Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge – Go Informed Podcast Episode 047

Sue Winter — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 20:27:55 +0000

Episode 47: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge

Rise of the Resistance is now open at Disneyland and Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. This final addition to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is a world-class theme park attraction unlike anything else. On this episode I share my story about being there for opening day, touring tips for your visit to Rise of the Resistance, and why you need to plan a trip to see this amazing attraction.

These are the show notes for Go Informed Podcast episode 47. Click the Play button to listen to the episode for lots more detail about this topic, including my experience riding Rise of the Resistance on its opening day at Disney World.

Rise of the Resistance: I was there on opening day

In a great stroke of luck, I was at Disney World the same week that the new Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction opened in Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios. The attraction opened on Thursday, December 5^th and I was one of the first to ride it.

My day started with a 3:00am wake-up call. And it paid off with a chance to experience this new attraction on opening day. What was opening day like? Listen to the episode for the full story.

Here are a few images from the opening morning of Rise of the Resistance

What it looked like when I arrived at 3:45am for the opening of Rise of the Resistance:

Around 4:30 we moved through security to the main Hollywood Studios gates. I was in seventh position at my touchpoint.

Immediately after entering the park we were able to get our boarding group. I asked for help from a cast member and received boarding group 11!

By 5:30am, the Rise of the Resistance opening day crowd filled all of Hollywood Boulevard up to the Chinese Theater.

Here’s some video of the crowd going into Galaxy’s Edge for the first time on Rise of the Resistance opening day. Be sure to turn your sound on for the full effect.

Inside Rise of the Resistance

This episode is mostly spoiler-free, but I will say that there are elements on the attraction that will make a Star Wars fan cry with joy. This experience takes guests into a Star Wars movie in a fully immersive way. You are able to walk through a lot of it and can take your time soaking in the details – until a First Order officer spoils the fun.

For anyone who’s fantasized about what it would be like to actually stand on the deck of an Imperial Starcruiser, this is the real deal. I found the entire experience to be deeply nostalgic, taking me back to when I was a kid and first saw that starship pass overhead. Disney has done a great job of bringing the Star Wars universe to life.

Multiple Ride Systems

Rise of the Resistance combines many different ride systems – everything from walk-through, to flight simulator, to state of the art trackless vehicles. All of this makes the attraction unlike anything else in the world. It also makes the ride prone to breakdowns. Be aware that there will be times when the ride is not operational. Be patient.

Galaxy’s Edge is Complete

When you get off Rise of the Resistance you get to spend the rest of your day in Galaxy’s Edge. The Rise attraction does a fantastic job of bringing guests into the story, then depositing them back on the planet right in the middle of the action. I think this attraction really does complete the land in much the same way the Gringotts ride completes Diagon Alley.

Touring Tips for Rise of the Resistance

Disney is currently (early 2020) using a virtual queue system for Rise of the Resistance. You will need to arrive at the park early to get in the queue electronically via the Disney World or Disneyland app. Even when the system reverts to a more traditional FastPass/Standby queue there will be incredible demand to see this attraction.

The best advice always is to do your best to get there first. Listen to episode 44 to learn all about rope drop and how it can help you be first on your favorite ride.

How do you possibly get up so early to be first in the park? Get all my morning tips right here.

Keep up with the latest info about Rise of the Resistance by following Go Informed on social. Watch my Facebook page and my Galaxy’s Edge Pinterest board to stay up to date.