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Everything to Know About Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney World

Guide to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney WorldWhen 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 takes on a whole other level with Star 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!), it is incredibly immersive.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney World originally required joining a virtual queue, but you can now more easily ride the popular attraction through waiting in a regular standby line or paying to bypass the standby line with an individual Lightning Lane selection during regular theme park hours. This means more frogs can have the opportunity to enjoy this epic attraction!

For 2023's all-new holiday event — Jollywood Nights — Rise will once again operate using the virtual queue system.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Rise of the Resistance, including how to access the ride and our best tips for shorter wait times!

Overview of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney World

Guide to Rise of the Resistance - BB-8 and Rey

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 September 2021, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance stopped using the virtual queue system (though you'll typically see new attractions utilizing it). With Rise of the Resistance now 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. 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 (note that procedures can fluctuate).

Purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane Selection for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Genie+ Tips at Disney World - Stacking Screenshot

If wanting to save time waiting in a long line, you can pay to bypass the standby queue. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney World is 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 typically range from $7 to $20 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, so Rise is typically one of the more expensive options.

If you're 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+.

Tips for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney World

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance - Stormtroopers

  • Rider Switch and DAS is available for this attraction! Speak with a cast member at the attraction for more information.
  • If you're hoping to reserve Rise of the Resistance as a paid individual Lightning Lane selection, don't delay, as spots go quickly for the day! Those staying at an eligible resort hotel get the great benefit of purchasing before those staying off-site, which can be crucial during peak times as they often sell out before park opening.
  • Another great perk of staying on-site, hotel guests can utilize Early Theme Park Entry, which provides 30 extra minutes at any park every day! This can be a great way to check Rise off your list.
  • If you're staying off-site and planning on rope dropping Hollywood Studios, we would recommend doing other rides and saving Rise of the Resistance for the evening. The majority of park crowds head to Galaxy's Edge and the line will have already gotten long from early entry. Peak wait times typically occur in the afternoon, so it's best to do in the morning or late evening.
  • For a chance at low wait times for all attractions, including Rise of the Resistance, consider booking a Hollywood Studios Disney After Hours ticket. Disney After Hours is a three-hour, separately ticketed event that allows guests to stick around after normal park hours with limited crowds. That means you’ll encounter little-to-no lines while you wait for rides, character meet-and-greets and other experiences at the parks (Plus, you'll get complimentary popcorn, ice cream and bottled beverages!) We did every attraction in the park and even got to hop onto Rise with a five-minute wait just before the event ended!
  • Remember: If all else fails and you've packed your patience, a standby line is available for this epic experience during regular park hours.

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!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
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101–118 of 118 comments
Jan 4, 2020 at 2:43 p.m. Rebecca Says...

Hi!

Does our spot in the virtual queue affect the fast passes we’ve already booked?

Thanks for this helpful article!

Reply
Jan 6, 2020 at 8:35 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Rebecca!

It does not - the virtual queue and Boarding Groups are toadally separate from your FastPasses.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jan 3, 2020 at 3:13 a.m. keilyn quintero Says...

Hello, is it necessary to stay at a Disney Resort to be able to ride Rise of the Resistance? Since the boarding passes run out so quickly, is it crucial to have that extra magic hour considering they're let inside earlier?

Reply
Jan 3, 2020 at 8:08 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Keilyn!

No, you do not need to stay at a Disney Resort hotel to take advantage of the Boarding Groups! At this time, Boarding Groups aren't available during Extra Magic Hours. We'd still recommend getting to the park about an hour before the park's official opening time so that you have plenty of time to make your way into the park so you're ready to roll when the Boarding Groups do open up.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Dec 24, 2019 at 2:46 p.m. Lynn Says...

What is a return pass?

Reply
Dec 24, 2019 at 9:33 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Lynn!

A return pass is issued in some cases if your Boarding Group isn't called so that you're able to return to the ride the next day; you can see a cast member about this or it may populate auto-magically into your My Disney Experience account.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 23, 2019 at 4:36 p.m. Jen Popek Says...

We will be at Disney and Universal Dec 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29. Based on Park opening times (or any other factors) which day do you think would give us the best chance to ride Rise of the Resistance? I was guessing December 25th.

Reply
Dec 23, 2019 at 10:45 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jen!

