Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

While everyone else is doing easy tricks, Rise of the Resistance is pulling jaw-dropping illusions. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge's main attraction is unlike any other coaster we've ever been on, that is one of the Best Disneyland Rides. In fact, it takes a planet-destroying laser to put a theme park ride through its paces: Before fastening your seatbelt, you'll have to travel on foot through ancient caves that are home to the Resistance's lair, be recruited by Rey and BB-8, board a transport headed for Princess Leia's hidden base, and maybe find yourself kidnapped on a First Order Star Destroyer.

The less you know about this 15+ minute adventure, the better, but ultimately you find yourself in a fast, Droid-driven car for a third act that is as entertaining as the first two thanks to intricate storytelling and unexpected twists. You won't even have time to question how those plasma-red blaster shots seem to be seemingly traveling through thin air as you're hustled into the next room to weave past the mechanical legs of a pair of formidable AT-ATs. Every breathtaking minute of its trackless course feels like magic. It's both a fantastical ride and an experience that couldn't be more genuine. You'll get off aching for just one more moment in the seemingly endless hangar bay that looks out into space. It's that good.

To ride Rise of the Resistance starting in 2021, you'll have to sign up for a virtual line. At 7am and 12pm, boarding groups are shown on the Disneyland app, but they disappear immediately after that.

Tip: While everyone will go toward a certain aquatic animatronic toward the front, you might find yourself standing on a transport ship at some time in the event. During takeoff and the rest of the voyage, feel free to move around.

Location: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (Disneyland)