Even though it has been open for almost six weeks now, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance continues to be a massive hit at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with guaranteed virtual queue spots being snapped up every morning in just a few minutes after park opening.
And though we don’t know for sure yet, many are expecting this attraction to be similarly popular at Disneyland, especially since, when it opens on January 17, 2020, almost all annual passes will be valid, which is a big change from the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge back in 2019, when most annual passholders were blocked out. In addition, a new ticket deal for local SoCal residents was just announced, which means even more people will be able to check out this new attraction during its opening weeks!
In anticipation of big crowds for this new attraction, Disney has released their official policy when it comes to guests getting on the west coast iteration of this new attraction.
You’re still going to need a boarding pass
Just like at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests who want to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will need to join a boarding group to ride the attraction. Standby and FastPass will not be available for this attraction at all at Disneyland Park, at least during its opening weeks.
You can get a boarding pass via the Disneyland app or a FastPass kiosk
The easiest way to get a boarding pass will be to download the Disneyland app, go to the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Access by Boarding Group module (available from the main page) and then join a boarding group as soon as all members of a party have entered the park. Boarding groups will be made available as soon as the park opens, but not any earlier.
Guests not using the Disneyland app can visit select Fastpass distribution locations inside Disneyland Park to request to be assigned a boarding group, but if you’re using this method, you’ll need to go fast as we’d anticipate heavy demand for this attraction during its opening weeks.
You cannot “scan in” at Disney California Adventure, you must be at Disneyland
Though Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure are right next to each other, guests hoping to avoid the morning crowds may try and join a boarding group from Disney California Adventure. However, Disney has confirmed that you must be in Disneyland Park in order to join a boarding group, and you will not be able to join the virtual queue from across the esplanade.
Guests staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel may have a slight advantage
Though Boarding groups will be released at park opening for everyone, if you are staying at a Disneyland resort and can take advantage of the Magic Morning early entry amenity, you might have a little bit of an advantage, as you’ll already be in the park, and won’t have to wait in line to scan in to the park.If you’re ready to go exactly when the park opens, you’ll have the best chance of getting a boarding group with a low number, so you’ll be able to get on the ride faster!
Though Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance has had its share of technical issues and hiccups on the East Coast, the West Coast has had extra time to prepare themselves for the launch of this new attraction, and have even had Cast Member previews over the past few days, which will hopefully help keep this attraction running smoothly during its first weeks open.
