Best Time to Ride Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is the headline ride in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Disney describes it as a massive attraction with multiple ride systems, and the whole experience, with its pre-shows and story scenes, takes far longer than a typical ride. That makes it one of the most in-demand attractions at Walt Disney World, and standby queues can build quickly.
The best time to ride Rise of the Resistance without paying extra is first thing in the morning, during Early Theme Park Entry if you're staying at a Disney Resort hotel, or at park opening if you're not. The last stretch before the park closes is the next best free option, and the single rider line can help at any time if you don't mind splitting up. If you'd rather not plan around the clock, Lightning Lane Single Pass is the paid way to skip the standby line.
Photo: Cory Doctorow, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Why Rise of the Resistance Has Long Waits
Rise of the Resistance is the biggest draw at Hollywood Studios, so a large share of the people entering the park head for it. It's also an indoor ride, so on stormy afternoons it stays popular while outdoor rides such as Slinky Dog Dash may pause.
It's a complex attraction too, and like any ride it can have unplanned downtime. When it reopens after a stop, the queue can jump. Posted waits change through the day with crowds, weather and ride downtime, so treat any plan here as a guide rather than a promise.
Option 1: Early Theme Park Entry
Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and select other hotels get Early Theme Park Entry into every Walt Disney World theme park, 30 minutes before regular opening, every day of their stay, including check-in and check-out days. Disney lists Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance among the Hollywood Studios attractions planned to operate during early entry.
If you're eligible, this is the strongest free option. Arrive before the early entry window starts, walk straight to Galaxy's Edge and make Rise of the Resistance your first ride. Plenty of other resort guests will have the same plan, so being early to the gate matters.
Option 2: Rope Drop for Off-Site Guests
If you're staying off-site, be at the Hollywood Studios entrance well before official opening. Resort guests will already be inside, so the queue won't be empty, but the first part of the morning is still usually calmer than the middle of the day.
Option 3: The Last Stretch Before Close
The final part of the evening is a good second chance. Many families leave after the evening entertainment or once small children get tired. It isn't guaranteed, though. On busy nights the line can stay long until closing time, and if the ride has been down during the day, there may be a backlog. Check the posted wait in the My Disney Experience app before you commit.
Photo: Jeremy Thompson, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Option 4: The Single Rider Line
Disney's Single Rider page lists Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance as one of the attractions with a single rider option. Single riders fill empty seats in ride vehicles that aren't taken by standby or Lightning Lane guests, so your group will be split up.
- Immediate boarding isn't guaranteed. Disney says the option is subject to availability, and participating attractions and waits can vary.
- You'll miss some of the story together. If it's your first time, the full standby experience with your group is part of the fun. Single rider works best for a repeat ride.
- Everyone must meet the boarding requirements. That includes the height rule below.
Option 5: Lightning Lane Single Pass
Rise of the Resistance isn't part of Lightning Lane Multi Pass. On Disney's Lightning Lane passes page, it's the only Hollywood Studios attraction listed for Lightning Lane Single Pass, which is bought separately and gives you one entry with an arrival window you choose. It's also included in Lightning Lane Premier Pass, which Disney sells in limited quantities.
Here's how the timing works, according to Disney:
- Guests of Disney Resort hotels and other select hotels can buy passes up to 7 days before their stay.
- Other guests can buy passes up to 3 days before their park visit.
- Sales open at 7:00am Eastern Time on your first day of eligibility, and passes are only sold in the My Disney Experience app.
- You can buy up to 2 Single Passes per day, and prices vary by attraction and date.
Because Single Pass availability is limited, buying it as soon as your window opens gives you the best chance. Check the current price in the app, since Disney says prices can be higher during peak periods such as holidays.
Height, Rider Switch and Accessibility
Disney's official attraction page lists a minimum height of 40 inches (102 cm) for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. If someone in your group is too small or doesn't want to ride, Disney's Rider Switch service lets adults take turns. One part of the group rides while the other waits outside the queue, then the waiting guests (up to two people) board without going through the standard queue. Disney lists Rise of the Resistance among the Hollywood Studios attractions offering it.
Ask a Cast Member at the entrance about Rider Switch before anyone joins the queue, because the whole group needs to be there to set it up.
Does Rain Affect Rise of the Resistance?
The ride itself is indoors, so rain alone doesn't usually stop it. That makes it a good choice when an afternoon storm rolls in, but don't expect a short line, since lots of guests will have the same idea. Lightning nearby can affect outdoor parts of the park, so check the app if the weather turns.
Photo: Benoît Prieur, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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A Step-by-Step Plan for Riding Rise of the Resistance
- Decide on Lightning Lane early. If you want a Single Pass, set a reminder for 7:00am Eastern Time on your first day of eligibility (7 days before your stay at a Disney Resort hotel, or 3 days before your visit otherwise).
- Check Early Entry. If you're staying at an eligible hotel, plan to use the 30-minute early entry window and arrive before it starts.
- Head straight to Galaxy's Edge. Make Rise of the Resistance your first ride of the day and save shopping, food and photos for later.
- Have a backup. If the ride is down when you arrive, don't wait around. Ride something nearby, such as Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, and keep an eye on the app.
- Use single rider for repeats. If you've already done it with your group and want another go, the single rider line can be a quicker way back on.
- Try again late. If you missed it in the morning, check the posted wait in the last part of the evening. If you're cutting it fine, ask a Cast Member at the entrance whether the line is still open.
- Check predicted waits. Use our Hollywood Studios park page and the app to see how waits are expected to change on your date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to ride Rise of the Resistance?
First thing in the morning is usually best, either during Early Theme Park Entry for eligible hotel guests or at park opening for everyone else. The last stretch before the park closes is the next best free option. Midday through the afternoon is usually busier. Waits vary, so check the app on the day.
Does Rise of the Resistance have a single rider line?
Yes. Disney lists Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance as one of the attractions with a single rider option, subject to availability. Your group will be split up, and immediate boarding isn't guaranteed.
Is Rise of the Resistance part of Lightning Lane Multi Pass?
No. It's a Lightning Lane Single Pass attraction, sold separately from Multi Pass. It's also included in Lightning Lane Premier Pass. Disney Resort hotel guests can buy up to 7 days before their stay, and other guests up to 3 days before their visit.
Does Rise of the Resistance run during Early Theme Park Entry?
Disney lists Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance among the Hollywood Studios attractions planned to operate during early entry, which gives eligible hotel guests 30 minutes in the park before regular opening. Disney notes that attractions are subject to change and may not always be operating.
What is the height requirement for Rise of the Resistance?
Disney lists a minimum height of 40 inches (102 cm). Rider Switch is available, so adults can take turns if a child is too small to ride.
Does Rise of the Resistance close in the rain?
The ride is indoors, so rain alone doesn't usually stop it, and it's a popular choice on stormy afternoons. Like any ride, it can have unplanned downtime, so check the My Disney Experience app on the day.
Plan Your Hollywood Studios Day With Predicted Wait Times
Orlando Wait Time Predictor shows predicted waits for rides across Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, so you can see when a queue like Rise of the Resistance is likely to be shorter before you get to the park. Waits always vary, but a plan built on predictions beats guessing.
You can also browse the Hollywood Studios park page, or read our guides to the best time to ride TRON Lightcycle / Run and the best time to ride Avatar Flight of Passage.
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