a Disney park, I would say this is it. It is the most immersive fandom experience to everyone from the new child fans to the old schoolers like me that felt like little children again and living out what we only dreamed about.

[@brycevo]

This ride is a true technical marvel

[@donovanwaggoner6790]

Darth Vader: "Don’t be too proud of this technological terror you’ve constructed. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force."

[@tonys.7072]

I had an amazing interaction with one of the resistance cast members when I was there a few weeks ago and waiting in the queue line. He broke character and had a genuine conversation with us! It was so nice to see one of them show their non-actor side. We were just talking about the ride itself, and how long the queue lines typically are. He was amazing!

[@pegasustargaryen]

The only ride where you can say "Guests are shot at again"

[@IrvNation]

I've never been to any Disney Theme parks but I hope to one day. This video doesn't ruin it for me but instead makes me appreciate the massive engineering task that went into it. I believe when I finally do go that I'll enjoy it more than I would have had I not watched this.

[@AmusementLabs]

I'm glad to hear that! 🙂👍

[@RebelliousRobot]

I too, love the tricks they use to just about pull it off. I have an appreciation for stuff like this. It just shows how well they can hide a lot of the inner workings.

[@bitchface235]

id love to get a good enough job to be able to afford a vacation to galaxies edge. that would be so cool. right now as it stands id have to go without work for like two or four months if i wanted to go, plus have a hotel room, and get a lightsaber. and thats not including all the other cool stuff like the cocktails and the id badges and what-nots

[@jefflovesfishing2002]

Go to a national park instead of a tourist trap

[@northwestrctv5584]

The same thrill and satisfaction you feel amidst the natural beauty of a national park resonates with those of us who appreciate the immersive experiences Disney and other “tourist traps” have to offer. Experiencing a national park is wonderful, of course, but so is watching an imagineer bend time and reality.

[@ashleybuttafuoco]

I rode it during Covid and got to ride it completely alone with my best friend. We were in our own vehicle and al vehicles around us were empty. It was the most amazing thing! It’s such a huge ride, you could spend hours just walking around looking at it all

[@whatsthatnow8613]

Just rode this earlier today and I am still blown away, can't believe how it genuinely makes you feel like you're inside a star wars movie.

[@thatpitter]

It’s interesting because at our stay we got to go in this ride on two separate days. The second time the they were definitely pumping cars through the ride at an extreme pace, and it was interesting to see the ride adapt and show some scenes slightly differently to adapt to the fact they didn’t have enough time to react. A good example is the one of Kylo walking towards you: the first time it did it like in the video, the second time he just dropped down and lit the saber - didn’t do any walking because the screen was at the ‘closest’ position

[@cydneyking7453]

This is all incredible, but those spinning lights when the storm troopers shoot at you is GENIUS wow

[@MichaelSmith-pj6de]

Somehow, knowing how things work only increases my appreciation for the experience. I haven't been able to go yet. But, when I do, because I've already seen so many videos of the ride, I'm just going to fully immerse myself into the experience... no camera, no phone; just a resistance fighter who's been captured by the First Order.

[@mexiaznann]

Honestly, thank you for these videos - with the parks closed, I’ve been rewatching some of my favorite Disney themed videos and I love how simple you breakdown the design of rides. I’m not an engineer or anything but it’s fascinating to read up on how they create these immersive experiences.

[@GradualGhost]

I rode this one this past summer. My favorite part is definitely the preshow queue elements. On my second ride I was hamming it up as an undercover resistance member desperately stage-whispering to the other riders to "get our stories straight." Another rider pointed behind me and I turned around to see what I thought was a Stormtrooper statue staring at me. It slowly turned its head back to a neutral position.

[@MoxeyTravels]

I’ve gone 3 times at WDW and am still in awe of the ride. I’m not even a Star Wars fan per se. but I refused to watch any spoilers before my first ride (a few days after opening in December. I came here because it was still killing me what the initial ship’s method to move was. I got that and so much more. I actually yelled WOW twice. This gave me almost as much joy as the smiling-kid-open-mouth-joy of the ride. Thank you so much for this in depth effort and I’ve subscribed. Part of the fun for me with theme parks is the engineering and business side. This is great.

