How to Ride Star Wars Rise of the Resistance
When Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge first opened, it was the first time frogs could live their own adventure in a galaxy far, far away. This heavily themed land makes you truly feel like you are on another planet! That immersion took on a whole other level withStar Wars: Rise of the Resistance. With a 20-minute experience and incredible technology, this ride is a game-changer. Not only is the attraction itself one of the most technologically advanced that Disney has ever created (utilizing FOUR different ride systems!), but also, the way guests initially accessed the ride was toadally new.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney World was the first attraction to require a Boarding Group, but other attractions have picked up virtual queues. The latest? Remy's Ratatouille Adventure over at EPCOT! As of Sept. 23, 2021, Boarding Groups have been paused for Rise of the Resistance. That means for the first time since the ride opened in 2019, a standby line is in operation! However, during peak times, Boarding Groups may return, so keep this information handy just in case you need it during your time on Batuu. And now there's a new, paid way to access Rise of the Resistance — as an individual Lightning Lane selection!
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about Rise of the Resistance, including how to access the ride via standby, Lightning Lane and virtual queue. Grab your lightsaber!
Overview | Using the Standby Queue | Accessing Rise of the Resistance as an Individual Lightning Lane Selection | Using a Virtual Queue for Rise of the Resistance | Tips and Tricks
A Complete Guide toStar Wars: Rise of the Resistance
This immersive attraction is located in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios. You're placed in the heart of the action as the Resistance needs your help with a secret mission! Join fellow recruits on a thrilling mission against the First Order as you try to escape the Star Destroyer. You'll see some familiar faces from the films, including Rey and Kylo Ren. With interactive cast members and an incredible trackless system, this experience is truly out-of-this-world. If you're OK with spoilers before you ride, you can check out the full queue and pre-show in the video Tad shot below! It's one of the most popular rides at Disney World, and for good reason. Every time we ride, we notice something new!
Using the Standby Queue to Access Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
As we mentioned earlier, in Sept. 2021, the use of the virtual queue system was paused for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Many of us had mastered hacking our datapads to get a group by that time, but for many others, this presented the first opportunity to ride using the standby line. Here's what to know about the standby line: when Boarding Groups are in operation, the standby queue does not exist. Bookmark this post and hop back before your next visit — we'll keep this post updated so that you know the best way to access this ride ahead of time! Another way to see whether or not Rise is operating with a Boarding Group is via the My Disney Experience app; if you see a standby wait time, a standby queue is in operation. If you see the Rise of the Resistance module with deets about the Boarding Group process, a Boarding Group is in use. (Disney initially gave the caveat that the virtual queue may return during peak or busy times, so it's possible!)
When Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is operating normally with a standby queue, you can hop into the line like you would any other attraction. With the popularity of this ride, expect long waits, as many guests will have the first chance to experience this ride now that standby is available. We've seen this wait time fluctuate from 60 to 155 minutes on any given day (and know that during busy times, this range will probably go even higher). If Rise is a must-do for you, and standby is the best option for your fam, hop in line toward the end of the evening as the wait tapers.
If you're anything like me, the first thing you're probably thinking is, "What do I do about the restroom in a two-hour line?" Well, as the mom of two tadpoles, I got to experience this myself! If you need a bathroom break, notify the next cast member in the queue. The cast member will then escort you to the restroom (this one was behind a top-secret door just for that reason, so you won't need to walk through the land to another restroom). They'll then walk you back to the line to jump back in.
Purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane Selection for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is now available as an individual Lightning Lane selection. Using the My Disney Experience app, guests can select two premium attractions each day to purchase skip-the-line access. Disney World Resort hotel guests can access these choices at 7 a.m. each day, while off-site guests can access them at park opening. These add-ons can range from $7 to $15 per person, per day — and pricing varies from day to day. You may see a higher price for these attractions during peak times, for example. And the more in-demand the ride, the higher the price is likely to be (for example, Expedition Everest may be $8 while Rise of the Resistance is $15).
If you are a Disney World Resort hotel guest and riding Rise is a must-do for you, Lightning Lane may be a good option for you. When it comes to thinking about Genie+ and individual Lightning Lane selections, the question becomes how much do you value your time? Is it worth it to you to pay rather than wait for a few hours in line? If so, it's essential to hop on to My Disney Experience at 7 a.m. — these spots go quickly and do sell out!
