Disney World is making a lot of changes as they prepare to launch the new Disney Genie program.
Rise of the Resistance
One of the rides experiencing a lot of changes is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As of right now, there’s only one way to ride Rise of the Resistance, and you can probably expect it to take a LONG time.
Since Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opened, guests could only ride by first obtaining a Boarding Group on the My Disney Experience app. Then, the app would let guests know when it was their turn to ride, and the actual line for the ride was generally on the shorter side. Recently, however, Disney announced that they were pausing Boarding Groups for Rise of the Resistance, meaning for right now the only way to ride the ride is via the Standby Line.
Stand By Line
Then, we noticed Rise of the Resistance was added to the list of rides operating during Early Theme Park Entry, which is Disney World’s new early access program which is debuting early on September 26th. Select Disney World hotel guests qualify to visit the Disney World parks 30 minutes before opening time and can get in line for Rise of the Resistance 30 minutes before the public.
Rise of the Resistance will be available for Early Theme Park Entry guests
We asked for votes on Instagram about the new standby queue for Rise of the Resistance, and feelings were strong with over 9,000 DFB readers. 68% of you prefer the virtual queue system, and 32% are happy about the new standby line. It’s important to note that many people were unable to secure Boarding Groups during their visits, so some people might prefer the standby line.
© @disneyfoodblog on Instagram
One of our readers said, “I’m happy about it because the lines for everything else is short,” while another reader admitted to being “conflicted” since Genie+ is coming soon. Another DFB reader noted, “I’m happy me and my mom have a decent chance of riding it in February now,” while another reader commented, “With the virtual one, the expectation was adjusted once you didn’t get it, now you waste the day hoping to get in.”
Rise of the Resistance
Once Disney’s Genie program and Individual Ride Selection launches, Rise of the Resistance will have a Lightning Lane for guests who opt to use the new pay-per-ride system, so we’re probably going to continue to see more changes as Disney moves forward. Keep reading DFB for more Disney World news, tips, and tricks!
See how long it took us to ride Rise of the Resistance via Standby Line!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
How do YOU feel about the Rise of the Resistance Standby Line? Tell us in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
The follow up question that really is the biggest factor of these DFB polls is;
A) You live in FL
B) You visit from out of state
^^^ the bias to the questions are always based upon being a local vs not. The pendulum is constantly going back and forth with whom WDW caters to.
Right on, M! So true.
I think it is a good change, even though we have gotten a boarding group each time we have tried at 7 am. I do think the ONLY reason Disney made the change is to be able to collect $$$$ for Lightning Lane for this ride.
Do we know yet, Sarah, how much Lightning Lane is going to cost? My daughter and family are going next month and she is trying to plan.
Thanks so much for the great information, DFB!
I think once the newness of not having boarding groups, plus whatever effect the paid for “ fancy ride” pass has happens, the ride lines will settle back to being manageable. New rides will always have longer lines. The people who wait the longest are the people who don’t do their homework, arrive at the park at 9 and get into the line at 9:30. If you take advantage of early entry or ropedrop, or wait til the end of the day, you’ll have a much better chance of not having to wait so long.
I prefer fastpasses and all rides available for fastpasses. I want to plan 60 days out. That is part of the fun
Fear not – You’ll soon have your cake and eat it too. You won’t have to worry about either that 7AM boarding group dash OR wasting all day in the stand-by queue. Soon, all it will take is to pull a $25 (or so) E-ticket from your book and hop aboard.
What was wrong with the old way of stand by and fast pass. Less confusing and worked well.
We went to Disney World the week leading up to the 50th. Tuesday evening the children were able to walk on. When we went back on Wednesday for early entry we waited 1 hour. Later in the evening we were able to walk on. Saturday we rode twice never waiting more than an hour. We were thrilled to see the standby lane. After Friday’s experience with virtual ques at Magic Kingdom we were grateful that Rise of the Resistence was no longer on a virtual que.
Angela, this is fantastic! Glad it allowed you to ride multiple times!
Yes to the commenter above asking about whether the voters are locals or tourists or just people who go all the time. I’m from Indiana and only go to Disney every few years. I would be be very upset if I didn’t get a boarding group for Rise. I would gladly wait in the line to ensure I get on the ride. Waited 3 hours for Flight of Passage in 2017 and felt that was worth it. If I only have a couple of days in the parks, I’m willing to pay $$ to ensure a ride.
I personally like the new approach. First, as an out of state person who books 4-5 nights 3 times per year, I was only able to get on a boarding group once since its been open. We would be at the gates at 5:30 and still have trouble. Now, at least I could stand there and get in… sometime. Second, being able to pay more and get a definite place is appealing. Beats boarding groups, IMO. I do agree with the comments on fast passes. It was nice to know what major rides you would have in advance. As for out of state versus in state, its a statistical fact that people traveling from out of state spend more money at Disney. I think that’s why they try to accommodate those folks.
I prefer the stand by line for all the rides in all the parks. I also prefer fastpass. There was nothing wrong with it. Disney is just trying to recoup the money they lost because of covid and at the same time they are pricing many people out. I can’t understand why all these stupid changes are necessary especially since the only covid related precaution in Disney niw is wearing your mask indoors.