Disneyland

Question

Any thoughts on whether it’s a good idea to “rope drop” Rise of the Resistance” rather than spend almost $100 to ride it (3 ppl). We are not staying at a Disney hotel.

Answer

If you are not staying at a Disney hotel, the decision to “rope drop” Rise of the Resistance versus paying for the Individual Lightning Lane (ILL) option depends on your priorities for the day, park strategy, and tolerance for early mornings and potential wait times.

Rope Drop Strategy

“Rope dropping” refers to arriving before the park officially opens and heading directly to a popular ride to minimize wait times. This can be very effective for Rise of the Resistance if done correctly, even without a Disney hotel stay.

Arrive at Disney California Adventure or Disneyland early (at least 30–45 minutes before official park opening).
Head directly to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge where Rise of the Resistance is located.
Even if there’s some waiting in line, early arrival often results in significantly shorter wait times compared to mid-morning or afternoon.
Be aware that rope drop requires a prompt and possibly brisk walk to the ride; it can be challenging if your group prefers a more leisurely start.

Individual Lightning Lane Option

The ILL costs almost $100 per person, but it allows you to bypass most of the line. This can be advantageous if you have limited park time or if arriving early is not feasible.

Guaranteed access to the ride at a specific time window, avoiding uncertainty of rope drop availability.
Useful if you have other high-priority attractions to schedule on the same day and want to maximize efficiency.
Helpful if traveling with family members who prefer to avoid early mornings or long waits standing in line.

Other Considerations

Rope drop is free but requires strict timing and some physical effort; you may have to wait outside the gates before opening.
ILL provides convenience and certainty at a high cost; ideal if you value predictability over potential savings.
Check the official Disneyland app for real-time ride availability and estimated wait times. Sometimes rope drop wait times can be very short, making it a better value.
Plan your day to include other popular attractions early as well, since Rise of the Resistance is just one of several headliner rides.

In summary, if your group is willing to arrive early and navigate the crowds at park opening, rope dropping Rise of the Resistance is usually the more cost-effective strategy and can result in a short wait. If early mornings are difficult or you want guaranteed access without stress, the Individual Lightning Lane is the convenient option, though it comes at a high price. Many guests successfully ride it using rope drop without paying for ILL, so for three people, it is often worth trying the free rope drop approach first.

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