by Crowds started rolling hours before the park opens to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Walt Disney World!
When Disney first announced that Galaxy’s Edge’s signature ride would be called “Rise of the Resistance” we didn’t realize how literal they were! To experience this attraction, guests have to be up at the crack of dawn—or they miss out!
How early? Well, we awoke at 4:15AM and walked from our room in Disney’s Boardwalk Inn to Hollywood Studios. We arrived about 5AM and there was already a crowd!
Bag check occurred around 5:20AM and we were allowed inside of the park around 6:30AM (this is an average of three different visits). Once inside, the we could immediately opt in to a boarding group.
Of course, this was during the first ten days of opening. Since then, things have changed. Disney still allows guests into the park early, but they have to wait until the park is officially open to join a boarding group.
Still, this hasn’t stopped the early crowds as guests continue to arrive before sunrise. They line up outside of the gates, rain or shine! Luckily, the Trolley Car Cafe sells Starbucks early inside of the park.
What Time Should I Get to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance?
If you’re planning on going, what time should you get to the park? We say no later than an hour before opening. This way, you’ll have enough time to head through security and into the parks. Just bring something to keep you occupied.
Also, you want to be established inside of the park well ahead of time to join a boarding group. Disney warns that it can take about 5 minutes for the My Disney Experience app to recognize a guest inside of the park. Every person in your party will need to be recognized to join a boarding group.
The downside to this is that you could be the first inside of the park and still get a later boarding group than someone who showed up an hour after you. Since everyone has access to the boarding passes at the same time, it depends more on how quick you are with your phone. Also, larger groups will have to select multiple people before opting into a boarding group.
Overall, the process is pretty simple to join. We also like that the new procedure will help parents. Getting a kid up at 4AM isn’t an option for most people, so they’ve had to skip the attraction altogether. Now with a little later time, this could be possible.
So far, all boarding passes have sold out in the first hour of the park opening. Later time slots have not all been able to board. At times, Disney issues complimentary tickets to those who can’t board. Only time will tell when the ride will be able to handle the extreme demand.
Links
Read more of our Galaxy’s Edge tips here!
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