New 'Star Wars' ride gets rave reviews despite delays

BAY LAKE, Fla. — Despite a few opening-day hiccups, fans who were among the first people to experience the new "Star Wars" ride, Rise of the Resistance took to social media saying they were blown away by the experience.

The ride opened to the public Thursday morning inside "Star Wars": Galaxy's Edge in Disney's Hollywood Studios.

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While riders were excited to be able to get an early look at the new "Star Wars": Ride of the Resistance ride Thursday, they were temporarily dismayed after learning the ride had to be evacuated.

Early goers took to Twitter at the park to say they experienced delays and "temporary suspension" of boarding. Those who arrived early were eventually able to board before the park distributed all passes for the day.

Dennis Speigel with International Theme Park Services said the issues Rise of the Resistance experienced on opening day are not uncommon for brand-new, hi-tech rides like it.

"The advancement of technology over the last 15 years has been so rapid at such a level that it's giving us the opportunity to bring experiences to the guests that are immersive, participatory and hands on - in a manner that we never, ever anticipated," he said.

Channel 9's Jeff Levkulich was one of the first people to take the ride for a spin. See video of the ride below:The ride starts on Batuu in Galaxy's Edge, but riders soon will find themselves right in the middle of a battle onboard a star destroyer in space, with Kylo Ren in hot pursuit.

"This attraction has been in the making for many years now," said Greg Johnson, the senior project coordinator for Disney Imagineer. "It's one of the most epic, over the top experiences that we've ever conceived."

Riders will be able to see every detail pop, from the First Order troopers to wall decorations that will have park-goers feeling fully immersed in the experience.

READ: 9 facts about Disney's newest ride 'Star Wars': Rise of the Resistance

Disney hopes the ride will be able to resonate with fans who may have not seen the movies.

Disney's Hollywood Studios will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday.

See more video from inside the ride on Channel 9 Eyewitness News.

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