Disney announced quietly that it will be closing a popular Star Wars attraction for an indefinite period. Here’s what you need to know before booking your next vacation in 2026.
Credit: Alex Lue, Inside the Magic
Disney Fans Heartbroken After Missing Epic Star Wars Attraction—What Happens Next Will Shock You
Picture this: A family of four, lightsabers in hand, races through the misty corridors of Batuu under the shadow of a massive Star Destroyer. The tension builds as they board a transport, hearts pounding, only to plunge into the chaos of a Resistance raid. It’s the kind of memory that turns a simple vacation into legend—but what if that transport never leaves the hangar?
For millions, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance isn’t just a ride; it’s the pinnacle of Disneyland magic, drawing superfans from across the globe year after year. Yet whispers from the galaxy’s edge hint at an unexpected twist right when crowds thin out. Could the Force have other plans for January?
Disneyland has long mastered the art of immersive storytelling, transforming Galaxy’s Edge into a living Star Wars universe since 2019. Guests don’t just visit—they enlist, dodging stormtroopers and plotting escapes in a multi-stage epic that blends trackless vehicles, motion simulators, and live actors.
This isn’t your average coaster; it’s a 18-minute saga where riders become the heroes, fueling endless replays and social media frenzy. But beneath the hyperspace thrills lies a deeper reliance on constant upkeep, given its groundbreaking tech—from precariously dangling walk-throughs to synchronized effects that rival Hollywood blockbusters.
Credit: Jeremy Thompson, Flickr
A Galaxy’s Edge Staple for Millions
What makes Rise of the Resistance endure as Disneyland’s crown jewel? Capacity estimates peg it at up to 1,900 riders per hour, yet demand often outpaces supply, with virtual queues and Lightning Lane Single Pass spots vanishing in minutes. It’s no exaggeration to call it renowned: Since opening, the attraction has captivated over tens of millions, cementing Galaxy’s Edge as a must-visit for Star Wars devotees and families alike.
Annual Passholders and out-of-towners plan entire trips around it, sharing tales of boarding groups that hit record highs like 330.
The ride’s complexity demands vigilance. Just last year, in January 2025, Disney tackled long-broken cannons, restoring a key battle effect that had fans cheering—though reliability issues persist at Walt Disney World’s version.
These tweaks highlight an undercurrent: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance pushes boundaries, but staying operational requires periodic downtime amid its intricate animatronics and effects. For a park that thrives on reliability, this balance ensures the immersion never fades.
Credit: ITM/Alex Lue
January 2026 Shakes Up Vacation Plans
Now, the news drops like a thermal detonator. Disneyland’s official calendar lists Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance closing for refurbishment starting January 20, 2026—mere days after the Martin Luther King Jr. Day rush. No end date appears yet, leaving families scanning the horizon for updates.
This slots into a broader January pattern, with Disneyland leveraging post-holiday lulls for maintenance when crowds dip, alongside closures like Haunted Mansion’s overlay removal.
Why does this matter beyond a single ride? For January 2026 vacationers, it’s a seismic shift in planning. This slower month draws budget-savvy travelers seeking shorter lines, but losing Rise—one of two park-wide Lightning Lane Singles—could reshape itineraries.
Families might pivot to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run or pivot dates entirely, while Annual Passholders weigh resort-hopping to Walt Disney World (where the effect lags). The deeper impact? It underscores Disney’s commitment to longevity for high-demand attractions, potentially teasing enhancements that elevate the experience upon return. High-demand periods like holidays amplify its pull, so planners should bookmark the refurb calendar now.
Credit: Steven Miller, Flickr
Why Fans Should Stay Hopeful for This Disney Attraction
Refurbs like this aren’t new for complex rides, but they signal investment in the future. Past work fixed cannons, hinting future tweaks could address recent glitches, ensuring Rise remains a bucket-list essential. For the millions who’ve made it a pilgrimage—evidenced by sold-out Galaxy’s Edge weekends—it means sharper effects and fewer breakdowns ahead.
Vacation dreams don’t derail; they adapt, with Disneyland’s calendar transparent for real-time tweaks.
Disneyland enthusiasts, this closure tests the Force—but the saga continues. Check official updates and crowd calendars to navigate January 2026 seamlessly. May your planning be with you.
