This morning, Walt Disney World announced a major milestone — park hopping is returning in 2021!
Beginning on January 1, 2021, Guests will be able to visit more than one Disney park in a single day — something that was briefly taken away when the parks reopened due to safety and health concerns. Along with the return of park hopping, there are some modifications — including park reservations still being required to visit the first park of the day as well as Guests are not allowed to park hop until after 2 pm.
With the news of park hopping, some were left wondering how this could affect Rise of the Resistance boarding group distributions.

In case you missed it, Disney recently changed the way Rise of the Resistance handed out boarding groups. Instead of one distribution time in the morning, there are now two different times — one at 7 am and one at 2 pm.
Now, with park hopping not taking place until 2 pm each day, Guests are now wondering how they would be able to secure a boarding group for Rise of the Resistance. Well, the official Disney World website states, “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: If you are visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios after visiting the first park, you will not be able to join the virtual queue for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.”
Therefore, if you are planning to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios as the second theme park in your day, you cannot join a boarding group. This makes sense since, in order to join the boarding group queue, one must have a valid Disney Park Pass park reservation. And since Disney already stated that Guests only need a park reservation for their first theme park (subject to change), it makes sense Guests will only be able to join the boarding group queue if they are visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios first.
Related: Plexiglass to be Added to Rise of the Resistance Vehicles to Help With Boarding Groups

If you have never experienced the popular Star Wars attraction, Rise of the Resistance, Disney World describes the ride as:
Join the Resistance in an epic battle against the First Order on this exciting new ride.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a massive attraction with multiple ride systems that is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced at Walt Disney World Resort… or anywhere else in the galaxy!The Resistance needs your help! Hidden in the forest outside Black Spire Outpost, the Resistance is gathering recruits for a secret mission.
With the First Order desperate to extinguish the spark of the Resistance, the mission is bound to have unexpected twists and turns. When your transport is captured by an imposing First Order Star Destroyer filled with legions of stormtroopers—and even Kylo Ren!—you’re going to need all the help you can get. Fortunately, a covert team of Resistance fighters—including Rey and BB-8—is at the ready to give you a fighting chance to escape… and a chance for the Resistance to rise.
Prepare for a thrilling, first-of-its-kind adventure!
Are you excited to see park hopping return to Disney World? Let us know in the comments below.
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