Many Disney fans have heard of rope dropping. The term rope drop can mean different things for different people, but typically, rope dropping is when you are in the park, past the turnstiles, BEFORE the park opens.

Hollywood Studios at Rope Drop

Usually, people arrive about an hour before the park opens to ensure that they are at the rope in front of each of the lands. You will hear a lot about rope dropping on your Disney trip and how it might be worth it. But, we are here to hold your hand and tell you some hard truths about rope dropping that others might not tell you.

It Will Be Crowded

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that it won’t be crowded if you hit the parks early. Many other guests are trying to maximize their vacation and they are up bright and early too. When you are rope dropping, you are still grouped together in crowds waiting for Disney to officially open the park so be prepared for that.

Lots of folks are ready to go at rope drop!

You will probably still have to wait to scan into the park or wait in line at security. You can expect some crowds, especially around peak travel seasons like spring break week and the holidays. Many guests are also going to those same popular rides so be prepared to walk with a large group of people and potentially still wait in a queue.

Crowds at rope drop in Hollywood Studios

You’ll Want To Set That Alarm Earlier Than You Thought

If you are staying on Disney property and plan on utilizing their transportation, you will want to account for extra time in traveling to the park to make sure you are there before rope drop happens. If you are taking the bus to the park, make sure you plan for potentially waiting for another bus to come as buses can fill up to capacity. The buses begin picking up guests from their resort 45 minutes to one hour before the park opens, so set your alarm early.

Disney Bus

If you are taking the Skyliner, there is usually a long line for these as well. It typically moves quickly, but you’ll want to plan for extra time. Usually, the Skyliner begins running about 90 minutes before the scheduled theme park opening time. 

Skyliner at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

You Might Be Hungry

Sometimes the parks open at 8 AM, with Disney World Resort guests able to enter 30 minutes before the park officially opens. With travel time, you might be leaving your hotel before you can grab breakfast. If you are planning on grabbing food, you’ll want to plan ahead.

The breakfast bowl!

There aren’t a lot of options for a quick breakfast in the morning, especially during Early Theme Park Entry. You’ll want to check the MyDisney App to see which locations are open. You also might not want to stop to grab breakfast if you are rope-dropping until after you ride your first ride. We suggest packing a snack or your own breakfast to hold you over until you get time to grab something at the park.

Full breakfast spread at Satu’li Canteen

You Don’t Have to Rope Drop

If you are purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Premier Pass, you could consider skipping rope dropping. By using these services, you can often experience attractions more quickly making rope dropping unnecessary. We suggest booking your first Lightning Lane reservation 2 hours after the park opens. This will not only give you time to sleep in, but it will allow for those initial crowds to slow down.

Flight of Passage

Of course, you can rope drop still and it’s very popular. We want to help you plan for a better Disney World trip. For more Disney World tips and tricks, follow us at DFB.

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Would you rather rope drop or close the parks down? Tell us in the comments.