Disney World guests will no longer have to play the virtual queue lottery to get on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
For the first time since the ride’s debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2019, guests will have to enter a traditional standby line to experience the attraction starting Sept. 23. In its official Disney Parks Blog post, Disney left the door open to reinstituting the boarding group system in the future.
“Virtual queues continue to be helpful with attraction access, merchandise launches, grand openings and more, and guests should continue to check the My Disney Experience app for the latest on how we’re using virtual queues across Walt Disney World Resort including its potential use at Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at a later date, or from time to time,” Disney World communications manager Chelsea Eagle wrote.
The change will apply to the Disney World version of the attraction. At the Disneyland Resort, Rise of the Resistance will continue to be accessible only through a virtual queue.
The boarding group system helped Disney manage lines for the blockbuster attraction — including its frequent downtimes. However, it also created frustration for guests that couldn’t experience Disney’s newest attraction, as boarding group positions were often gone within seconds at both Disney World and Disneyland.
The switch to a standby queue comes ahead of the debut of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at Epcot, which will make use of a virtual queue. Disney is also preparing to launch its new FastPass+ replacement, Lightning Lane. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is expected to be one of the attractions in the new system that will charge a fee for guests who want to skip the standby line and experience a shorter wait through the old FastPass+ queue.