Did you know that Rope Drop Helps Avoid Long Lines at Walt Disney World? If you want to make the most of your Disney vacation, here’s my absolute best tip. Get to the parks at least 30-45 minutes before they open (this is called rope drop). This will put you up near the front of the line and you’ll be able to get in the parks ahead of the crowds which means you’ll wait less in lines. We get more done in the first hour the park is open then those that arrive later get to do all day long.
Instead of sleeping in at Walt Disney World, consider the above tactic. Yes you’ll have early mornings, but you can always take a break from 12-5 and take a nice nap in the middle of the day. Plus you’ll avoid being out in the heat which drains your energy. I think it’s a win win.
Learn more about planning your Walt Disney World vacation. Plus overwhelmed with all the planning? Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect trip.
Tonia says
We always do rope drop but if everyone starts doing it too it will be more crowded.
Megan says
Rope drop is the way to go! We have been chosen as family of the day at Epcot-that wouldn’t have happened if we had slept in. I love to go early and spend the morning riding all of the rides. Then in the afternoon we meander around looking at all the little magical things and catching a ride here or there if the lines are short and eating a mickey bar or dole whip. Well worth the early wake up!
Dana DeStefano says
This is great advice. Arriving early really helps you get on the main attractions without the wait. Some of the main attractions are so big that even Fast Pass will be out before long. Here are some that you may want to hit earlier during the day:
Magic Kingdom: Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion
Epcot: Soarin’, Test Track
Hollywood Studios: Toy Story Mania, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Star Tours, Tower of Terrior
Animal Kingdom: Expedition Everest
Hope this helps :)
Jennifer M says
My husband isn’t as big a Disney fan as I am, hasn’t enjoyed his very infrequent trips to Disneyland because he wants to relax and sleep in, and then stay up all day and ‘close the park’. Last April I finally convinced him to do it ‘my’ way and we arrived at the front gate 45 minutes early. There was indeed an actual rope drop that morning at the end of main street, and we were right there! With small children, we do all the slow-loading Fantasyland rides first (Dumbo anyone? check!) and then a swim and a nap after lunch. He finally agreed that my way made the day much smoother.
Sarah says
Didn’t all the parks except Magic Kingdom stop rope drop? I thought they opened the turnstiles 15 minutes early after a general ‘welcome to the park’…
Kristin from Couponing to Disney says
Every park has rope drop. It’s just another way of saying the opening time of the parks. However, only Magic Kingdom has a show in the morning. :)
Sara says
We always try to make it to rope drop since my little ones don’t do well waiting in long lines later in the day. The opening show at Magic Kingdom always makes me tear up a bit
Melinda Leigh says
I love rope drop at MK. It gives me goosebumps and yes I even tear up a little. I am such a Disney sucker!! Rope Drop, the Flag Retreat, and Wishes have got to be my 3 favorite events at MK. Epcot didn’t really do the same thing but it was a great way to get on Soarin’ with no wait.
Lindsay says
I completely agree! I have been to Disney about 15 times, and only the last few times I have been there did I start to do this! Like the post said, you can get SO much more done that you can rest and relax in the afternoon when it is busiest and hottest! I definitely recommend this tip!!
Lee says
I totally concur. By being at the parks early you can ride the top attractions quickly and/or obtain a FP allowing you to accomplish more in a short amount of time. We rode twice as many rides early morning than we did late afternoon/evening.
Lorie says
An added benefit is getting to see the opening ceremony at the Magig Kingdom!
Indya says
Ceremony?