Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Height Requirements and Safety Guide 2026

To experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at either Walt Disney World or Disneyland, guests must be at least 40 inches (102 centimeters) tall. This safety requirement is strictly enforced at the entrance and again before boarding to ensure that the ride’s seatbelt restraints and physical drop mechanisms function safely for every passenger.

The 40-inch height requirement for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is one of the most critical pieces of information for families planning a visit to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. As we move through 2026, the attraction remains the crown jewel of Disney’s theme park offerings, blending multiple ride systems into a single, seamless experience. Because the attraction involves a sudden vertical drop, rapid trackless movements, and simulated turbulence, the height restriction is a non-negotiable safety standard designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and certified by safety regulators.

Understanding the 40-Inch Requirement for Rise of the Resistance

The 40-inch threshold is a common standard for many "thrill" attractions within Disney Parks, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Soarin' Around the World. However, Rise of the Resistance is a complex hybrid attraction that utilizes four different ride systems. The specific need for a 40-inch minimum stems primarily from two technical factors: the restraint system and the vertical drop sequence.

The Seatbelt and Restraint System

The ride vehicles, known as First Order Fleet Transports, utilize a standard retractable lap belt. For the restraint to be effective during the ride's more erratic movements—such as the "scramble" away from AT-AT walkers or the sudden maneuvers to avoid turbolaser fire—the passenger must have a torso height and leg length that allows the belt to sit firmly across the hips. A guest shorter than 40 inches may not be properly secured, risking "submarining" (sliding under the belt) during sudden decelerations or vertical shifts.

The Physical Drop Mechanism

While much of Rise of the Resistance is a trackless dark ride, the climax of the experience involves a vertical drop to simulate an escape pod launching from a Star Destroyer. This is a real, physical drop powered by a high-speed vertical lift system. Though the drop is relatively short compared to attractions like Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, the G-forces and suddenness of the descent require that riders meet the minimum height to ensure their skeletal structure and the vehicle's safety hardware interact correctly.

How Height is Measured at Disney Parks

In 2026, Disney continues to use a multi-stage verification process to ensure child safety. If you are traveling with a child who is close to the 40-inch mark, it is important to understand how the process works to avoid disappointment at the boarding area.

The Primary Checkpoint

The first measurement occurs at the entrance to the attraction queue (or at the Lightning Lane entrance). A Cast Member will ask the child to stand against a permanent metal measuring device. The child’s head (not including hair, hats, or mouse ears) must touch the underside of the horizontal bar.

The Secondary Verification

Even if a child passes the first check, a second measurement is often required just before the "interrogation" scene or the final boarding area. This is because children may occasionally slouch or wear shoes that provide a misleading height during the first check. Disney policy dictates that if a child does not meet the requirement at the final checkpoint, they cannot board, regardless of whether they passed the first measurement.

Standardized Measurement Equipment

Disney uses standardized, calibrated measuring sticks. It is a common misconception that different rides have "taller" or "shorter" sticks. In reality, these are precision tools. To prepare your child:

• Ensure they are wearing the shoes they intend to wear throughout the day.
• Teach them to stand tall with their heels against the back of the pole and their eyes looking forward.
• Remove any bulky hats or hoodies that might interfere with the measurement bar.

Comparison of Height Requirements in Galaxy’s Edge

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge features two primary attractions, and their height requirements differ. This can often lead to confusion for parents who assume that if a child can ride one, they can ride both.

As shown in the table, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is more restrictive than Smugglers Run. If your child is exactly 39 inches, they will be able to pilot the Millennium Falcon but will be barred from joining the Resistance in the main attraction.

Rider Switch: The Solution for Families with Small Children

If a member of your party does not meet the 40-inch height requirement, you do not have to skip the attraction entirely. Disney offers a service known as Rider Switch (sometimes called "Child Swap"). This allows one group of guests to ride the attraction while another adult waits with the non-riding child, and then the waiting adult can board the ride without waiting in the full queue again.

How to Use Rider Switch in 2026

1. Approach the Cast Member: Before entering the queue, the entire party—including the child who is too short—must approach the Cast Member at the entrance.
2. Request Rider Switch: Inform the Cast Member you would like to use Rider Switch. They will scan the MagicBands or park tickets of the "second group" (the people waiting behind).
3. Group 1 Rides: The first part of the group enters the queue (either Standby or Lightning Lane, depending on what they have booked).
4. Group 2 Waits: The adult waiting with the child can explore Galaxy's Edge, grab a Ronto Wrap, or visit the nearby restrooms.
5. Group 2 Rides: Once Group 1 exits, Group 2 can enter through the Lightning Lane entrance by scanning their media. Note that in 2026, the second group is usually limited to two riders total.

