Return Of The Ropes

[DisneyFive]

Well, if they keep it, it will remind us of our first visit ever in 2010 when the ropes were also being used. So in that sense it will bring fond memories of our first visit, which was still our best being the first and all. (after this year, we don't plan to return for many years, so reminiscing our first trip will be nice)

I can take it or leave it, but would probably prefer the no-rope option if given the choice.

Dan

 

[MrsHull]

If you ever want to see a scary picture, do a Keys to the Kingdom tour with a time that is shortly before Magic Kingdom opens. You will be about midway down Main Street and the tour guide will pull you closer to the buildings or the short street midway there. And then they are released from the entrance. A sight (albeit a scary sight) to behold.

Or hang out outside of BBB in Cinderella's Castle at opening. We were there for a pre-opening, EMH morning appointment and knew something was up when all the CMs jumped into BBB or doorways with panicked looks. Sure enough, a moment later, the April 2014 Anna & Elsa herd came running through. Yikes!

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

This thread's been real interesting. Nice to see what other parks are doing for their rope drops...



This thread will probably never have any visibility, and I'm sure I'm preachin' to the choir, but Disney execs, if you're reading this, please, please, please discontinue the Rope Drop at DHS, DAK, and EP...

None of those videos looked all that bad. People were walked to the attraction. It beats the mad scramble from the video at Tokyo.

 

[MKay]

We did an early ADR at Akershus for our DD's birthday and I will say this: Walking through Epcot at 7:45 am is TRULY magical. We walked through the international gateway from the Yacht and Beach resort and There was no one in the park! We had it all to ourselves! My DD was doings cartwheels from England to Canada because she could! It is still one of my favorite memories from our last trip and I would do it again! We have never been a part of rope drop as we are usually eating breakfast early but at just the right time to miss the chaos. We still get to everything we want and have a magical day! In my mind, I just ignore the nonsense of others and focus on my family. That us how I stay sane!!

I entered Epcot from BC early to get to the Backstage Magic Tour last year. I absolutely loved walking through the park when it was just about empty; there is so much more to see than when the park is open, even if it is not crowded.

 

[MKay]

Going to remember that for our next trip!!

(trying to respond to the quote you were responding to...about watching Wishes from behind the Castle; too tired to figure out how to correct this tonight...)
We watched from behind the castle in that same area last year; not crowded and easy access to the rides/attractions right after the show ended.
Another favorite spot is on the bridge near Frontierland; it gets pretty crowded as it gets closer to the show starting but really good viewing.
Still have to see Tink at least once each trip so we go near The Plaza when we want to see her descent.

 

[cjparker0110]

I remember doing this as a kid at Busch Gardens...I was one of the "lead bulls" I guess. Then, after working there for 4 years and hearing enough stories of people who have gotten injured, trampled, etc, I decided it was not worth it to ever be at the lead of the pack. Honestly, if you are at the front of the pack for rope drop you might gain about 5 minutes of "extra" time...10 at most. Doesn't really seem like that big of a deal to me.

 

[Meriweather]

In theory I agree with everyone who says this is awful, but...

One of our most magical moments ever happened at the ropes in Hollywood Studios.

We got there early and saw a nearly empty rope off to our right (people were gathering at the centre rope, as I guess they thought it'd give them more of a straight shot to Toy Story). We strolled up and began chatting with the CM manning the rope, as a whole bunch of other folks piled in behind us. And, wouldn't you know it? We ended up picked to be the "Family of the Day" and were escorted past the rope to ride Toy Story Mania before anyone else.

So, I don't suppose I'll ever be able to think of rope drop with anything other than warm feelings from now on. And hey, at least there's no chance of our typical tapstyle frustration - when that ONE person in front of you magically turns into fifteen, as his late-arriving family and friends show up. And then grandma takes freakin' forever figuring out how to match up her Mickey heads. And gets all outraged and shouty at you when you hop past her to use the tapstyle on her other side (AS instructed by the CM!).

We were also picked as family of the day to open the park and got to ride one of those cute little cars to TSMM.
It was great

The downside to the rope is the stampede. I got hit in the back of the legs with a speeding stroller more than once....that part is not so great

 

[5Hfan]

June 14 2011 I took this photo of my daughter and husband at the front of the ropes at HS...I was behind them with a baby in a stroller and older son.



turned around, camera held over the head, and this was behind us!



it was terrifying!