[@AmusementLabs]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. I wish so many more people did how it works videos. There's so much cools stuff out there to look at and knowledge is power as they say. Glad to have you aboard! -A

[@mirandaiasi7851]

How did you find getting into the ride? I heard a lot of people struggled to get in with the joining boarding group process

[@joeymoisica9467]

@@mirandaiasi7851 I believe it was a struggle at first with the queue system experiencing so much traffic at one time when it opened for the day. However, I was just there a few days ago and had no issue. We ended up in group 4 which is great because you're not restricted by any breakdowns that might happen later in the day

[@joeymoisica9467]

This is exactly why I came to this video! Probably one of the smallest and easiest effects of this ride, entering and exiting from the same side of the ship but in two different locations, literally blew my mind, and I HAD to figure out what was going on haha

[@andrewadkins7449]

Joey Moisica I was one of the people who entered the transport ship first and stood next to the “exit door” thinking I’d be one of the first ones out and bam same door opened and I was like woah that’s insane. Because the ship is huge and looked stationary. I was literally in shock when the same door I came in opened to let us all out. And yes I was a crazy man who went to Hollywood Studios at 5:30 am and waited in the parking lot this past January just get a boarding group.

[@sparkside217]

I was totally blown away from this ride. My favorite effect was the saber in his hand being a real saber, it added a lot to that moment.

[@freshysqueeze]

This ride was amazing, amazing in words I cannot describe. One of my favorite parts of this ride was how immersive the atmosphere was. The ride featured fans in different places to feel like wind blowing, and some rooms were warmer or colder depending on what they wanted you to feel like. The fans blew me away, literally. Just one small thing in their amazing immersive experience.

[@regina_filange2.0]

As someone who's terrified of drops (I can't even handle my kid's swing set) it wasn't too bad. Over before you know it. Intense yes, but could have been way more intense and lasted only for 2 seconds. More fun than scary, so glad I didn't skip the ride. Similar timing to the slant drop in Pirates of the Caribbean (which I hate), just get it over with to enjoy the ride ❤

[@julio85019]

So if I can handle pirates drip I should be fine with this ?

[@regina_filange2.0]

@@julio85019 Yes, if you can handle that, this should be okay. It does go straight down instead of at angle, but the timing and intensity are about the same. Over before you know it really. The second time wasn't as bad, and decided to just have fun with it and it went much better. Overall, I would have regretted not riding such a cool, immersive attraction for a small 1-2 second drop. That said, I still have to talk myself into Pirates, but never regret it ultimately lol

[@bitchface235]

i know a puppy that is afraid of drops

[@Retheo]

I went on the ride just three days ago! It broke down once while in line, and once while we were on it, to where we got escorted out by staff. You could tell it was still very new and just seeing how complex it was, I wasn't surprised there were still some bugs.

[@Redmoto057]

Retheo_ _ oh no I’m so sorry were you able to go back and enjoy it? I hope you were able to go back . Did you enjoy it if u were able to go back?

[@johnnycakees]

2 years later, it still breaks down every few hours :) just an update

[@inphulze]

@@johnnycakees I broke down right at the stormtroopers on the bridge part haha

[@johnnycakees]

@@inphulze cant believe they still havent fixed it lol. I feel bad for people who look forward to it for weeks or even months, and the ride doesnt even operate properly when they get there. Gotta suck

[@inphulze]

@@johnnycakees yep, they gave us a ticket to go on Rise of Resistance (1 day ticket) but it never reopened! Crazy stuff

[@arpod1980]

I rode this on opening day at Disney World. Truly an experience I will never forget. Such an incredible ride! They outdid themselves with this one.

[@Padfoot333]

Best ride i ever been on, felt like I was on the set of a Star Wars show

[@SpaceAlphaOne]

I recently got back from a Disney trip, and I watched this video before I went. The ride is so amazing that even though I knew how a lot of the ride worked, I was still awestruck.