It's going to be a busy time, so it's hard to say, but we agree that Christmas Day may potentially be the best (it's our recommended park that day, but also, we expect many people will be opting for Magic Kingdom that day). Be sure to give yourself plenty of time that morning to get through the gates and ready to fire up the app to join your Boarding Group (generally we recommend an hour in advance of park opening, but since it's a busy time, you may want to err on the side of caution and hop over an hour and a half in advance). May the Force be with you!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 18, 2019 at 3:56 p.m. ejj Says...

What if I have a galaxy S4 phone & the new disney app isn't compatible? Am I out of luck, or is there another way to get into a boarding group? I don't want or need a new phone. Thanks!!

Reply
Dec 18, 2019 at 2:22 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi there!

You are not out of luck - hooray! If you have a friend or family member who can connect you to their My Disney Experience account, they can make a reservation for the both of you. If you are traveling solo, you can hop to a Guest Relations kiosk to join a Boarding Group rather than using the app. Have fun!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 16, 2019 at 12:28 a.m. Carrie Says...

Is the ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance already opened? I am confused as it says it will be launched on 17th Dec?

Reply
Dec 16, 2019 at 7:27 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Carrie!

Yes, Rise of the Resistance opened Dec. 5 at Disney World. Rise of the Resistance will open Jan. 17 at Disneyland.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 15, 2019 at 9:10 p.m. LAinSEA Says...

My father uses a wheel chair for mobility; he can transfer to rides without it, but he cannot stand or walk for a ride wait of 45-50 minutes. How do accommodations for people with disabilities work for Rise of the Resistance?

Reply
Dec 16, 2019 at 8:04 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi there!

Guests with Disney's Disability Access Service (DAS) will join a Boarding Group. Once their Boarding Group number is called, you would have a certain amount of time (usually two hours or less) to return to join the line. If you use DAS, you would talk to the cast member at the ride entrance and then be directed to enter through the FastPass+ line (or issued a time to return to do so). If he does not have a DAS pass, his wheelchair (or ECV) will fit through the queue until it's time to board the ride vehicle and transfer; no need to transfer prior to entering the queue!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 15, 2019 at 8:44 p.m. Deborah Nelles Says...

just one question - i am travelling with a friend in march - i will have the app on my phone - but she will not - but she is listed under my friends and familu - wil we have any problems??? thank you so much - never went off on my own like this - always had kids, while they are grown, with me - don't want to mess up - thanks again!

Reply
Dec 16, 2019 at 7:34 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Deborah!

As long as she is listed in your My Family and Friends, you should be all set to join a Boarding Group together! One easy way to check beforehand would be to try to make a FastPass reservation for the two of you; if that works, the Boarding Group should, too. If you do run into any issues (which we don't expect you will), be sure to hop by a Guest Relations kiosk and they'll be able to help you out :)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 15, 2019 at 8:04 p.m. Marliyn Says...

Thanks for the clear explanation. I feel much better informed!

Reply
Dec 16, 2019 at 7:35 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

You bet, Marilyn! Thanks for hopping by :)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 15, 2019 at 3:18 p.m. Juli Says...

How do we know how early the park will open before opening hours?

Reply
Dec 16, 2019 at 8:07 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Juli!

This hasn't been consistent, unfortunately, and will likely continue to change; however, we think getting to the park an hour to an hour and a half before the park officially opens should be perfect.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jan 16, 2020 at 10:11 p.m. Laura Says...

Hi reading all this info and getting super overwhelmed. We’re going in April and the park opens before it opens? I’m confused by this. I feel bad for the people who go without doing all this research and expect to ride these rides. Craziest thing I’ve ever heard of.

Reply
Jan 17, 2020 at 7:45 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Laura,

Right now, the virtual line opens up at the official park opening time. However, guests are usually let into the park so they can wait on Hollywood Boulevard. This just gives everyone more room to spread out when it becomes too crowded near the touch points and security stations. The virtual line also requires you to be inside the park, so they're letting people through a bit prior to the park's opening time so that park guests are ready to join once it opens. Rides are not in operation prior to the official park opening, but you can get your Starbucks at the Trolley Car Cafe while you wait! Hope this helps clear things up. Be sure to check this post closer to your trip in April, so you can stay updated on the process in case it changes!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 15, 2019 at 1:48 p.m. Kasey Says...

Hi, Frog!!

