Welcome back, fellow adventurers! Katy Thompson from Gallivanters Vacations here, your passport to the most immersive experiences in the galaxy! Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the heart of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. This isn’t just a land; it’s an invitation to live your own Star Wars story on the remote planet of Batuu.
Your Journey to Batuu
Prepare for transport! Every detail, from the architecture to the sounds and even the smells, works together to create an unparalleled sense of immersion. But with so much to explore, how do you make the most of your visit? Let’s talk about the absolute must-dos: Savi’s Workshop, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
Become One with the Force: Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers
Imagine constructing your very own lightsaber. Feel the hum of the kyber crystal and watch your unique blade ignite for the first time. Indeed, that’s the magic of Savi’s Workshop. This isn’t just a shopping experience; instead, it’s a deeply theatrical and emotional journey for any Star Wars fan, young or old.
What to Expect:
The “Gatherers” will usher you into a covert workshop, hidden from the watchful eyes of the First Order. They guide you through the sacred process of selecting your kyber crystal. This crystal, the heart of your saber, determines its blade color – blue, green, purple, or red. Then, you choose from four distinct hilt themes: Peace and Justice, Power and Control, Elemental Nature, or Protection and Defense. You will assemble your hilt piece by piece with salvaged parts, culminating in a powerful, personalized reveal. Truly, the atmosphere, the music, and the passionate storytelling of the Gatherers make this an incredibly moving and unforgettable experience.
How to Sign Up:
Reservations are highly recommended! Savi’s Workshop is incredibly popular and sells out quickly. You can make reservations up to 60 days in advance via the My Disney Experience app or the Walt Disney World website. You typically owe full payment at the time of booking.
A limited number of same-day reservations or walk-ins may be accommodated; however, this is rare and not guaranteed. Your best bet is always to book in advance. Also, know before you go: the experience limits the builder and one guest (at least one person in the party must be 14 or older). Finally, custom lightsabers are non-refundable.
Join the Resistance: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Prepare for an epic, multi-sensory adventure that blurs the lines between ride and immersive storytelling. Many consider Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance one of Disney’s most ambitious and impressive attractions ever.
What to Expect:
From the moment you step into the queue, the Resistance recruits you and thrusts you into a thrilling mission. You’ll encounter Rey and BB-8, board a transport ship, and then the First Order will capture you. You’ll come face-to-face with Kylo Ren, and ultimately make a daring escape! The ride combines multiple ride systems, incredible animatronics, massive sets, and stunning visual effects. Consequently, you experience a truly immersive journey that puts you in the middle of a Star Wars movie.
How to Ride:
When Rise of the Resistance first opened and for a long time afterward, the attraction utilized a virtual queue system (also known as boarding groups). Guests had to secure a spot in a “boarding group” via the My Disney Experience app at designated times. Indeed, these spots would disappear in seconds.
Currently, Rise of the Resistance primarily operates with a traditional standby queue. However, due to its immense popularity, you can also purchase an Individual Lightning Lane through Disney Genie+. This allows you to pay a per-person fee to bypass the standby line and enter a shorter, expedited queue.
Gallivanters Tip: Check the My Disney Experience app frequently on the day of your visit for the most up-to-date information on how to ride. If the virtual queue does return, have multiple people in your party ready to try and secure a boarding group right at the opening time. Crucially, ensure everyone in your party links in the app and has a valid park reservation for Hollywood Studios.
Pilot the Fastest Hunk of Junk: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Ever dreamed of stepping aboard the iconic Millennium Falcon? Now’s your chance! On Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, you and your crew get to play a vital role in a high-stakes smuggling mission for Hondo Ohnaka.
What to Expect:
You’ll explore the Falcon’s familiar corridors before being assigned one of three crucial roles in a crew of six:
- Pilots: They steer the ship, making critical decisions that affect your score and journey.
- Gunners: Your job is to fire blasters and torpedoes to defend the Falcon from enemy attacks.
- Engineers: They keep the ship running by pressing flashing buttons to repair damage and ensure a smooth flight.
Each role is interactive, and your crew’s performance directly impacts the outcome of your mission! Indeed, it’s a truly exhilarating and highly re-rideable attraction.
How to Ride:
This attraction typically uses a standard standby queue. Wait times can vary greatly depending on the time of day and crowd levels.
If you’re willing to be separated from your party and don’t mind taking any available role, the single rider line can significantly reduce your wait time. Additionally, Smugglers Run is often included in Disney Genie+. This allows you to select a return window and use the Lightning Lane to skip the regular standby line.
Gallivanters Tip: Want to be a Pilot? While not guaranteed, parties of two or three often have a better chance. If you’re in a larger group, politely let the Cast Member know you’d love to pilot, and they might accommodate if possible. Communicate with your crew during the ride – teamwork makes the dream work (and gets you more coaxium!).
Don’t Get Bogged Down: Sending Your Souvenirs to Your Resort
One of the biggest concerns after a successful mission at Savi’s Workshop (or any shopping spree in Galaxy’s Edge!) is how to carry your new, sometimes bulky, acquisitions around the park. Good news, space travelers! Disney has a fantastic solution.
How to Have Your Purchases Sent to Your Resort:
At the time of purchase, especially for large items like lightsabers from Savi’s Workshop or droids from Droid Depot, simply ask the Cast Member at the register about resort delivery. They will take your resort information and arrange for your items to be sent directly to your Disney Resort hotel’s gift shop or bell services. Significantly, this is a complimentary service for Disney Resort guests!
Your items will typically be available for pick-up at your resort’s main gift shop or bell services desk the following day. It’s best to confirm the exact pick-up location and timing when you arrange the delivery. Alternatively, if you prefer, many larger stores also offer the option to ship your purchases directly to your home (for an additional fee). Just ask the Cast Member about home shipping at the time of purchase.
This service is a game-changer, allowing you to enjoy the rest of your park day hands-free. You can relax, knowing your treasures are safely making their way to your accommodations.
Ready for Your Star Wars Saga? Let Gallivanters Vacations Be Your Co-Pilot!
Navigating the intricacies of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and maximizing your Star Wars experience can be a mission in itself. However, that’s where Gallivanters Vacations truly shines! I, Katy Thompson, am dedicated to crafting a seamless, stress-free, and utterly unforgettable Disney adventure for you and your family.
Booking your Disney vacation package with Gallivanters Vacations means:
- Expert Navigation: I’ll help you understand Genie+, Individual Lightning Lane, and all the best strategies for hitting those must-do attractions.
- Tailored Itineraries: Your Star Wars dreams are unique! I’ll build a personalized plan that prioritizes your family’s wishes, from lightsaber building to dining at Oga’s Cantina.
- Seamless Booking: From resort accommodations and park tickets to dining reservations and special experiences, I handle all the details.
- Insider Access: I’ll share all the tips and tricks I’ve gathered to ensure you spend less time waiting and more time living your Star Wars story.
- Peace of Mind: With Gallivanters, you have a dedicated expert by your side before, during, and even after your trip.
Don’t let the complexities of planning overshadow the magic. Follow us on Facebook for expert tips & incredible deals. Contact us today to plan your next safe and spectacular adventure. Let me guide you to a galaxy of adventure!