How Does Rise of the Resistance Remain Popular Amid Constant Malfunctions 

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rotr popularity header

Credit: ITM

Ever since Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opened at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge — on December 5, 2019 at Disney World and January 17, 2020 at Disneyland — Guests have flocked to get elusive boarding group numbers for the attraction, the first to use Disney’s virtual queue system.

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Credit: ITM Rebekah Barton

Related: Rise of the Resistance Reopens After Lightning Strike

In recent months — specifically since Disney World began its phased reopening process in July — Rise of the Resistance has experienced numerous breakdowns and malfunctions.

However, none of these issues have impacted the demand for boarding groups at all. In fact, the desire to ride Rise of the Resistance has been so high that Disney’s recently altered boarding group system — which distributes at both 7 AM and 2 PM — has been running out of boarding passes extremely quickly.

Why, then, is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance so popular in spite of its many problems?

The attraction is more immersive than any other theme park ride.

Disney’s official description of Rise of the Resistance reads:

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!

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Credit: ITM

Related: Park Hopping Impacts Rise of the Resistance Boarding Groups

In reality, however, the experience is more than could ever be described with words — from the moment you enter the queue, you become a Resistance fighter just like Rey, Poe Dameron, and Finn.

The Cast Members on the ride are in complete character as First Order officers and they treat you with the disdain you would expect from Imperial forces.

There is no other ride at Walt Disney World Resort — or anywhere else — that offers the level of immersion that Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance does.

The fandom is passionate.

Another reason Rise of the Resistance is so incredibly popular is that the Star Wars fandom is, arguably, more passionate than fans of any other franchise.

No matter how many times a Star Wars fan manages to snag an RotR boarding group, he or she will undoubtedly be as excited as his or her very first time on the attraction.

Furthermore, even though the ride doesn’t have multiple story arcs, the Cast Members’ incredible performances do mean that every Rise of the Resistance ride-through is unique. Therefore, people who love a galaxy far, far away want to ride over and over again.

rotr boarding pass
Credit: ITM

As Disney Parks continue to increase capacity — and bring back modified Park Hopper options in January — something may have to change with the frequent Rise of the Resistance breakdowns.

However, even with these issues, the amazing attraction is impressive enough that Guests don’t seem to mind playing Russian Roulette with whether or not they will actually get to ride on any given day.

What do you think about Rise of the Resistance breaking down frequently? 

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