If there’s one thing we can count on with Disney World, it’s change. Well, the magic, too, of course. But also, LOTS of changes! 

Few attractions exemplify this like Rise of the Resistance in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. So, let’s answer the ULTIMATE question: Should you rope-drop Rise of the Resistance? 

When Rise of the Resistance FIRST debuted, it was super tricky to get on. Disney used a virtual queue for many months, implementing changes and adding new opportunities to join boarding groups along the way. So, guests wanting to ride this attraction would have to be on their mobile device by 7AM on-the-button (or 1pm for the afternoon option) and hope the Force was with them as they attempted to join the virtual queue for this attraction. If you missed the opportunity (even by just a few seconds!), the Resistance would have to fight the First Order without you!

Now that the virtual queue is gone (at least for now) and Genie+ is a thing, things have changed even MORE at this always-in-demand ride! So if you REALLY have your heart set on this immersive Galaxy’s Edge attraction, here are some notes to consider! 

Our Tips For The Standby Queue

First, let’s look back at what OUR experience was like on the first day without a virtual queue or boarding groups!

With the regular ol’ standby line (how quaint!), upon arrival first thing in the morning, we were seeing HUGE crowds and a 150+ minute wait! 

By 9:37AM, the My Disney Experience app was quoting a 220-minute wait, before dipping back down to 180 minutes by 9:52AM. 

It took us about an hour to get into the actual queue area for Rise of the Resistance, and were almost at the pre-show by 10:18AM. 

We were finally in the ride vehicle by 10:41AM, so all-in-all, it took us about an hour and a half on the first day of the Rise of the Resistance standby line option! 

It’s worth noting that by about 12:24PM, the wait time was saying 75 minutes, which is a pretty drastic change from rope drop! 

We were told by Cast Member that the parking lot opened at 7:45AM that morning, ahead of the 9AM opening for the park itself, and that guests were let through security at 8AM.  So if you’re an early bird or staying at a resort that provides Early Theme Park Entry, that might be a good opportunity to get a head start!

Overall, though, it seems if you’re not gonna wake up at the crack of dawn to get a jump on the line, waiting a little bit after opening (until late-morning or early-afternoon) would be a good strategy. 

One thing to consider is that Park Hopping starts at 2 PM each day, so you could expect a swell of newbies around that time, thus increasing the wait time for mid-afternoon. 

Disney Genie

The other IMPORTANT new element to factor in is a little thing called Disney Genie! 

Disney Genie is a free planning tool, while Genie+ is an optional paid service that allows guests to bypass traditional standby lines and enter “Lightning Lanes.” Additional Individual Attraction Selection (pay-per-ride) options are also available for the buzziest rides, like Rise! 

For Disney Genie, guests can “tell” the Genie their wishes (e.g. their ideal rides), and the service will present you with options to optimize your time. By creating customized itineraries for YOU, which change throughout the day based on wait times and crowds, you’ll be FAR better equipped to get on Rise just about any time of day — while remaining mindful of the typical “rush hours.” 

In case you’re REALLY eager to get on the ride, you may want to cough up some extra $$$.

While Rise of the Resistance isn’t included in the base fee options for Lightning Lanes with Genie+, it IS available as an Individual Attraction Selection, which is a separate paid upcharge. These fees vary depending on the date, attraction, and park, but basically the more in-demand the ride, the more it will cost to ride. 

The cost of the Individual Lightning Lane can get up to $22 per person, so expect Rise of the Resistance to hover around that cost most likely. 

Note: you don’t need to purchase Genie+ in order to buy Individual Attraction Selections. So if you’re adamant about riding this Star Wars attraction, an extra cost will all but guarantee you can do so at just about any time of day! 

At the end of the day, a little bit of patience (or a lot of patience) could go a long way in ensuring you experience this incredible attraction, but if all else fails, you might find that extra Lightning Lane cost could go a long way!

Rise of the Resistance can be complicated to find that sweet spot to ride with the lowest wait. But one thing is for sure, you’ll need to be up early, either to be sure to make that rope drop entry, or to secure that Individual Lightning Lane to ride later in the day.

How Much Did Disney Spend to Build Rise of the Resistance?

When do YOU think is the best time to ride Rise of the Resistance? Let us know in the comments!