The highly anticipated second attraction for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has officially opened at Walt Disney World. Some guests lined up as early as midnight the night before to be the first to experience the new ride, lined up along the nearby resort walking path. Others who drove this morning were allowed to park their cars at beginning 4:30 AM.

UPDATE: See our Boarding Pass Frequently Asked Questions for more information

While Disney’s Hollywood Studios was scheduled to open at 8:00 AM, guests were allowed to enter nearly three hours early. Rather than lining up for the ride, Disney instructed guests to reserve a “Boarding Pass.” Once your time arrived you could go right onto the attraction. Boarding Passes could only be reserved once all members of your party were inside the park, either from the official Walt Disney World app, or from a Guest Services cast member.

While guests waited for their Boarding Time to be called they were allowed to enjoy other attractions around the park. Tower of Terror, Rockin’ Roller Coaster, and Slinky Dog Dash were open and fully staffed by 6:00 AM, two full hours before the park was supposed to be open.

The first groups were able to board the new ride about an hour later, still an hour prior to the posted park opening. Unfortunately, Rise of the Resistance did run into some technical difficulties early in its operation today, and the ride and queue were evacuated. All guests in line were given return FastPasses, but it was back operational soon after around 8:00 AM.

It was at 8:00, the scheduled park open time, that most regular day guests began to arrive. By this time, the Boarding Passes being reserved by new guests were showing “Evening” as the estimated return time.

At about 8:30 AM, all of the available Boarding Passes for the first full day of the new ride’s operation has been given away. Dozens of temporary signs were placed throughout the park to let guests know that no more return times were available. However, it’s always possible that additional times may become available as the day goes on—probably dependent on how well the attraction is running.

As for the ride itself, everyone that has ridden it seems to have only positive things to say. It combines multiple technologies and storytelling elements together to create a completely new type of theme park experience. Most people getting off the ride either have a look of pure joy or surprised shock on their face.

We’ll get into more of our thoughts of the new ride on our next Podcast, coming out next week. Until then, were you lucky enough to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance yourself on opening day? And if so, what did you think of it? Leave your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned for more theme park news and updates coming soon!

For help booking your next vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort, request your free vacation quote from Elizabeth, our vacation planning partner over at Destinations in Florida. She can help you book the best on-site room for your stay, as well as ticket packages and even dining for your whole trip — and the best part is, her services are free to you!

UPDATE: See our Boarding Pass Frequently Asked Questions for more information

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