[@sef2273]

How about covering how the actors use voice commands walking around the park

[@0318rudeboy]

Brian Patton Yes please, need to know how that works, please!!!!!!¡

[@anthonycope8637]

Its a menu navigation controled by connections in the glove and activation by arm movements

[@anthonycope8637]

@PhreshFunk if I was a person who liked to prove people wrong id go into the hours of video I watched in the last couple of weeks and put together clips that show exactly what hand movments do what but I dont really need to... I found in a forum someone posted a link to Disney's patent for the system I have watched lots of hours of video before and after that discovery trying to figure this out... One move I can explain but I am not 100 percent on is telling people to get out of the way. All fingers touch with the palm facing in activates 2 options a or b then twitching your wrist out and then in tells it you want option a and a second time activates the voice, for option b you twitch in first then out in out the two options are "move along" and "step aside" its like gta cheat codes in a way. ✋ left right left right = "step aside" ✋ right left right left = "move along" These commands as far as I have seen were not turned on for the first couple of months (maybe weeks) if u watch early videos storm troopers flail that left free hand a lot to try and get people to back up I assume it was always there but someone at Disney might have worried it was a bit rude and so didn't have it turned on for that first time period while they tested things out to see how people reacted to the whole thing

[@hasku22]

YES

[@potawatadingdong]

I've been wanting to know this as well. It's very interesting.

[@VikTheRebel]

Love these "how they work" videos. Keep them coming man.

[@raandyy]

By far my favorite ride. I had watched a recording prior to going and wasn't terribly impressed. However, in person this ride is amazing! It's also worth mentioning that the star destroyer interior seems to move very subtly. Whether or not it is intentional it adds to the feeling of being on a ship.

[@dannykopinski3447]

I was on this a few days ago. And it broke down on attempt 1. We were in the Star destroyer part…. Thought I was drunk…. Asked my buddy. And he felt the motion too. Whether it was there or just a feeling from the transport ship… idk. But I know exactly what you mean

[@michaelhatherley3447]

This is by far the best and most amazing ride I've ever been on.

[@loserface516]

This is BY FAR one of the best videos y’all have done yet. I’m geeking out!!

[@Mogara5]

Please consider doing a how it works video for Universal's escape from gringots attraction in Orlando. Since most of the attraction takes place in the dark it manages to hide most of it's inner workings but from the few videos I've been able to find with its lights on it has sections where a whole portion of the track acts as a motion simulator with assistance from screen projections. The ride seems to be the style of ride that you cover in your videos and I feel like it might be a good suggestion I love your channel and the type of content that you upload. Thank you 😁

[@JeseeWalker]

I would love this video!

[@Ryukachoo]

8:35 I wonder whose job it is to "stand very still, move ocasionally, like the animatronics next to you"

[@robertofenloch9595]

From what I read in an article somewhere, only a row or two are animatronics and the rest of the room is done using forced perspective. So it's not actually people dressed up in costume, it's just an illusion to make you think there are more troopers.

[@Lonsoleil]

@@robertofenloch9595 Makes sense. It would be odd to see the troopers periodically walking to and fro for restroom and lunch breaks. XD

[@michaelbilgen2976]

I'm guessing that half are animatronics and half are statues.

[@emilypadden6406]

When I went into this room I kept staring at them as I was walking forward, and I thought I saw some movement. (I definitely noticed the shoulder shields of different colors, including the red one in the video.) I think one of the storm troopers on the side of the main ones move too.

[@stankcrew4816]

truly the coolest ride i’ve ever been on. i felt like i was my 5 year old self again going to disneyland. and me myself i was never really into star wars just cause as a kid it wasn’t my “thing” but i’ve now binged all the movies and i’m obsessed! such a cool ride i sat there with my mouth wide open the whole time

[@cristiana.3037]

Was instantly trying to wrap my head around this ride once I got off.. mind blown

[@brantheo]

Man i remember asking one of the first order cast members “so uh how many credits you make a cycle, maybe you could send a good word of me to your boss” brother straight replied with “it is not the amount you are looking for”

[@LDwiggs]

TAKE. THIS. RIDE. It’s genuinely astonishing.

[@720zone]

What a great video! Finally got to ride this for the first time this weekend. We rode twice, then it broked down during our third attempt in line. I wasn't surprized and was wondering about how so many different experiences came together and was so happy to find this video. Thank you!

[@davidedwards4088]

We just got back from Disneyland in California, the ride was absolutely amazing 👏🏽 !!!! Thank you for making this video

[@josephv494]

I'm a HUGE star wars fan, and experiencing this ride for the first time was like living a childhood dream I didn't even know I had. I cried during the ride and I'm proud of that.

[@hippie_preppy_jock]

I just re: to another comment saying pretty much exactly what you just did. I was shocked at how tear-y I was at the end!!

