My Rope Drop Rundown
If you’re looking to make the most of your day at Disney, it’s always best to try and arrive for Rope Drop. Early bird gets the worm, right? There’s no better phrase to describe the benefit of making it to a Disney Park for Rope Drop!
What is Rope Drop?
Rope Drop is another name for the moment when a Disney Park opens for the day.
Rope Drop is something that happens daily at each of the four parks in Walt Disney World. If you think Rope Drop might be right for your vacation, here are my Rope Drop rides for each park when I’m in Disney!
Magic Kingdom
When it comes to Rope Drop in Magic Kingdom, there’s one ride that I’m always headed to. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train! This ride is competitive to get FastPass+ reservations for and sometimes it’s just easier to get there and ride it first thing. Another bonus is that since you’re already in Fantasyland but still close to Tomorrowland, you can choose what area you want to tackle next before crowds get too crazy!
Usually after Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, my party and I will just conquer all of Fantasyland opening us up to the rest of the park for the day. The other route we take is heading straight to Space Mountain! Since it’s so early the line is usually still only at 20 minutes which goes by a lot faster in air conditioning. While some make it a priority to book FastPass+ reservations in advance for this Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, I usually try to save my 3 for the other mountains in the park! If I know I’ll be there for Rope Drop, I know I’ll make it to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train!
Epcot
Rope Drop rides for Epcot are usually split for most. For me, my first attraction is always Soarin’! Reason being that I’ve usually secured a FastPass+ Reservation for Test Track. Since guests are limited to choosing either Soarin’ or Test Track as one of their options, my family has always chosen Soarin’ for Rope Drop. There’s nothing like walking straight to the Land Pavilion, going downstairs, and walking RIGHT ON to one of the top attractions in the park!
While it may seem like the entire park is heading towards this ride, don’t let the crowd overwhelm you. You’ll get on the attraction almost immediately! An additional perk is having such close access to my other favorite attraction, Living With The Land. You’re in the building, might as well catch that ride too right?
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is another park that makes you choose between major attractions for your three FastPass+ Reservations. Since choosing both Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster and Toy Story Mania isn’t possible, you’re left to pick one or the other! When the park officially opens for the day, you’ll find me headed straight for Toy Story Mania. Guests have a much better chance of finding a FastPass+ for Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster, even the day before! This is due to the lack of rides for children (or rides in general currently) in the Hollywood Studios. Most parents are booking that Toy Story Mania reservation, leaving everyone else with the option of riding it at Rope Drop or waiting in a very long line!
Although the initial crowd of Rope Droppers can seem overwhelming, you’ll be surprised to see how quickly you are on the attraction! Save those FastPasses for two of my favorites: Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror. They are right next to each other, so if the FastPass+ Reservations are back to back, it eliminates any unnecessary walking!
Animal Kingdom
Pandora is the name of the game when it comes to Animal Kingdom! Although I have not had a chance to experience this new addition myself, I know this is where I’m headed first when I’m there in 10 days! Specially, Flight of Passage. Many of you may have already noticed during Disney vacation planning that it is difficult to snag this FastPass+ even weeks in advance.
Since this attraction is so new, I highly suggest planning ahead and getting there for Rope Drop so you can experience it without the 200 minute wait! You’ll already in the Pandora area, so after riding the attraction you can explore the rest of the newest area in Animal Kingdom with probably the smallest crowds you’ll see all day. I’ll be testing this theory out myself in September, but even if there is a small wait 20-30 minutes beats 200 minutes every time!
Pro Tips For Rope Drop
1. Be there no later than 45 minutes before the park opens.
There’s nothing worse than walking up just minutes after the park opens. While it is still going to be lighter in the parks, being in that initial number is what will cut down on wait times for your first ride of the day! If you’re staying off grounds, especially headed to Magic Kingdom, plan accordingly. That 45 minutes will fly by quickly with all of the hustle and bustle of Transportation and Ticket Center!
