Opening Day Update:
Hollywood Studios used the virtual queuing system, first trialed at Disneyland, for the opening of Rise of the Resistance in Florida. Boarding Groups had completely filled by 9:30am.
The ride had a difficult opening day with lots of down time. Guests with late boarding groups are being notified that they won’t be accommodated. But they are getting some compensation. In the form of park hopper tickets and Fastpasses for tomorrow.
Here’s everything you need to know about Disney’s epic new attraction:
The Resistance has risen! One of the most anticipated Disney theme park attractions ever created officially opens at Walt Disney World December 5th (Disneyland’s version opens January 17, 2020). Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance promises to be one of Disney’s most incredible attractions ever built. We were lucky to attend a media event for the new attraction last night and got the chance to ride twice. We share our opinion and some important info about the new ride below.
We also have a few additional updates from Disney’s Hollywood Studios park to share, including another attraction that will open next year and a whole hotel themed to Star Wars.
Please keep all arms and legs inside the ride vehicle – let’s learn all about this new Star Wars adventure! We’ll take a look at the attraction, our review, and some other important news about upcoming attractions at Walt Disney World!
Everything You Need to Know About Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is the second attraction for both Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. On this exciting new ride, you’ll be placed in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.
Rise of the Resistance Premise
Rise of the Resistance is actually several entertainment experiences all smooshed together under one mountain. But the most exciting section of the attraction runs on an innovative trackless ride system, with never-before-seen special show effects, animatronics and holograms of favorite Star Wars characters from the latest trilogy. The attraction is a 15-minute experience that incorporates multiple ride-systems and walk-through experiences, where guests will transfer ride vehicles midway through the experience.
Is this Disney’s most ambitious attraction ever created? It absolutely is.
Disney’s ride description offers a look into Rise’s backstory:
The Resistance needs your help! Hidden in the forest outside Black Spire Outpost, the Resistance is gathering recruits for a secret mission.
With the First Order desperate to extinguish the spark of the Resistance, the mission is bound to have unexpected twists and turns. When your transport is captured by an imposing First Order Star Destroyer filled with legions of stormtroopers—and even Kylo Ren!—you’re going to need all the help you can get. Fortunately, a covert team of Resistance fighters—including Rey and BB-8—is at the ready to give you a fighting chance to escape… and a chance for the Resistance to rise.
Rise of the Resistance Opening Dates and Locations
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened earlier this year at both of Disney’s U.S. resorts, Disneyland Park at the Disneyland Resort of Anaheim, CA, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World of Orlando, FL. Both of the lands’ layout and experience offerings are identical, with the exception of a few aesthetic differences.
Rise of the Resistance opens December 5th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The entrance for the new attraction is closest to the Grand Avenue entrance into Galaxy’s Edge, just past the Muppets Courtyard.
Ride Restrictions
Disney considers this to be a thrill ride with sudden stops, sharp turns and sudden drops. There is a 40″ height requirement, and children under 7 years must be accompanied by someone 14 years or older.
Disney’s Warning for this attraction states: For safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride.
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!
Rise of the Resistance Review
You’ve been warned: from here until the next section, there are plenty of spoilers about this ride. But that’s why you’re reading this article, isn’t it?
After walking through the attraction entrance, you start on an elaborate queue journey – think Indy or Flight of Passage – within a Resistance base cave in the forest of Batuu. From there, you are recruited to join the Resistance, as Rey and BB-8 send you into a Transport for a rendezvous with General Leia Organa.
While in transit, your ship is captured and you end up on a First Order Star Destroyer, now under the thumb of General Hux and the Supreme Leader, Kylo Ren, himself. It’s up to you and the Resistance the escape from the First Order and save the galaxy.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a combination of pre-shows, show-scenes, ride vehicles, simulators and more. Projection mapping, audio-animatronics, screens, and a trackless ride vehicle (that seats 8 guests) makes this incredible attraction completely unpredictable. It is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced in a Disney park, leaving us speechless.
Was this the best Disney attraction ever built? Our adrenalin is still pumping, so our immediate answer is . . . YES! We’ll see if repeat visits and time settle our feelings a bit. But not only does the ride leave us wanting to get right back in line, but it makes us want to spend more time in Galaxy’s Edge between rides. Let’s see if that holds up for others once the ride is open to everyone tomorrow.
Rise of the Resistance is considered to be the premier attraction of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, but did not open with the land’s initial launch. Many guests have delayed their visit to the land until both attractions have opened. Although, now that both attractions will be open starting December 5th, you can expect long waits. At WDW, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run crept up to 5 hours on opening day, and last year’s other new attraction, Slinky Dog Dash, held 7 hour waits on its opening day. We have a feeling that this one will be even longer.
There is no FastPass for this attraction yet, nor is it included in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Extra Magic Hours attractions. This may be Disney thinking ahead and preparing for potential downtime for the ride. However, a virtual queue will be used on opening day and could be extended for as long as needed. Guests will be able to enter the virtual queue from the Disney World app or by visiting a Guest Experience kiosk. Boarding Group signage will be updated throughout the park to let guests know when they should return to the attraction.
If you’re planning on experiencing this brand-new attraction, we recommend getting to the park early and waiting it out. Be prepared to be in line for hours, and be patient just in case there’s any unscheduled downtime. Trust us, it’s worth the standby wait!
WE HAVE MORE FROM THE OPENING OF RISE OF THE RESISTANCE INCLUDING DOZENS OF PHOTOS:
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
What’s Next For Disney Hollywood Studios?
Although Rise of the Resistance was the focus of a media event in Orlando last night, there was also some other new information released about upcoming projects at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Let’s take a look at those:
Star Wars Hotel
Disney recently announced Galactic Starcruises will launch in 2021.
These will be 2-night adventures at Walt Disney World. With complete story and visual immersion; views out into space, playing sabacc, lightsaber training for both kids and adults on board, exclusive character experiences, a “spaceport of call” day in Batuu… this will be ultimate Star Wars fan experience at Walt Disney World. We’re told you might even find yourself in a giant space battle, where you’ll have to defend the Starcruiser!
In addition to Rise of the Resistance, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will see a few more additions in the coming months!
Star Tours Updates
Star Tours will receive some enhancements for Episode IX! Beginning December 20th, guests will be flying into Kef Bir, a new ocean moon found in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Opening
The next major attraction to open at Disney Hollywood Studios will be Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the first ride-through attraction starring the mouse who started it all! Guests will be able to catch a ride on the train starting March 4, 2020!
In addition to the Runaway Railway, there will also be a new Mickey Shorts Theater that will tie into the attraction. The theater will open in March 2020. Although the two attractions are related to each other, we have no word on where the theater will be located just yet.
New Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant
Finally, a new table-service restaurant in Toy Story Land will open sometime next year – Roundup Rodeo BBQ promises to be a rootin’ tootin’ good time!
Get Away Today Disney Tickets and Travel Specials
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This year, give the gift of travel and save even more with MiceChat. Be sure to use our links (or mention MiceChat when you call) for the lowest prices.
This ride will be the “make it or break it” moment for Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The land opened to underwhelming reviews, but many guests were reserving their full opinion until they experienced both attractions. With that said, expectations for this ride are unbelievably high, and we absolutely loved riding it. Will other people feel the same way?
Let’s Hear From You
What do you think of Rise of the Resistance? Do you think that two attractions in the land is enough? Will you come to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to be one of the first to ride it? How long do you think the attraction wait will peak at on opening day? Let us know in the comments below.
Now, continue on for a photo walkthrough of Rise of the Resistance:
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
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