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Guests Will Not Be Able To Ride Rise of the Resistance in Disney World Hours Shakeup

At Walt Disney World Resort, evolution is everywhere. From the addition of thrilling new lands to operational enhancements designed to maximize guest access, the Resort is entering a new chapter filled with magic and movement.

Crowds at Disney's Hollywood Studios at night.

Perhaps one of the most dynamic areas of change is Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where the beloved Grand Avenue recently saw closures to make way for a brand-new land: Monstropolis, themed to Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. Featuring the Resort’s first suspended coaster, the attraction brings to life the unforgettable door chase scene from the 2001 animated hit.

At last year’s D23 Expo, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro offered a sneak peek at what’s to come. “The first time I saw Monsters, Inc., all I wanted to do was ride on one of those doors like Mike and Sulley,” D’Amaro said. “You’ll go into the factory and experience the first suspended coaster ever in a Disney park. And yes—we’re bringing those door-climbing claws with us!”

Concept art for a 'Monsters, Inc.' ride in which Sully and Mike hang off a moving door painted with flowers, holding a human child named Boo.

While construction walls now line the future site of this immersive experience, guests can still find plenty to enjoy after hours throughout Walt Disney World, thanks to the return of Extended Evening Hours and After Hours events.

Although Magic Kingdom has traditionally hosted these events on Wednesdays, the current season has shifted that schedule. Disney’s Animal Kingdom now takes the spotlight, possibly to accommodate the launch of Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, a brand-new nighttime parade that officially begins July 20 at Magic Kingdom, with performances at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.

The Disney Starlight parade led by the Blue Fairy in concept art from Walt Disney World Resort.

Here’s a breakdown of upcoming Extended Evening Hours:

Magic Kingdom: June 25; August 13

EPCOT: June 30; July 7, 14, 21, 28; August 4, 11, 18, 25

Disney’s Animal Kingdom: July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; August 6

Disney’s Hollywood Studios: August 29

Cinderella Castle at Disney World inside of the Magic Kingdom theme park as the sun sets.

Hollywood Studios may only have one date on the current schedule, but it’s still a great opportunity to enjoy its most iconic attractions, including Star Tours, Slinky Dog Dash, and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. However, one major attraction will not be operating: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

Both the My Disney Experience app and a previous response from planDisney confirm the ride’s absence from the list of included experiences during the 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. event. Attractions available that evening include:

  • Alien Swirling Saucers
  • Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
  • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
  • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
  • Slinky Dog Dash
  • Star Tours–The Adventures Continue
  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
  • Toy Story Mania!

Stormtroopers in Rise of the Resistance

Though this may be a disappointment for some visitors, Disney is known to adjust availability based on operational needs. Over at Magic Kingdom, for instance, the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is also not listed for Extended Evening Hours at this time.

Not all is lost for fans of Rise of the Resistance. planDisney shared a helpful tip for guests who still want to ride: consider entering the standby queue just before the official park closing. “Once you’re in line and the park officially closes, the standby line does tend to move a little swifter since the Lightning Lane entries will be finished for the day!” their response notes.

Kylo Ren and General Hux on Rise of the Resistance

With more changes and offerings rolling out across Walt Disney World Resort, guests can expect a continually refreshed experience, whether they’re watching a new parade at Magic Kingdom, venturing into Pandora at night, or preparing to step through the doors of Monstropolis in the near future.

How do you feel about the addition of Extended Evening Hours at Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments down below!

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his… More »

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