[@foxtrotalphaaviation]

I was absolutely blown away on this ride, wanting to go again and again. Great video

[@Spiked_5]

This has been by far one of the best rides I have ever been in. It's so immersive!

[@paulmurphy8634]

Fantastic video ❤️ thank you so much for the effort you’ve put into this 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@lknanml]

Thanks. That was very entertaining seeing how it all comes together. I can hear the fireworks at night but I have not been to the park in a LONG time. Now I want to hit this ride when they reopen!

[@user-xu5iy8py5u]

Thank you so much for posting this 'How It Works'. Absolutely blown away. Most impressive :)

[@braydengirard5315]

i never thought the ride was going to drop until i saw the pod on the screen drop 😂. honestly scarier than tower of terror just by the unknown startle!

[@julio85019]

Is the drop that bad

[@braydengirard5315]

@@julio85019 well ya on your first time, just because u don’t expect it. I’m not saying the drop is worse than tower of terror but just the startle of it

[@JE-zl6uy]

Easily the best ride we went on recently. This ride is also made amazing by the Cast, who have way... WAY too much fun being Imperial Soldiers. My mother went on a motorized Scooter (If she walks too long, her leg and left side go numb, so while she can walk normally, she's limited to short distances.) So we took the Scooter all the way up to the Star Destroyer portion... when we were being unloaded, we were accosted by an Imperial Officer (Cast Member) He looks to my mother, and points, "You there! Can you walk?" My mother, shocked: "Uhm, yes?" Imperial Officer: "Then Do So!" *he then helps my mother out of the scooter and proceeds to move it to the unloading area.* My mother: "Oh, thank you." Imperial Officer: "Don't thank me, I'm commandeering this!" and off we went... Gotta love creative cast members.

[@pyroshayniac1090]

“Commandeering”, LOL. That’s so cute.

[@JE-zl6uy]

@@pyroshayniac1090 it really was, my mother was very sweet in thanking him and he never broke character.

[@izzywhite2700]

There was someone nearby me today on a scooter, and the cast member said ‘it would be great if you could run a couple of people over on your way out, gives us less to interrogate later’ lmao

[@hippie_preppy_jock]

Right?!?! My thought was "Jeez, I've never been yelled at in Disneyland before... this is AWESOME!!!"

[@disneydreaming0210]

The effects on this ride blow me away ever time I go on it. I can’t believe the immersion from this ride. The first time you ride is unlike anything you have ever experienced at a theme park. My 2 fav effects are the blaster holes and kylos lightsaber cutting the elevator

[@rosyreverie]

I was a kid again on this ride. Everything was so immersive and I was filled with sheer joy. I’ve only been on it once and I’m excited for my next Disney trip to finally go on it again.

[@OmniVenom]

I was in this ride last Sunday and I loved it. My wife got questioned by one of the First Order guards- she was not expecting it. It was pretty funny.

[@davidwarner437]

This thing was absolutely amazing. My family was completely blown away. Disney knocked the entire galaxies edge out of the park. Made 33 year old me feel like I did when I first saw star wars as a kid.

[@pyroshayniac1090]

Absolutely, I ran to the millennium falcon first thing and I cried a little when I saw it for the first time.

[@mikea5225]

Just went on it… it’s just amazing knowing how that ride was made and works… thank you for this!

[@slopesgameroom]

Just got back from Florida and had to look up this video. I have never been more blown away by a ride ever than on this. Great vid bud

[@Yaboidavey]

I loved this ride SOO MUCH! One of the best things in the whole park. Even the line was AMAZING because it takes you thru a whole area that looks exactly like being in a movie. What can you say when you're even entertained by waiting in line?! Disney outdid themselves

[@krishnar1182]

Thanks for a very informative video, I really enjoy learning about rides. A request, in future videos could you leave the notes up a bit longer? They are very helpful but went away so quickly that I had to keep stopping the video if I wanted to read them. I just got to ride this and it was amazing, but unfortunately in B mode and with a number of delays that weren’t announced but must have been due to some malfunctions. Hopefully ROTR won’t go the way of Expedition Everest and its yeti.

[@asl0ppydrunk]

Rode this earlier this year. Even with this amazingly thorough breakdown the experience is so unbelievable.

[@matthewgd3]

Thank you!! my mind was already blown when the same door that welcomed us onto the transporter was also used to board the star destroyer. and that was only the beginning of the ride LOL

[@moosedraw3731]

Just realised I’ve now watched 4 of your videos and haven’t subbed yet. So uhhh. Gotta do that. Solidly interesting videos.

