It’s hard for me to believe that Rise of the Resistance still isn’t open in California Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance has been open for about a month at Disney’s Hollywood Studios here in Florida. We’ve gotten used to hearing about Boarding Groups and arriving at the park early. It’s kind of hard to believe that the Disneyland version of the ride has not yet opened. The date for that will be January 17.
What I am about to say is either rumor or conjecture on my part. But it is either rumor or conjecture that makes sense. I’ll start with a very strong rumor. I have heard several times that Disneyland will be using Boarding Groups when Rise of the Resistance opens. I would be shocked if this was not true. Boarding Groups have made it fair for everyone, if you want to ride you will need to arrive early and grab your spot. Also, with Disneyland and Disney California Adventure being a hop, skip, and a jump (as my mom would say) apart, it will be easy to grab a spot, and then walk over to Disney California Adventure for a while. This will make Park Hopper almost essential at Disneyland.
Time for the conjecture. I have a feeling that Disneyland will do the same thing that they are currently doing at Walt Disney World as far as opening the groups the moment that the park opens for the day. I think that part of the reason why the rides did not open on the same day on both coasts is because Disney wanted to see what would work. Here in Florida people were showing up insanely early at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to grab a spot, and at first Disney would open the park early for them. They would open the Boarding Groups at the same time, meaning that those who followed the time posted on their own website would be left out. It’s a lot fairer the way that it is now, since the groups don’t open before the park. There are still crowds early in the morning, but they aren’t as bad, and they aren’t gathering quite as early. It makes sense to assume that it will be done the same way at Disneyland. If they don’t, though, and you miss out, don’t blame me. This is just a guess on my part.
I think it will be interesting to see if there are any changes as far as the crowds are concerned in Florida once the Disneyland version opens. For those who are mostly interested in the ride, a trip to Disneyland might make more sense than one to Walt Disney World. While California might be more expensive overall than Florida, it is much easier to navigate Disneyland. There are plenty of affordable hotels within walking distance. I’ve been to Disneyland three times in a little over two years, and we never have felt like we needed a car. We just walked from the hotel.
No matter which coast you plan to visit, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a must-do. The ride is incredible. There is a thrill around every corner, and it is visually stunning. I can’t wait to see how things play out once both versions are up and running.