If you're a Star Wars fan heading to Disney World, there's a good chance you're wondering how to make the most of your time in Batuu. I've been through every ride, attraction, and themed snack in Galaxy's Edge and beyond.
In this post, I’ll share my personal ranking of the Star Wars rides at Disney World based on thrill level, immersion, strategy, and overall experience.
Let’s be honest: Star Wars is a major draw at Hollywood Studios, and while the area is incredible, not all the attractions are created equal. Some are must-do experiences; others can be skipped if you're short on time (or patience). With the right approach, you can experience the best Star Wars has to offer without burning out halfway through the day.
Key Points
- Rope drop or use Lightning Lane for Rise of the Resistance — standby can easily hit two hours, especially during peak times. Arriving early or securing an Individual Lightning Lane is crucial if this ride is on your must-do list.
- Millennium Falcon is great for kids and repeat rides — especially if you want to avoid long lines or have multiple days in the park. You’ll get a different experience depending on your crew.
- Star Tours is outside Galaxy's Edge but still worth it for nostalgia and shorter wait times. It’s a classic that’s often overlooked.
Ranking the Star Wars Rides at Disney World
1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Let’s start with the crown jewel. Rise of the Resistance isn’t just the best Star Wars ride at Disney World—it might be one of the most ambitious Disney rides ever created. From the moment you step into the Resistance forest, you’re on a 15-minute adventure that includes multiple ride systems, a First Order detention cell, and a jaw-dropping encounter with Kylo Ren.
The immersion is unbelievable. You’re not just watching the story unfold—you’re living it. There’s a trackless ride vehicle, stunning animatronics, and even a walk-through portion with live actors in character. It’s the kind of ride where you notice new details every time.
Why it’s the best:
- Immersive story with cast member roleplay
- Massive scale (feels like you're in the movie)
- Multiple ride types: transport shuttle, walk-through scenes, and a thrilling finale
If you’re visiting during a busy time, like Disney World in December, plan ahead. Either book an Individual Lightning Lane or rope drop this ride. It's not included in Genie+, so you’ll need to purchase access separately if you want to skip the line. Pro tip: Arrive 30–45 minutes before park opening to be among the first into the ride.
2. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Flying the Falcon? Yes, please. Smugglers Run puts you in the cockpit of the most iconic ship in the galaxy. It’s interactive, which can be good or bad depending on your crew. You’ll be assigned a role (pilot, gunner, or engineer), and how you perform affects the mission’s outcome.
The queue winds through a detailed spaceport, complete with views of the Falcon parked outside. Once inside, you'll hang out in the ship’s lounge for a few minutes before your mission. If you’re a fan of deep theming, you’ll love the experience even before stepping into the cockpit.
Pro tips:
- The standby line is usually manageable in the afternoon.
- Ask to be the pilot—it's the most exciting role by far.
- Ideal for kids who want to ride something immersive but less intense than Rise.
- Lightning Lane is included with Genie+, so use it if you have it.
This is a great ride to repeat, especially if you’re staying nearby at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort and want to pop into the park in the evening. Also, if someone in your party isn't up for a thrill ride, this is a more forgiving option that still feels cinematic.
3. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Often overlooked, Star Tours is a solid ride that still gets updated with new scenes. It’s a motion simulator, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, keep that in mind. It’s located outside Galaxy’s Edge, closer to the old Echo Lake area.
The ride combines humor, nostalgia, and surprises with a randomized storyline—meaning each ride is a little different. You might visit Hoth one time and Naboo the next. Since it’s not part of the newer Star Wars era, it’s perfect for fans of the original trilogy or prequels.
Why ride it:
- Usually a short wait (sometimes under 15 minutes)
- Scenes rotate, so no two rides are exactly the same
- Nostalgic pre-Galaxy’s Edge Star Wars vibe
We like hitting this one midday when lines for other rides peak, especially if we’re doing a relaxed touring plan or using the Disability Access Pass. You can often do it multiple times in a row if the park isn’t too crowded.
Other Star Wars Experiences to Know About
Not technically rides, but these experiences are worth mentioning if you want the full Star Wars day. If you're spending the entire day at Hollywood Studios, these can help break up your ride schedule and add more variety to your visit.
Droid Depot & Lightsaber Building
These are both paid activities and require reservations. If you're trying to choose between the two, I personally found the lightsaber experience more emotional and memorable, but the droid building is more kid-friendly.
Building a custom lightsaber is expensive but beautifully theatrical. You select a kyber crystal and build from themed parts while guided through a dramatic ceremony. It’s more than just merchandise—it’s an experience.
The droid workshop, on the other hand, is lively and fun. You choose parts from a conveyor belt and assemble your own R-series or BB-series droid. They even interact with elements in the land once activated.
Tip: You don’t have to build to watch. I’ve stepped inside with friends and still enjoyed it.
Characters & Photo Ops
You’ll often spot Rey, Chewbacca, and Stormtroopers wandering around Galaxy’s Edge. While they don’t pose for traditional meet-and-greets, they do interact in character, which adds a lot to the atmosphere. Kylo Ren occasionally makes appearances too.
If you’re on a mission to meet other characters like Rapunzel or Snow White, plan accordingly—the Star Wars characters don’t appear on the app the same way. You’ll need to be in the right place at the right time.
Also, don’t miss the chance to take photos near the Millennium Falcon or inside the marketplace. The theming is so strong that you’ll get fantastic shots even without formal photo ops.
What to Know Before You Go
Star Wars rides are all located in Hollywood Studios, so if you’re trying to hit the biggest rides in one day, consider using the Disney World planning guide to map things out. Having a plan makes a huge difference.
If you’re traveling with someone who’s pregnant or can’t handle intense rides, check the guide to rides for pregnant women. Hollywood Studios has plenty of shaded seating and air-conditioned areas to rest while others ride.
Packing wisely also makes the day smoother. Here’s a helpful packing list for a Disney vacation, especially if you want to be prepared for Florida weather. Sudden rain or heat can throw off your entire schedule.
Need to cancel your park reservation or tweak your plans? Here's how to cancel a Disney park reservation without stress.
And don’t forget to check the Disney World attendance by day before choosing when to visit. Avoiding the most crowded days will improve your Star Wars experience significantly.
Final Thoughts
For me, the Star Wars rides at Disney World are some of the most immersive and satisfying attractions in any Disney park. Whether you're piloting the Falcon, escaping from the First Order, or reliving the classics on Star Tours, there’s plenty to geek out about.
Just be strategic with your timing, take advantage of tools like Lightning Lane, and don’t forget to hydrate (especially during the warmer months or when dealing with a tropical storm in the forecast).
If you're curious about what other rides rank among the top in the parks, check out the best rides at Walt Disney World for a complete picture.
