One of the most jaw-dropping moments of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance comes before you even board the actual ride vehicle.

It starts small: you see a short pre-show with Rey and BB-8, then board a transport ship bound for a Resistance rendezvous. Through clever use of screens, motion, and sound, you’re convinced you’ve launched into space—until the ship is captured by the First Order.

You expect to exit on the far side of the craft. Instead, the same doors you entered slide open, and suddenly you’re standing in the cavernous hangar bay of a Star Destroyer. Rows of stormtroopers line the wall, blasters raised. The void of space looms beyond the forcefield at the far side of the room, ships drifting silently past. A First Order officer commands you to step out.

It’s breathtaking.

The effect is the theme park equivalent of Dorothy stepping from sepia-toned Kansas into the Technicolor brilliance of Oz. One second, you’re watching a clever trick. The next, you’re in Star Wars.

And here’s the thing: the moment doesn’t last long. Guests pour out of the transport, selfies start flying, and within minutes, you’re being herded down a hallway to await interrogation. If you want to capture this magical reveal in a photo, you need to be ready.

Tips to Capture the Perfect Shot

• Experience First, Shoot Later (If You Can): Unless you only have one opportunity to ride, I recommend that the first time you go through, you put the camera away. Let the Imagineers’ artistry wash over you. You’ll enjoy the photo even more once you’ve truly felt the moment.

• Hang Back Before Boarding the Transport: When you leave the Rey pre-show, let others board first so you’re positioned by the entry doors. That way, you’re the first one out when the hangar reveal happens.

• Go Wide: Use the widest lens you have—whether that’s your DSLR or your phone’s ultra-wide setting. You’ll want to capture both the stormtroopers and the expanse of the hangar bay in one frame.

• Move Quickly: Step one or two paces into the room, then stop. This gives you a clean view before the crowd rushes in and just past the fascade of the transport blocking the full view of the room.

• Respect Others: Once you’ve got your shot, step aside. Let others behind you capture their own memories. If you want a closer selfie with the stormtroopers, give others a chance at the wide reveal shot first.

More Than Just Rise of the Resistance

These tips apply to any attraction with a big “reveal moment.” Whether it’s walking into Hogwarts Castle at Universal, stepping into Pandora at Animal Kingdom, or seeing the first shimmering fountains of World of Color at Disney California Adventure—decide ahead of time how you want to capture it.

If you can, experience it once with your own eyes, then return with your camera ready. The photos will mean more when they’re connected to a memory you fully lived in.

Because in the end, it’s not just about snapping pictures of rides. It’s about capturing the moments that take your breath away—moments you’ll relive again and again whenever you look back at your photos.

✨ Want more insider tips for capturing epic theme park photos? Download my free guide, “Top 3 Magic Moments Guide: Tips to Shoot Epic Theme Park Photos With A Cell Phone” here.