After reading many reports of the craziness of rope drop at Hollywood Studios, I decided I would try shooting for an after lunch arrival and gambling on the 2:00 pm drop for Rise of the Resistance. I walked over from the Swan around 12:30 after some rain and I was the only person on the walking path. So peaceful - I love that walk. It was almost eerie though especially with no Friendship boats running.
Temperature check and security were no lines whatsoever at this point as expected, as there were more people leaving the park than entering. Took a look at wait times and as most were quite high I decided to try Sunset Boulevard first.
Tower was out past the bathrooms and Rockin' Rollercoaster had most of the outdoor queue filled so I figured they were on a cleaning cycle. I hadn't seen Lightning McQueens racing academy yet though so I got in that queue and the only wait is for the previous show to conclude. Super cute show and I can't wait to go back with my nephews I know they will love it!
As I exited the LM show RNR now only had 5 groups visible in the line so in I went. Waited 5 minutes before I had my backstage pass to the limo (no preshow running but I knew Aerosmith would still give us the in).

Was able to ride 3 times before I needed a break so stopped for a water and went to see the Disney Society Orchestra at the Beauty and Beast stage. What a fun show! They played a bunch of jazzy disney tunes then a few characters walked on stage. Very cute. I will obviously be very excited when the full show comes back, but I really wouldn't mind seeing the ensemble play somewhere at HS even when things return to normal. They were so fun and I adore live music like that.
During the show it hit 2pm so I did have to pay attention to my phone - scored backup group 59 for ROTR! Since they were boarding groups in the low 40's at that point I figured I would likely be able to ride barring any breakdowns. Woohoo! Went over to Toy story Mania and did horribly but had a lot of fun, then did Alien Saucers.
I wanted to stay close to the area between TSL and Galaxies edge because I wanted the Baby Yoda magic shot! But no photographers in that area so I wandered into Batuu and got entirely too many pictures of myself taken in my search for the Baby Yoda shot. Alas, the 4th photographer confirmed that after her break she would be over the TSL entrance to Galaxies with a rumored Child sighting.
My boarding group was drawing closer so a quick ride on start tours then it was time for dinner so ended up a Baseline Taphouse. I ordered the steak puff and a Hefeweizen. Both were delicious and hit the spot for a light dinner.
When I was one boarding group away I headed back into Galaxies Edge and waited about 2 minutes before my group was called and headed into the ROTR queue! Still love that ride and am blown away each time about the level of immersion into the story they are able to achieve. Also nice that I got a whole ride vehicle by myself!
SPOILER ALERT! Rise of the Resistance Pics!