A quiet shift has arrived for one of Walt Disney World Resort’s standout attractions: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Tucked away in the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge section of Hollywood Studios, this ride has enthralled guests since its debut.
Located within the immersive Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu, the attraction takes visitors on a thrilling journey through the sequel trilogy era, complete with iconic characters like Rey, BB-8, and Kylo Ren. Since its opening, Rise of the Resistance has been a groundbreaking experience, utilizing state-of-the-art, trackless ride vehicles to immerse riders in the Star Wars universe.
When Rise of the Resistance first opened, Disney implemented a virtual queue system, making it essential to secure a boarding pass just to experience it. Though the virtual queue is now a thing of the past, the ride remains one of the most popular at the Disney park.
Currently, guests can access the attraction through a traditional standby line or purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass for faster entry. The resort recently overhauled its Disney Genie+ system—introduced in late 2021—rebranding it as the Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass. Unlike its predecessor, both passes can be purchased up to seven days in advance, making planning a Disney trip even more convenient.
In another big change, Disney reintroduced the Single Rider line for Rise of the Resistance in September 2024, following a brief trial run in August. While this move offers guests the chance to skip the longer standby lines, there is a trade-off.
When the Single Rider line initially returned, riders had to bypass the ride’s immersive pre-show, which included an exciting briefing from Daisy Ridley’s Rey and BB-8. Instead, they joined the experience at the Star Destroyer hangar, cutting out part of the storyline.
Thankfully, recent updates have added more to the Single Rider experience. Now, guests in the Single Rider line can enjoy the Rey and BB-8 pre-show, joining the main queue just in time for this iconic interaction.
This is a significant win for fans who felt they were missing out on a key part of the attraction’s magic. The Single Rider line, while not a common feature at Walt Disney World Resort, is becoming a valuable option for visitors looking to make the most of their time. It’s worth noting that Rise of the Resistance is only one of a handful of rides at Disney World to offer a Single Rider line.
The others include Test Track at EPCOT (which is currently closed for a re-theme), Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom, and two other attractions in Hollywood Studios: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith.
Disney has yet to confirm how long the Single Rider option will remain in place for Rise of the Resistance, but this is a promising development for guests who prefer to ride solo or are hoping to experience the attraction with shorter wait times.
The line for Single Riders is located near the exit of the ride, and though guests pass through less-themed areas on their way to the queue, they now get to experience the briefing between Rey and BB-8.
Amid these operational updates, which also include the permanent closure of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, Walt Disney World is currently preparing for Hurricane Milton’s arrival. After intensifying into a Category 5 storm, it has since dropped to Category 4, but it still poses a significant threat to Florida.
Milton’s impending landfall, which is predicted to hit as a Category 3, comes just two weeks after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across parts of the state. Disney World is actively bracing for the storm’s impact, ensuring safety for both guests and cast members.
So, what do you think of the changes to Rise of the Resistance? For those who value speed, the return of the Single Rider line is certainly a welcome option. Yet, for those seeking the full, immersive Star Wars experience, the prospect of missing parts of the attraction might feel like a drawback if the pre-show exclusion version returns.
While the inclusion of the Rey and BB-8 pre-show in the Single Rider line is a step in the right direction, the altered experience may not appeal to everyone.
Whatever your stance, Rise of the Resistance continues to evolve as one of the most popular and technologically advanced rides at Walt Disney World Resort.
Be sure to stay tuned for more updates, especially as the park gears up for Hurricane Milton’s challenges.
And as always, let Disney Fanatic know your thoughts on this evolving attraction and its place in the Star Wars galaxy!
