On last night’s Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration on ABC, Disney shared a preview of the soon-to-open-to-the-public Rise of the Resistance at Walt Disney World.

You’ll recall that Rise opens on December 5, and it’s been lauded as the most highly-anticipated and ambitious attraction in the Company’s history. And based on the preview, it appears there are plenty of jaw-dropping moments.
Below are screenshots from the preview, so if you’re hoping to experience Rise of the Resistance spoiler-free, you’ll want to stop reading now. Click here to read about how Disney Resorts have limited availability for the dates around the opening instead. 😉
Okay, you’ve been warned! Let’s take a look!
To this point, we’ve learned a fair amount about Rise of the Resistance. We know there will be multiple ride segments: some seated, some walking, some chased by Stormtroopers, others interrupted by Kylo Ren. There will be droids. We’ve even shared images of the outdoor queue for the ride.

But the preview last night was the first look viewers had of the physical entrance of the ride… beyond which is more queue, of course.

We got a very brief look at queue details. Given how long waits are projected to be, we’re glad to see what appear to be lots of themed pieces.

Early in the attraction, you’ll be invited to participate in the Resistance work, and a certain popular droid makes an appearance!

Hi, BB-8!

The first sequence in a ride vehicle appears to be similar to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in that you’re taken on a wild ride simulator.
Rise of the Resistance Preview
But according to previous information, we expect this portion of the ride will be interrupted by Kylo Ren. He’s pretty shadowy in the screenshot below, but that sort of works, right? 😉

Once riders are captured, they’re forced aboard a Star Destroyer, where we come face-to-face with these guys.

In a second, quick preview on Disney Parks Blog this morning (part of a package celebrating the Volunteer Family of the Year) this moment is made even clearer. The ride vehicle is to the lower left, and riders will approach the Stormtroopers from that perspective.

Whether you’re several feet away or right up close, the Stormtroopers — consisting of statues and, from the preview, live performers, too — are impressive and intimidating.

Once you manage to finagle an escape attempt, you’ll board a ride vehicle piloted by an R-5 droid. This sequence seems to include some simulators, a trackless ride system that can move your vehicle backward and forward, and encounters with AT-ATs.

Rise of the Resistance Preview

Star Wars Celebration earlier this year revealed the ride vehicle for this portion of the ride. Click here for more views!

The ride concludes with a final escape sequence involving a drop. We don’t have specifics on this yet, but we’re going to bring you info about accessibility and the drop when the ride opens.
We can’t wait to experience Rise of the Resistance — and to bring you even more from this ground-breaking attraction — in just a matter of days!
Are you planning to enjoy a wild ride on Rise of the Resistance this year or next? Let us know in the comments!
Read more about Rise of the Resistance at the links below!
- Why Disney Experts Wait Until 7 PM To Ride This Hollywood Studios Attraction
- Lightning Lane Prices Just JUMPED In Disney World
- I Keep Riding Rise of the Resistance in Disney World, and They Still Haven’t Fixed This Annoying Problem
- NEWS: Reopening Date Revealed for Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland
- Disney World Needs New Rules for Rise of the Resistance

Trending Now
This is all you need to know about Universal Kids Resort opening in Texas in...
Disney quietly announces that this Disney Springs store is permanently CLOSING next week.
ALDI just made your next road trip 10x easier!
NEW 'Toy Story' Crocs are dropping!
Who's ready to check out new Disney Loungeflys? Meeeeeee!
We got a look at BRAND-NEW Concept Art for Disney's new Lakeshore Lodge!
Whether you're dressing for a park day, prepping the kids for a trip, or just...
We asked our team of Disney experts what they thought of the newly reimagined Big...
If you’re heading into the parks soon, what you pack can seriously impact how comfortable...
These Visa perks could change your whole vacation.
These are 9 new bags online that are great to carry around the Disney parks.
We've put together a complete guide to every Cast Member discount available at Disney World.
We're sharing all the glow-in-the-dark Loungefly bags you can find on Amazon right now!
These are the rain essentials we’ve actually tested in the parks and would pack again...
Disney World just made a quiet change that could seriously improve how you book your...
May has some exciting new releases from Marvel, Star Wars, Disney Channel, and more!
We've compiled a list of every Disney Loungefly on sale in May!
The 2026 Disney Legends have been announced!
These Loungeflys are giving all the fairytale vibes!
This is why we recommend Raglan Road!