For off-site guests, to date, there have been some days where individual Lightning Lane selections for Rise of the Resistance are sold out before park opening, which means standby would be the only way to access. Regardless of where you are staying, it's crucial to be prompt in selecting your individual Lightning Lane selection for Rise — don't wait! — since they sell out.
For more information, hop over to our full post on Genie+.
Experiencing Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance with a Virtual Queue
There may be times where a virtual queue is utilized for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. During these select times, only those who join the virtual queue and receive a Boarding Group may access the attraction. No standby queue will be available. Individual Lightning Lane selections would remain available as usual. We'll be sure to update this post as things evolve, but the best way to see if a virtual queue is in place at any given time is using the My Disney Experience app. When a virtual queue is in place, here's what you'll need to know!
Before You Arrive at Disney's Hollywood Studios
To start, you'll need the latest version of the My Disney Experience app to join the virtual queue. You'll want to download it the night before, so you're ready to go at 7 a.m. (Pssst — check out our full guide to using My Disney Experience for even more tips and tricks!) It's also very important to add your entire party to your Family and Friends list. While there are no limits to the number of people who can join a Boarding Group, only guests with valid admission and a Disney Park Pass reservation for Hollywood Studios are able to access the virtual queue system at 7 a.m. on the day of their reservation. Thanks to recent app changes, you can confirm your party before 7 a.m. as opposed to being part of the Boarding Group sign-up process. If you don't get a Boarding Group at 7 a.m., you'll still have a second chance at 1 p.m.
Like we mentioned above, if you want to book Rise of the Resistance as your individual Lightning Lane selection for the day, you can access it at 7 a.m. (for Disney World Resort hotel guests) or park opening (all other guests) using the My Disney Experience app. When you reserve, you'll be able to choose a return time from the available windows. In order to reserve, you'll either need a park hopper ticket or a park pass reservation for Hollywood Studios on the same day.
What Is a Boarding Group and How to Join to Ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
A Boarding Group was previously the only way to access Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney World. Unlike a FastPass+ return time, once you've joined a Boarding Group, you'll be assigned a Boarding Group number. These Boarding Group numbers are then notified in chronological order when it's time to return to the attraction and enter the queue. You may get an estimated time wait time (such as 20 minutes or 210 minutes) but otherwise, the time depends on how quickly the ride can accommodate the Boarding Groups before you.
In order to join the virtual queue, you'll need to access the My Disney Experience app at either 7 a.m. (any location) or 1 p.m. (inside the park). On the homepage of the app, there will be a section named "Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance - Request Access with Virtual Queue." Click on the Join button. This is where you and your selected friends and family members can join a Boarding Group. Note that guests must be inside Hollywood Studios at 1 p.m. to access this second opportunity, which is subject to availability and not guaranteed. Park hoppers will not be able to join the virtual queue, as park hopping hours begin at 2 p.m.
You'll want to confirm quickly and use your speedy fingers to click through the screens. Boarding Groups can fill up within the first few seconds, so you should be ready on your phone before the clock strikes the hour. Our best tip is to open the app right around 6:58 a.m. (or 12:58 p.m.). About a minute before the hour, pull down on the screen to refresh and a blueJoinbutton should appear.
Disney may implement backup Boarding Groups. Once the initial Boarding Groups have been filled, you may be notified that you are joining a backup group (this cut-off Boarding Group number changes depending on the day). These backup groups will only be called if all of the initially planned groups have been called and there is the capacity for additional riders. Joining these backup groups does not guarantee access to the ride. A push notification will be sent through the app if your backup group is called.
You've Joined a Boarding Group! What Happens Now?
Congratulations! Now that you've successfully joined a Boarding Group, you can get ready for the rest of your day. If you still want to head to the park early, we'd suggest taking advantage of any rides with low wait times or making a beeline toward your next priority ride (Slinky Dog, anyone?).