This system ensures that parents don't have to sacrifice their experience just because their children haven't hit their growth spurt yet.

Physical Considerations Beyond Height

Meeting the 40-inch height requirement is the legal and safety minimum, but it is not the only factor parents should consider. Rise of the Resistance is an intense, immersive experience that lasts approximately 18 minutes and includes sensory elements that may be overwhelming for some children.

Sensory and Psychological Intensity

The attraction begins with a "pre-show" that involves being captured by the First Order. This includes loud alarms, aggressive barking from First Order officers, and a room filled with 50 Stormtroopers. For a young child who just barely reaches 40 inches (typically 4 or 5 years old), the psychological "threat" of the First Order can be frightening.

Motion Sickness and Physical Stress

While the ride is not a traditional roller coaster, it features:

• Trackless Scurrying: The vehicles move in unpredictable, swirling patterns.
• Simulated Motion: There are segments where the vehicle is locked into a simulator base (similar to Star Tours) with significant tilting and jarring.
• The Drop: A sudden, short vertical drop that provides a "stomach-in-throat" sensation.

If a child is prone to motion sickness or is easily startled by loud noises and strobe lights, parents should exercise caution even if the child meets the physical height requirement.

Expert Tips for Measuring Success

To ensure a smooth experience when visiting Hollywood Studios or Disneyland Park, follow these professional recommendations:

1. Measure at Home (in Shoes): Use a level and a measuring tape at home. Measure your child with the exact sneakers they will wear to the park. If they are exactly 40 inches at home, they might be slightly less after a long day of walking (which can cause slight spinal compression).
2. Check Early in the Day: Children are actually at their tallest first thing in the morning. If your child is "on the bubble," try to ride Rise of the Resistance as your first attraction of the day.
3. Positive Reinforcement: If a child is nervous about the measurement, explain that the "tallness test" is how the Resistance makes sure they are strong enough to handle the mission.
4. Respect the Cast Member’s Decision: The height requirements are set by the manufacturer and Disney’s safety board. Cast Members do not have the authority to "let it slide." Arguing with a Cast Member over a fraction of an inch is not only futile but can result in being asked to leave the area.

Safety and Accessibility Guidelines

For guests with disabilities or specific medical conditions, the height requirement is only the first hurdle. Disney provides comprehensive Services for Guests with Disabilities that outline further restrictions.

• Expectant Mothers: Disney officially advises that expectant mothers should not ride Rise of the Resistance due to the sudden drops and jarring movements.
• Medical Conditions: Guests with high blood pressure, heart, back, or neck problems are advised that the attraction may aggravate these conditions.
• Transfer Requirements: Guests in wheelchairs must be able to transfer from their wheelchair into the ride vehicle independently or with the assistance of their party. Cast Members are not permitted to physically lift guests into the vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child wear platform shoes or "lifts" to meet the height?

Disney safety protocols explicitly forbid footwear that is designed to artificially increase height for the purpose of meeting ride requirements. If a Cast Member suspects a child is wearing "heels" or inserts that make their height unsafe for the restraint system, they may ask the child to remove their shoes to be measured.

What happens if my child is exactly 40 inches but the bar doesn't move?

The rule is simple: the child's head must touch the bar. If there is daylight between the child's head and the measuring device, they are considered under the requirement. Cast Members are trained to look for a "clear touch."

Is the height requirement the same in Paris or Tokyo?

As of 2026, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is located at Walt Disney World (Florida) and Disneyland (California). If similar versions are built internationally in the future, they would likely adhere to the same 40-inch / 102 cm standard as dictated by the ride's engineering specifications.

Does a child need to be a certain age?

There is no age requirement for Rise of the Resistance, only a height requirement. However, children under age 7 must be accompanied by a person age 14 or older to board any attraction at Disney Parks.

If my child is too short, can they still do the pre-show?

No. Because the "pre-show" leads directly into the ride vehicles and the "starship transport" is technically a ride element, guests who do not meet the height requirement cannot enter the attraction's first room. They must wait outside or participate in Rider Switch.

Final Recommendation

Before heading to Galaxy's Edge, verify your child's height one last time. If they meet the 40-inch requirement, prepare them for the "capture" sequence so they aren't overwhelmed by the immersive acting of the First Order. If they are under the limit, plan to use the Rider Switch service so the adults can still enjoy the attraction while the younger ones enjoy a blue milk or a visit to the Droid Depot. Safety is the priority, and the height requirement ensures that your Star Wars adventure remains a positive memory.