Galaxy's Edge Expands Timeline: Rise of the Resistance and Oga's Cantina Close for Updates

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland is undergoing significant changes as two of its signature attractions temporarily shut their doors. Rise of the Resistance, one of the most technologically advanced dark rides in Disney history, closed January 20, 2026, with no reopening date announced. Oga's Cantina, the land's immersive watering hole, closed on the same day and is expected to remain shuttered until March as Disney prepares for a major timeline expansion coming to Batuu this spring.

Timeline Expansion Coming April 29

The closures are directly tied to Disney's announcement that Galaxy's Edge will expand its timeline on April 29, 2026, to include multiple eras from the Star Wars saga. Since opening in 2019, the land has been set exclusively during the sequel trilogy era, placing guests on the planet Batuu during the conflict between the Resistance and the First Order.

Beginning in late April, half of Galaxy's Edge will shift to represent the Original Trilogy era during the Galactic Civil War, while the other half will continue representing the sequel trilogy's Age of the Resistance. This means iconic characters like Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Luke Skywalker will roam the Outer Rim outpost alongside existing characters like Rey, Kylo Ren, and Chewbacca.

"These exciting updates to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will enable visitors to experience even more of the eras of Star Wars," wrote Kelsey Lynch, Senior Manager of Public Relations, on Disney Parks Blog.

What's Changing at Rise of the Resistance

Construction walls with themed "Access Denied" signs now block access points to Rise of the Resistance, and green scrim surrounds the attraction area. This marks the first extended refurbishment for the groundbreaking attraction since it opened at Disneyland in January 2020, several months after its Disney World debut.

While Disney hasn't specified exactly what updates are being made, the closure timing suggests the attraction will receive modifications to accommodate the new multi-era approach. Rise of the Resistance is currently set during the sequel trilogy, featuring Rey, Kylo Ren, and General Hux as key characters in the experience.

The attraction has been one of Disneyland's most demanding rides since opening, featuring multiple ride systems including trackless vehicles, motion simulators, and elevator drops. Given its technical complexity and the lack of a reopening date, the refurbishment could extend through February or beyond as Disney prepares for the April 29 timeline shift.

Oga's Cantina Gets Backstory Update

Oga's Cantina displays a playful in-universe closure sign on its door reading "Closed for repairs from excessive Life Day celebrations". The popular dining location is expected to reopen in March, though Disney has not shared a specific date.

According to recent updates, the timeline expansion will affect Oga's backstory significantly. In the new Original Trilogy era, "proprietor Oga Garra only recently opened this watering hole, which is already becoming a popular spot for intergalactic travelers". Despite the timeline shift, Oga will remain the proprietor and DJ R-3X will continue spinning tunes.

Perhaps most exciting for fans, the iconic "Cantina Band" composition by John Williams will be added to DJ R-3X's music loop when the venue reopens. This beloved musical piece from the original 1977 Star Wars film has never been featured in Galaxy's Edge before, as the land previously avoided direct references to the Original Trilogy era.

Mandalorian Coming to Smugglers Run

Beyond the April 29 changes, Disney also announced that The Mandalorian and Grogu will appear in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run on May 22, 2026, at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. This represents another significant content update that will bring characters from the popular Disney+ series into the physical park experience.

Impact on Guests

The closures come during Disneyland's traditionally slower winter season when Disney typically schedules major maintenance work. However, Rise of the Resistance consistently draws some of the longest wait times in the park, and its absence is significant for guests visiting between now and spring.

January has already seen multiple attraction closures across Disneyland Resort, including:

• Haunted Mansion (reopens January 23 after removing its Holiday overlay)
• Jungle Cruise (extended refurbishment with no reopening date)
• Several other rides

Visitors planning trips through early spring should check the Disneyland refurbishment calendar before booking, especially if experiencing Rise of the Resistance is a priority.

The April 29 timeline expansion represents one of the most significant updates to Galaxy's Edge since its 2019 opening, finally bringing the Original Trilogy era that defined Star Wars for generations of fans into the immersive theme park land.

Sources

• Disney Parks Blog
• WDW News Today
• Jedi News
• All Ears
• Nerdist