Imagine stepping into a galaxy far, far away, only to find it’s undergoing a major transformation. That’s exactly what’s happening at Disneyland’s Rise of the Resistance, where sanding and thematic changes are in full swing as part of a larger evolution in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. But here’s where it gets controversial—these changes are tied to a timeline shift that’s dividing fans. Let’s dive in.
During our visit to the Disneyland Resort on February 3, we spotted two cast members hard at work on the gates at the exit of Rise of the Resistance, located just to the right of Resistance Supply. They were meticulously sanding off the original layer of the structures, preparing them for a ‘new theme’ that aligns with the upcoming updates. The ride has been closed since January 20, 2026, with no reopening date announced yet on Disneyland’s website. And this is the part most people miss—we’re still unsure whether these changes are limited to the exterior or if the interior of the ride is also getting a makeover.
The construction walls and the scrim covering a Resistance turret near the entrance remain unchanged, but the gates at the exit—once covered in metallic gray paint—are clearly in the midst of a transformation. These updates are part of a broader timeline adjustment for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, where half the land will transport guests to the original trilogy era, while the other half remains rooted in the sequel trilogy. These changes officially take effect on April 29, 2026, though eagle-eyed visitors might spot some early updates.
Here’s the twist: this timeline shift is exclusive to the Disneyland Resort and hasn’t been announced for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Is this a bold move to refresh the experience, or a risky change that could alienate die-hard fans? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
For those curious about what the ride used to look like, we’ve included a reference image of the original gates. And if you’re craving a taste of the current experience, check out our ride POV of Disneyland’s Rise of the Resistance, complete with functioning cannons. Are you excited about these changes, or do you think some things are better left untouched? Let us know on social media.
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