Hi, Karen! Or as they say on the planet Batuu, "Bright suns!" Thanks for bringing your question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
I have a good feeling about your upcoming trip! This is sure to be a birthday long remembered by your young padawan! Like you,
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is also at the top of my family's must-do list for our next visit. While access to the attraction cannot be guaranteed, I would be happy to give you some advice that will provide you with the best shot at experiencing this epic new attraction.
First of all, I'm glad to hear that you are early risers because being up early is the key to this process. Currently, a
virtual queue system with boarding groups is being used for guests wishing to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. To join a boarding group, your entire party needs to be inside
Disney's Hollywood Studios when the park opens in the morning. As soon as it is park opening time, you will be able to use your
My Disney Experience mobile app to join a boarding group.
Once your boarding group is obtained, you are free to enjoy Disney's Hollywood Studios, including the rest of
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. When it is your boarding group's turn to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, you will receive a notification from your My Disney Experience mobile app. At that point, you have a two-hour window in which to return to experience the attraction.
For the best chance at a good boarding group number, I recommend arriving at Disney's Hollywood Studios 30-60 minutes before the park opens. This will give you time to get through security and enter the park before the boarding group process begins. Please be aware that
park hours are subject to change, so be sure to double-check the posted park opening time before setting your alarm the night before. I also recommend following the
Disney Parks Blog in case any of the procedures for accessing Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance change before your trip.
Since you will be celebrating your son's birthday on this vacation, perhaps you would like to plan an extra surprise for him. A reservation for
Savi's Workshop - Handbuilt Lightsabers or
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party would be a great addition to his birthday celebration. For more ideas on how to celebrate a special occasion, be sure to check out all of the unique experiences offered through the
Enchanting Extras Collection.
Wishing your son a birthday that is out of this galaxy!
Samantha