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Credit: DisneyWhen Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opened at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at both Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida and Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, it quickly gained a reputation for being one of the greatest theme park ride ever created.
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It was also the first ride for which Disney Parks ever used a virtual queue system — instead of simply getting in line or using a FASTPASS, the only way to board Rise of the Resistance is to obtain a boarding group number on the Disneyland app or the My Disney Experience app at one of two times each day.
This means that there is no guarantee Guests will be able to experience the incredible Star Wars ride on any given day, which can be frustrating. But what happens when you book a VIP tour?
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Previously, Disney World’s VIP tour offerings did not include Rise of the Resistance access. This month, we wanted to find out if that was changing.
Via the official Walt Disney World Resort online chat, Disney initially shared that Guests who purchase select VIP tours of Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park will be able to board Rise of the Resistance starting July 11, 2021. Fans hoped to have found a way to ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance without needing a boarding group. For a few days, many were excited and even decided to try and book a VIP tour for this very reason!
However, we have since found out that this is not currently the case…at least, not anymore. Here is what we know.
As mentioned, although it was previously stated that Disney changed the Rise of the Resistance policy for VIP tours, this is not the case now. According to Disney’s VIP Tour Services, at this time, as of mid-July, 2021, a VIP tour at Walt Disney World Resort does not give you special or priority access to Rise of the Resistance. So, keep in mind that even if you book a private VIP tour, you will still need to get your own boarding group for Rise of the Resistance via the My Disney Experience app in order to ride the attraction. Disney has not said if or when this will change.
You can get all the most up-to-date information about Disney’s VIP Tour services and what is included by calling the official phone line at (407) 560-4033.
Related: See Billie Lourd’s First Time on “Best Ride Ever” Rise of the Resistance
More on Walt Disney World Resort VIP Tours
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The official VIP tours webpage provides additional details about these special experiences:
Explore the parks* with your own VIP Tour Guide during a customizable experience filled with attractive benefits.
The team at Disney VIP Tour Services will plan the most efficient, enjoyable way for groups up to 10 Guests to see and do the things on your list. Just tell your personal VIP Tour Guide what you’d like to see, and they’ll customize your day to your desire!
After being picked up from your Walt Disney World Resort accommodations in a private vehicle, enjoy unparalleled hospitality and experience some of your favorite attractions alongside a VIP Tour Guide.
Some of the personalized services include:
Pre-arrival planning
A flexible start time, picked by you
Visits to multiple theme parks* in one or more days
The ability to enjoy some of your favorite attractions efficiently
Shared insight from your highly knowledgeable VIP Tour Guide throughout your tour
*All VIP Tours require valid theme park admission, which is not included in the price of the tour
Tours are priced between $425 and $750 per hour.
More on Rise of the Resistance
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Disney World officially describes Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance as:
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!
Have you ever paid for a VIP tour at Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments.
This article has been updated since it was originally published.