2. Book all early FastPass+ Reservations.
If you’re there for Rope Drop, book your three FastPasses for as early as possible! Since you’re committing you waking up early, you know that you’ll make all three. I try to keep all of my FastPasses before 11-11:30AM on Rope Drop days because it allows me the opportunity to try again for more reservations at the FastPass+ kiosks! Wouldn’t you rather ride one of your favorites again instead of settling for one of the less popular attractions?!
3. Take advantage of picture perfect moments.
Looking for that perfect shot with Cinderella Castle? Rope Drop is the time to make it happen! Park openings are the best time to get photos with minimal people in the background. What’s more magical than that? You’ll also find shorter lines for PhotoPass picture opportunities that you’ll want to take advantage of if you have Memory Maker!
So there you have it! My guide to all things Rope Drop. If you haven’t tried making it to the parks for Rope Drop yet, I highly suggest it! Making the most of your morning leaves time for afternoon naps at the hotel and trips back to the parks in the evening. Less stress leads to happier Disney trips so take advantage of Rope Drop if you can!
What’s your first ride of the day in the Disney Parks?
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Comments are closed.
Amanda Bowers
August 22, 2017 at 7:08 amSuch great tips and truths here! I so agree about all you wrote. It took me a while to convince my hubby that being there VERY EARLY was the key, but once I got him convinced we had a blast! So jealous that you are going in 10 days! We probably won’t get to go back before next year. Have fun! I’d love for you to share this post over on my #mousefanmondays blog link up. It’s new and I’d love to have some great Disney bloggers and influencers join us. If you are interested it’s https://veravise.com/stay-on-disney-property/
Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
August 24, 2017 at 12:57 pmThank you so much! Rope Drop is one of my favorite overlooked Disney perks that not everyone takes advantage of!
Ashley Stephenson
August 22, 2017 at 7:45 amThese are great tips! I am going to have to remember these when I finally convince my husband to go!
Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
August 24, 2017 at 12:57 pmYes definitely! You’ll be glad you did!
Chandni Patel
August 22, 2017 at 10:54 amThis looks like a dream… I’ve been wanting to go for so long! one day
Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
August 24, 2017 at 12:57 pmI hope you get there soon!
Shelby Stover
August 22, 2017 at 12:02 pmAh this is great- I`m so jealous. i can`t wait to take my girls when they`re older
Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
August 24, 2017 at 12:58 pmAwe! That will be so fun!
Emily | Honeybee Joyous
August 22, 2017 at 12:29 pmI love seeing what other people do at rope drop and how it’s different for every person. I love your plans and I think your tips are really great, especially how early you need to get to the park.
Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
August 24, 2017 at 12:59 pmAgreed! Everyone has their own strategy! I just wanted to share my way for anyone who hasn’t tried it yet!
Amanda Faber
August 22, 2017 at 2:30 pmI love this!! My husband and I are going next month too so this is so helpful!!
Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
August 24, 2017 at 12:59 pmYAY! I will be there next month as well! I hope y’all have the BEST time!
Jenny
August 22, 2017 at 4:10 pmI haven’t been to Disney in forever but I hope to go back soon!
Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
August 24, 2017 at 12:59 pmAwe yes! You’ll have to!
thesophiadiaries
August 22, 2017 at 6:50 pmtotally didn’t even know that was a thing haha but I feel like I wouldn’t feel right doing that, because that would be way too stressful xD
Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
August 24, 2017 at 1:00 pmIt actually so much less stressful in the long run! You’ll have to experience it for yourself though to see.
Nicholle Demag
August 22, 2017 at 7:24 pmReally great tips! I couldn’t go on the seven dwarfs last time I was there because the wait was 2 hours!
-Nicholle
http://www.nichollesophia.com
Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
August 24, 2017 at 1:00 pmOh no! That wait outside in the heat is ridiculous!
Renee || Getting Fit Fab
August 22, 2017 at 7:34 pmFirst ride is usually Rockin’ Roller Coaster or 7 Dwarfs. I haven’t been to Disney in a few years but when I did go often we always started our morning super early to get all of the time we could in all of the parks.
Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
August 24, 2017 at 1:01 pmThose are both great starters!
Jordyn
August 22, 2017 at 10:41 pmWow I hadn’t heard of Rope Drop before your post. Next time I visit Disney I’ll plan on getting there early to experience the advantages!
Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
August 24, 2017 at 1:01 pmAwe so glad I could let you in on this great Disney hack!
Rachel@The Confused Millennial
August 23, 2017 at 6:29 ami never heard of this phrase before but I always the time I go! It just so much easier and wayyy quicker!
Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
August 24, 2017 at 1:01 pmYes girl! Rope Drop is where it’s at!
Cameron
August 23, 2017 at 8:51 amI haven’t been to Disney is forever, but these are great tips for when I do!
Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
August 24, 2017 at 1:02 pmYes! I hope you look back at my posts when you’re planning your next trip!
Tori Moore
August 23, 2017 at 10:52 amI’ve never heard of this before! I definitely like the idea of being able to take naps in the afternoon haha!
Tori
Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
August 24, 2017 at 1:02 pmYES! Ride what you wanna ride, eat, nap, and repeat after it cools down! That’s the only way I wanna do Disney.
Grace Hincapie
August 23, 2017 at 11:39 amWow so happy to learn of this!!! I haven’t been in years but when I do go I’ll have to remember this!
xo
Grace | miss-graciela.blogspot.com
Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
August 24, 2017 at 1:02 pmYAY! Glad I could help!
Kuleigh
August 23, 2017 at 5:30 pmSoarin’ and Pirates are on our rope drop list! Thanks for sharing this list. I can’t wait til our next trip!
Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
August 24, 2017 at 1:03 pmAwe fun! I hope it’s soon!
Jiawun
August 24, 2017 at 10:25 amThis is such a fun list! I’ve never heard of a rope drop, but it sounds like the perfect way to visit Disney! Thanks for the tips xx
Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
August 24, 2017 at 1:03 pmYes it really is! So glad you found them valuable!
mckenna bleu
August 24, 2017 at 11:55 amI love that all of your post relate to disney! They are so great to read!
Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
August 24, 2017 at 1:04 pmI’m all about that Disney Lifestyle, girl!
Allison Ellzey
August 24, 2017 at 10:20 pmConfession: I had no idea what Rope Drop was and usually when we get to Disney early, we STILL miss the Mine Train ride. I have never ridden it before–maybe this Mardi Gras lol
Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
August 24, 2017 at 10:30 pmGirl, you gotta go Rope Drop! We do Mine Train every time but only for Rope Drop because I’m not waiting 200 min for it haha
Tori Dunlap
August 24, 2017 at 10:21 pmI can’t wait to visit DisneyWorld someday! Been to Land 6 times, and itching to get to Florida!
Tori || Victori Media
https://www.victorimedia.com
Paige | The Daily Paige Blog
August 25, 2017 at 10:19 amSOARIN’! That is always my first ride. (I also love Expedition Everest, but Soarin’ is my No. 1.) My mom and I have even gone to Epcot to start our day with a ride on Soarin’ before we went to the park we were going to spend the day at.
xoxo, Paige
http://www.thedailypaigeblog.com
Helen @ Hel On Heels
August 25, 2017 at 7:10 pmCool! I didn’t know that term actually. This is a great list.
Erica @ Coming up Roses
August 26, 2017 at 12:23 amI’ve never actually heard the term rope drop. This is a great list! So helpful for people headed to Disney!
Macarena Ferreira
August 28, 2017 at 9:00 amShowing up right when the park opens is the best idea ever!!!
xo // http://www.thematerialgirl.co
Dara @ The Southern Thing
August 29, 2017 at 1:33 pmI would go straight to the rock n’ roller coaster! How fun!!
Michelle @ She's Not So Basic
August 30, 2017 at 9:05 pmI haven’t been to Disney in forever but I used to love Space Mountain!