Once you're in the park, you can keep track of your Boarding Group's status through the My Disney Experience app. Be sure to turn your push notifications on so that you'll receive a notification when your Boarding Group is called! There are also digital boards that display exactly which groups are boarding throughout the park. Once it's your Boarding Group's turn, you'll be assigned a one-hour window to return to the attraction's entrance and check-in with the cast members to enter the queue. Cast members will have to scan your MagicBand or park ticket card, so have those ready to go!
If your Boarding Group is a higher number and isn't expected to be called until later in the day, you may leave the park and return to your hotel to swim in those luxurious heated pools or take a nap. But keep in mind that you'll only have an hour to return once your Boarding Group is called! We suggest staying inside the park so you don't run the risk of missing your arrival window.
If the ride happens to shut down in order to work out some kinks, there is a chance you could experience a delay. Boarding Groups will stop being called, and entry into the queue will be closed if you're not already in line. Once the ride is up and running again, the order of Boarding Groups will pick up where it was left off. Your return window will be extended if a delay causes you to miss your expiration time, but still keep a close eye on which Boarding Groups are allowed entry.
With the possibility of ride delays, joining a Boarding Group does not guarantee that you'll be able to rideStar Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Other Tips for AccessingStar Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- If the virtual queue is operating and you have a DAS card, you'll still need to secure a spot in a Boarding Group first. Once your Boarding Group is called, you'll show your DAS card to the cast members, who will direct you to the Lightning Lane.
- Rider Switch is available for this attraction! Speak with a cast member at the attraction for more information. (When a virtual queue is in place, you'll need to secure a Boarding Group before utilizing the service.)
- Each guest cannot get more than one virtual boarding pass and individual Lightning Lane selection for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance per day. (But if the virtual queue is in use, you could join the virtual queue and pay for the individual Lightning Lane access to ride twice.)
- We've found that turning off Disney's Wi-Fi and using our cellular data works best when trying to access My Disney Experience, whether you're trying to book a Boarding Group or individual Lightning Lane selection (along with our speedy fingers). If you wish to get a Boarding Group at the second distribution time, try to find a less crowded spot in the park where there aren't many others around you. If you're off property at 7 a.m., just make sure you have a good signal wherever you are! Move to an area that gives you the most bars.
- In the morning, set an alarm on your phone for 6:55 a.m. (when trying for an individual Lightning Lane selection) and 12:55 p.m. (if you're trying for the later Boarding Group distribution time) so you don'tfroget!
- If you're visiting with more than one person, we've heard of families designating one person as the "timekeeper" and one as the "pass getter." The timekeeper will watch the world clock on their phone to be able to give the heads up about a minute before the queue opens to the designated pass getter. The pass getter should then refresh that first page repeatedly until the "join" button turns blue — then tap it!
- Move quickly if you do get past the first "Join" page! Stay speedy as you select your group (which should be automatically selected based on who has a Disney Park Pass reservation to Disney's Hollywood Studios in your party that day). Outside of skimming to select your party, as others in the Frog Pond will tell you, don't waste any precious time reading the text in each step.
- Try not to be discouraged if you don't get a Boarding Group at 7 a.m., as you can try again later! Follow the same steps to prepare for the 1 p.m. distribution time. There is always a chance you won't get able to obtain a Boarding Group. We recommend setting expectations before you go to the park and not let the disappointment ruin the rest of your day.
- Be sure to have your push notifications on and keep an eye on the app, as you only have a one-hour return window and may need to jump to the queue quickly.
- If you find that your ride return time may overlap with a dining or experience reservation, visit a Guest Relations member (generally under blue umbrellas) and they'll be hoppy to help.
- If you are hoping to reserve Rise of the Resistance as a paid individual Lightning Lane selection, don't delay, as spots go quickly for the day!
- Remember: If all else fails and you've packed your patience, a standby line is now available for this epic experience.
Are you ready to ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney World? Do you have any other questions about accessing the ride? Share in the comments below.
Related: Our Galactic Guide to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney World
Hoppy planning!
How to Ride Star Wars Rise of the Resistance
Source: https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/star-wars-rise-of-the-resistance-disney-world/#:~:text=In%20order%20to%20reserve%2C%20you,Studios%20on%20the%20same%20day.&text=A%20Boarding%20Group%20was%20previously,the%20Resistance%20at%20Disney%20World.