Though we’re almost to February, it looks like things aren’t slowing down at all at Walt Disney World, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is as popular as ever at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Because of the continuing demand for this ride, as well as some increased technical difficulties in recent weeks, Disney has made some important policy changes to this attraction as well as Disney’s Hollywood Studios that you may want to know about if you are going to attempt to try and experience this attraction in the near future!
Early 7:00 AM openings to continue into February
Disney’s Hollywood studios has made several changes to its schedule in recent weeks, extending operations, cancelling morning Extra Magic Hours, and adding more evening Extra Magic Hours. And now its looking like the park’s early openings will continue, as the park will now open at 7:00 AM from January 27 – 31 and February 1-2. Though the park’s current calendar shows a return to 9:00 AM openings on February 3, we’d guess that these early openings will eventually be extended past this dates, as early morning crowds don’t seem to be dwindling at all despite the “slow” season.
Increased downtime for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is causing delays for boarding groups
Though this attraction got off to a rough start, around the the holiday season we started seeing more stable operations at Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, with most regular boarding groups being called before the early afternoon, and guests with backup groups able to experience the attraction before park close.
However, it looks like this ride has seen some technical setbacks in recent weeks, with the attraction opening 2-3 hours after park opening several days this past week, and experiencing frequent downtime even after opening, leading to long waits for guests in the park, and few (if any) backup boarding groups being called.
And though this downtime may just sound like a hassle, it has prompted some interesting changes to how Disney has been handling guests in the physical queue for this attraction as well.
Disney is having more guests wait in the actual queue for longer (but is providing some fun extras for guests)
Because there’s less time to call guaranteed boarding groups, Disney has been calling large numbers of groups at one time, which has led to longer than normal waits in the physical queue of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. However, in an effort to keep guests happy while waiting in this line, Disney has been taking some interesting measures.
Guests who have been stuck in the line for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance for long periods have reported having character interactions with Rey, Chewbacca and Vi Moradi, who will come through the queue, talking to guests about the mission and taking pictures.
In addition, to prevent any “hangry” feelings, Disney has been coming through the queue with fresh fruit, chips, and bottled water for guests who have been stuck for awhile, especially during ride downtime.
Though it is a little bit disheartening to see this attraction still struggling with operations, it looks like Disney is doing as much as possible to help preserve the guest experience at this attraction.
