The sign of the Hyperion Theater, before the park opened Last Friday I was at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with my daughter. We arrived early so that we could get in a Boarding Group for Rise of the Resistance. As we walked around the park before it opened, we noticed that there were people on Slinky Dog Dash! Of course, that got me curious. Here’s what I found out.
There were several rides that started to run before the park was officially open. I know that Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n Roller Coaster, Smugglers Run, and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway all also opened before rope drop. I don’t know if that was all, those are the only ones that I know for sure. They were not listed as running on the My Disney Experience App, since the park hadn’t opened yet.
It looks like Disney has been starting rides early in all four Walt Disney World theme parks. I haven’t checked the other three, but I have heard multiple reports that it has happened.
The day that I was a Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the park was at capacity for all three categories on the Availability Calendar. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a large percentage of that capacity is there when the park opens because they want to be able to ride Rise of the Resistance. People get in the lines early while they wait, so it makes sense that they’re allowed to ride.
Don’t expect Disney to open some rides early. If you arrive and are able to ride before the park officially opens, consider it bonus magic. Pick your favorite ride, and get in that line. After you do everything else, ride your favorite again. You might even be able to get a third ride in.