I bought the e-tickets through your site. Do you still recommend getting a magic band since they’re already RFID? Could I just use the tickets on the phone to the touch point?

Reply
Dec 16, 2019 at 8:28 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kasey!

E-tickets will need to be exchanged at Will Call for a hard ticket prior to entering the park (if they aren't linked to a MagicBand). We toadally love the ease of a MagicBand (especially for things like FastPass touch points), so we highly recommend one! Once the ticket is linked in My Disney Experience, you can link your MagicBand to your My Disney Experience account, and voila! You can learn more about how to do this here, or feel free to respond to this thread or give our Customer Service line a ring at 1 (800) 846-1302 if you have any additional questions!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 13, 2019 at 1:47 p.m. Ray Says...

Do parking lots open early enough for you to drive in and park and get in line in time

Reply
Dec 13, 2019 at 8:36 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Ray,

Yes, the parking lots are open, and the trams will be running, as well!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 15, 2019 at 4:11 p.m. Sophie Says...

Thanks for the useful information! I can't wait to try it next year!

Reply
Dec 15, 2019 at 4:08 p.m. Sophie Says...

When you are really early, you don't need the tram, because you are neer the entrance!

Reply
Dec 12, 2019 at 6:57 p.m. Molly Says...

Any idea how child swap will work alongside this--or what are your recommendations that way?

Reply
Dec 13, 2019 at 10:40 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Molly!

The Rider Switch service is available for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. You still need to enter the virtual queue. Once your Boarding Group is called, you'll scan in at the ride entrance. Then, look for a Resistance cast member in a mustard & brown vest who will be able to assist you.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 12, 2019 at 3:35 p.m. Ben Says...

If I join a boarding group/virtual queue, may I leave the park and come back when the time is right? Thanks.

Reply
Dec 12, 2019 at 10:57 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Ben,

You sure may! Once you get a notification that it's your turn, you'll have two hours to return to the queue to hop on.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 11, 2019 at 4:28 p.m. Angelika Peach Says...

My favorite Disney/theme park blog!! Thank you for all the information and inside scoops!

Reply
Dec 11, 2019 at 3:54 p.m. Gabriella ramirez Says...

I love Star Wars and this right here was awesome to read

Reply
Dec 11, 2019 at 9:54 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Aw shucks. Thanks Gabriella!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 11, 2019 at 3:03 p.m. Bob Says...

This is very useful information, so thank you! 6:30 AM seems awful early to be at the park with your whole family just so you can get a boarding pass to come back to ride sometime in the evening hours. I like this new system, but hopefully after the Christmas season the boarding passes will become easier to get without the hassle and inconvenience of such a early park arrival.

Reply
Dec 11, 2019 at 12:42 p.m. Daniela Says...

Hi! Thank you for the great tutorial. My only problem is the app - it crashes and doesn’t work in my iPhone8. Last year I used it smoothly in my iPhone 7... Do you know how to fix this? Thank you again!

Reply
Dec 11, 2019 at 7:38 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Oh no, we're so sorry to hear it Daniela! I know it's a silly suggestion that you've likely already tried, but be sure to check to see if there's an update to the app (or your OS) so that everything is up-to-date! We'd play with it before you go so that you can be sure it's working the way it should. If that still doesn't work, we'd hop over to the Guest Relations kiosks to join a Boarding Group ASAP if you're having a solo day. Or, head to the park with a friend or family member whose app works - they can add you to their Family and Friends list ahead of time and put you in their Boarding Group party. Others in the Frog Pond may have some suggestions, too. Hope this helps!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jan 21, 2020 at 3:53 p.m. BD Says...

Are you able to use the My Disney Experience App to secure boarding passes to Rise of Resistance without having a magic band?

Reply
Jan 21, 2020 at 12:44 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi BD!

Yes, you can reserve a Boarding Group using My Disney Experience without a MagicBand! Keep in mind, though, that you'll need either your park ticket card or a MagicBand to tap at the ride's entrance when your Boarding Group is called, similar to FastPass.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 14, 2019 at 12:04 a.m. Daniela Says...

Thanks for the response! It is updated, unfortunately... My husband have the app installed and it seems to be working (also an iPhone8, go figure!!). We will try to use his phone at the park... ????

Reply
Dec 16, 2019 at 7:31 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Have a great time, Daniela! :)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
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