Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Just Changed Again. Here’s What Happened
Boarding Groups are dead, Mickey’s the Very Merriest, and candy stores just entered the digital age. I’ve got a LOT of park news for you today!
Say Good-Bye to Boarding Groups
Okay, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance fans. The day you have anticipated is coming soon. This is NOT a drill!
Disney recently adjusted the Boarding Group process to allow guests to confirm their party an hour before the window opens.
Courtesy of Disney Tourist Blog
Well, for whatever reason, you don’t even need to know how to do that now. Park officials just delivered the surprise announcement that Boarding Groups are going away!
Technically, the Parks Blog describes this policy change as a “pause” on Boarding Groups.
Starting on September 23rd, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will employ a standard standby queue rather than Boarding Groups.
For the first time since the attraction opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in December of 2019, it’ll work the same way as other Walt Disney World rides.
Courtesy of Disney Tourist Blog
I speculate that three factors play into this decision. Recently, Boarding Groups haven’t sold out, reducing the need for this kind of virtual queue.
Also, new and infrequent Disney guests will arrive during the 50th-anniversary party at Walt Disney World.
Park officials may not want to deal with the aggravation of teaching these visitors an entirely new system.
Finally, the impending debut of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure may play a part. Disney may prefer to operate only one virtual queue next month.
Disneyland actually has two right now, but it’s a different entity than Walt Disney World.
The Very Merriest Time of the Year
Disneyland Resort has started selling tickets to its upcoming Christmas after-hour events.
Courtesy of Disney Tourist Blog
Disney Merriest Nites will debut on November 11th at the cost of $175 plus tax. Then, the park will charge $165 per night for the other four dates. They are:
- November 16th
- November 30th
- December 7th
- December 9th
Four out of those five dates are Tuesdays, and none of them are on weekends. As such, Disney is hoping for a better balance between locals and out-of-state guests.
The event will work similarly to Oogie Boogie Bash, only with a Christmas focus. Mickey Mouse and his friends will host six simultaneous parties.
Here are the locations and names for each one:
- Feliz Navidad Party in Frontierland – Coco
- Frozen-themed Party in Fantasyland — Elsa
- New Orleans Holiday in New Orleans Square – Tiana
- Tomorrowland Party in Tomorrowland – Buzz Lightyear
- Tropical Party in Adventureland – Lilo
- Victorian-Themed Party on Main Street, U.S.A. – Mickey Mouse
The event looks terrific and fills a lingering void at Disneyland.
Fans there have lamented that Magic Kingdom operates an after-hours Christmas event, but the Happiest Place on Earth hadn’t until now.
Speaking of Oogie Boogie Bash, guests at this event have received an unexpected treat.
Courtesy of Disney Tourist Blog
When you attend this ticketed event, you can ride WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure without needing a Boarding Group!
The attraction’s wait time will be longer than most. So, it’ll take up a more significant portion of your Oogie Boogie Bash time, though.
Overall, you’ll have four hours after Disneyland closes to the public. You can decide whether it’s worth that opportunity cost to experience WEB SLINGERS.
Disney Park Updates
Here’s a Mobile Ordering update I didn’t expect. Several Disney stores that sell candies and small treats have added the service.
The new participants are:
- Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen
- Marceline’s Confectionary
- Pooh Corner
- Trolley Treats
Yes, those are all Disneyland locations. However, several Walt Disney World locations will introduce Mobile Ordering soon.
Courtesy of Disney Tourist Blog
Here’s the list of participants along with starting dates:
- Candy Cauldron – already added
- Karamell-Küche – already added
- Goofy’s Candy Kitchen – September 23rd
- Zuri’s Sweets Shop – September 21st
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Courtesy of Disney Tourist Blog
In other restaurant news, Crystal Palace has restored buffet dining. I realize that many of you feel strongly about this subject.
Please know that hand sanitizer stations are available right by the buffet lines if the idea bothers you.
At EPCOT, the arrival of Creations Shop and Club Cool has led to something else new. Disney has set up a popcorn stand near the entrance to both stores!
EPCOT is to popcorn as Disneyland is to churros. So, this addition is very on-brand.
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