Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – What You Need to Know

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the newest land in all of Walt Disney World. The Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction has been wowing guests since it’s grand opening. Unlike any other operating Disney attraction, there is much to know about this phenomenal attraction before you experience it on your next trip to Batuu!

 

1. Virtual Queue

*NOTE – This attraction is under a Virtual Queue experience. There are currently two times per day to schedule your virtual boarding group via your MyDisneyExperience App.

Guests are required to reserve a spot in line via the My Disney Experience app. The app will give you your boarding group number — while waiting for your number to be called, you are free to walk through the park and experience other attractions.  There are several screens throughout the park with the current boarding grounds being boarded; additionally, guests can get this information through the app.  Once it is your turn to board, guests will receive a push notification that they can board — guests have two hours to make it to the attraction to board. 

2. Multiple Ride Systems

Throughout the attraction, guests will climb aboard two different ride systems, as well as be directed to walk through various parts of the attraction.  This combination of ride systems helps the guest feel fully immersed in the attraction and experience.  Without spoiling anything, guests will enjoy the experience and will be completely gobsmacked with the sheer scope of the attraction.  While the attraction is being hyped as a thrill ride, parents of young children should take solace in the fact that the ride system isn’t any more intense than Flight of Passage and is even tamer than Star Tours. 

3. Trackless Ride Vehicles

This technology has been present in other Disney parks for years, but it has been slow to be adapted to the American parks.  The ride vehicles sense RFID transmitters in the floor and use them to navigate around the attraction.  The result is a much smoother ride experience — no jostling, bumps, or sudden stops.  The ride system is also used in Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ newest attraction, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. It is also slated to be used in the Ratatouille attraction at EPCOT.

4. Advanced Audio-Animatronics

Throughout the attraction guests will be treated to highly advanced Audio-Animatronics and holograms.  Guests should expect to see BB-8, Kylo Ren, Finn, General Hux, as well as a multitude of Stormtroopers.  Apart from these Audio-Animatronics, we were the most amazed by the hologram of Rey at the beginning of the attraction.  Similar to the stories from the opening of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln where guests were questioning whether the Audio-Animatronic was a real human, guests will have the same questions of these figures as their movements are completely fluid and lifelike.

5. Cameras Ready

With the attraction being so popular, guests are moved through the attraction as quickly as possible, so guests should have their cameras ready for pictures.  With the immersive nature of the attraction, Cast Members are able to move guests along who may be taking too much time — and trust us, there are plenty of moments when you might want to take a photo!

6. BONUS – Short Wait Times Elsewhere

While this writer was waiting for the boarding group to be called, I was amazed to see the minuscule wait times for the other attractions.  I was a member of one of the first boarding groups (I was boarded by about 7:20 AM).  But between entering the park at 6:20 and leaving at 9:30, I was able to ride Rise of the Resistance, and essentially walk onto Star Tours, Rock and Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, as well as Smuggler’s Run.  So, while you might grumble at having to get up early and get to the park so early, it may be worth it while you’re able to enjoy the other attractions at Hollywood Studios!

Have you ridden Rise of the Resistance?  What did you think?