Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance - First Impressions and Operational Challenges

Initial Release and Operational Hurdles

• 🚀 Rise of the Resistance was announced as a highly ambitious attraction for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, but its opening was staggered, with the ride itself designated for "phase two."
• 🗓️ The attraction opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios on December 5th, 2019, and at Disneyland on January 17th, 2020, with the latter date indicating readiness.
• ⚠️ The ride experienced significant operational difficulties and downtime, drawing comparisons to Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Universal.
• ⏰ Many guests, including the speaker, arrived extremely early (e.g., 1:45 AM) to secure a spot in the virtual queue (boarding groups).
• 📱 Technical issues with the My Disney Experience app and park entry systems prevented many early arrivals from successfully joining a boarding group.

The Rise of the Resistance Experience

• ✨ The ride is described as one of the best Disney attractions in decades, featuring massive scale, intricate detail, and multiple "wow" moments.
• 🎬 The experience is structured like a multi-stage pre-show, beginning with a briefing room featuring a life-size hologram of Rey.
• 🚀 Guests then board a transport ship, which simulates a takeoff and journey into space, before being captured by a First Order Star Destroyer.
• 🚶‍♂️ The attraction includes immersive scenes on the Star Destroyer's bridge and a holding cell area, with cast members in authentic First Order uniforms.
• 💥 The ride culminates in a thrilling escape sequence involving ride vehicles, AT-ATs, and blaster fire, with Kylo Ren pursuing guests.

Post-Ride Analysis and Advice

• ⭐ The speaker rates Rise of the Resistance five out of five stars for its quality, despite the operational challenges.
• 📉 Opening day capacity was extremely low, estimated at 850-900 people per hour, significantly impacting the guest experience.
• 🎁 As compensation for downtime and issues, guests received free park hopper tickets and next-day FastPasses.
• 💡 For guests planning to ride, arriving hours before park opening, securing a boarding group immediately, and seeking cast member assistance are recommended.
• ⏳ It's anticipated that it could take months for Imagineering to fully iron out the ride's complex systems and improve capacity.