[@queenarrowood7275]

We waited 4 hours to ride this,totally worth it.😁

[@zappamann]

Probably the best ride I have ever experienced in my life. So well done.

[@reven03]

Rode this ride last year. Happy to see how it works. I absolutely love this ride. So freaking good.

[@kevingoss6023]

My family and I experienced this attraction in December....BEST attraction I have EVER been on! Simply amazing... Great job on the video!

[@tonythemedtravels]

I really like the model you made. I already knew some of the effects from Theme Park Stop by Alicia Stella (as referenced). However, I really appreciate the more technical details you revealed, like the type of projection used behind the 2-way mirror.

[@AmusementLabs]

Thanks (it's also a screen like a TV versus a projection. A projection would have a glow on the sides.)

[@tonythemedtravels]

@@AmusementLabs When I heard about the 2-way mirror effect on the ride, I assumed the image was from a projection rather than a particular type of TV screen. Is the Musion Effect, like in the interrogation room, done in the same way (an OLED screen below the Musion foil)? Or standard projection onto bounce screen which reflects onto foil?

[@AmusementLabs]

@@tonythemedtravels projection like you described.

[@jkocher6973]

This is an excellent 'how they do it' overview. Well done!

[@sushigurl28]

This ride is so fantastic, it's really unique. I just got to ride it for the first time last week and I was so impressed. The CMs for this ride are also so incredible and they're great at playing their roles/acting.

[@bagofgroceries]

This is a damn masterpiece. Pefect in every way. LOVED IT.

[@redleader4876]

10:53 The Aurebesh writing on the arch says, "Savi ae Son Salvage". Edit: Wow! So many likes! This is the highest amount of likes I have received so far! Thanks, dudes! Also, in Rise of the Resistance, I saw that there were multiple cells that had different colored lines going into the cells (in videos). Since there are multiple cells, does that mean that there are multiple replications of the Star Destroyer ride? What do the multiple cells and colored lines mean? How do they work?

[@AmusementLabs]

Really! Very neat!

[@AmusementLabs]

@@0318rudeboy that's the English translation. Like "Sam and Son Salvage", but "Savi & Son Salvage"

[@KB-qf7mt]

Which, of course, is probably a throwback to the 1972-77 TV show, Sanford and Son. Anyone remember Redd Foxx as Fred Sanford? Possibly the only sitcom to take place in a junkyard.

[@wuabcountyboy]

It may be possible, that this says more than seen at first glance, e,g, with an extended set of Aurebesh, the translation comes out: SAVIAE SON SALVAON Understand (Know) Your Salvation !? This meaning is derived from Latin based articles found therein, at least with a Little Imagineering... one could come to this meaning, that seems to fit the ride better, and maybe the Ride of Life...? As well!

[@blank3arth]

I only knew about the second part of the ride. After those being captured and the doors open to reveal you are in space I was amazed. The ride is so immersive.

[@Wickedfan219]

I am so glad that I stayed away from spoilers because because that ride was really worth the wait! I honestly was not expecting that drop and that room with all of those stormtroopers was so cool!

[@ShadowArabesque]

This attraction is so advanced it has to be down 90% of the time, our silly little brains could never handle it if it was fully operational

[@tru3sk1ll]

Now Witness the Firepower of this fully Armed and Operational Battle Station!!!!!!

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

The ride blows me away, it is amazing

[@jonmallard2176]

Just experienced this for the first time 2 weeks ago. All I can say is WOW! With roller coasters and water slides, you somewhat know what to expect, but the complete immersion of this ride from the time you enter the line to the very end is just amazing. Around every turn is something that just makes you believe you are in that world. Very well executed, and very fun. I wasn't expecting the drop though, but enjoyed it! 11/10 would do again!!

[@tiler6280]

I just went on this at Disneyland today and was so amazed I was confused and I’m awe the whole time I’m still confused on how you get into the star destroyer from the outside ship but this video is awesome

[@AmusementLabs]

Just think about how "gee that cave/rockwall is weirdly placed and almost as tall as the inside of the star destroyer...hmmm..." Think of the outside ship like a revolving door.

[@sh0cktim3]

Just think of it as a massive lazy Susan.