Best non FP+ strategy for FoP

[ajwilhorn]

For doing FoP without FP+ what would be the best approach to avoid the longer wait tumes. Rope drop or end of day? Thanks.

 

[Alesia]

For doing FoP without FP+ what would be the best approach to avoid the longer wait tumes. Rope drop or end of day? Thanks.

Which ever one of those works best for you.

 

[Amy11401]

We had really good luck with the end of the day.

 

[gharter]

We have done both, and done both in the same day.
If you are going to do RD, be there 60 minutes park opening at the latest. We waited in line 10 minutes.
At the end of the day, get in line 5-10 minutes before park closing. We had done 4 times and waited 10-30 minutes.

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

You’ll find the longest wait of the day at rope drop.

You’ll find the shortest wait of the day at closing.

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

I checked yesterday just for an example.

The posted wait just a few minutes after opening was 135.

The posted wait in the evening about an hour before close was 20.

That’s a big difference.

 

[Kylenick]

End of the day. Sometimes you are able to get fast passes the morning of or the night before. People are always changing plans at the last minute.

 

[CAQDaddy]

I think it depends on if you are an early riser or a night owl

 

[sharonabe]

For doing FoP without FP+ what would be the best approach to avoid the longer wait tumes. Rope drop or end of day? Thanks.

IMPHO, you're going to want to ride it more than once!! Do both. Get there 45 min to an hour before opening and ride it in the morning. You'll then know exactly what I'm talking about and you won't have any trouble getting back in line 10-15 min before closing to enjoy it again.

 

[ajwilhorn]

Thanks for the feedback. We were there yesterday and was at front gate about 25 minutes to rooe drop. People were already walking back so we headed to Pandora and walked on pretty much to the boat ride. By time we came out and walked out of Pandora I think the waiting was at 2 hours for FoP. We had FP+ for later in the day, but I was trying to figure out a game plan for future trips to get 2 rides in on it during the day.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Rope drop only works if you are committed to being at the front gate at least 60 minutes before park opening.
If you know your party are not early risers, jump in line 5-10 minutes before park closing. We’ve done both methods (and will do it again. It’s worth the wait!)

 

[Laura's Dad]

We did rope drop on an EMH morning. Got there about 75 minutes early. We were 4th in line. Admitted to the park about 15 minutes early and walked to Pandora entrance where we were held about 5 minutes. Cast members then walked us to FOP. We enjoyed the whole set up after hearing horror stories about being trampled. Did rest of the big rides, ate lunch, went back to hotel for nap. Got up about 3 for a 4:15 FOP FastPass and stayed through first showing of Rivers of Light. Pretty good day and I would recommend our schedule if you wish to ride it twice.

 

[PetePanMan]

Given need to arrive 60-75mins before rope drop, does this strategy really save that much time these days compared to other times in day?

 

[pigletto]

Given need to arrive 60-75mins before rope drop, does this strategy really save that much time these days compared to other times in day?

Tbh It might not really save time, it could just be a difference of where you are waiting. However if I show up 60 to 75 minutes before park opening I’m pretty much guaranteed to be a walk on, and I’m never guaranteed how long I will wait without a fastpass at any other time during the day. When we went in August of 2017 lines were still massive during the day. Going at rope drop allowed us to control the wait time a bit better. I guess one would have to adjust this plan to reflect crowd levels and current wait times.

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

Given need to arrive 60-75mins before rope drop, does this strategy really save that much time these days compared to other times in day?

It doesn't save time, as you are waiting a long time either way (though, waits of up to 2 hours are not uncommon).

However, with RD, you are waiting while the park is closed.
If you go during the day, you are waiting when the park is opened, and you could be doing other fun things instead of waiting in line.

So, it's not a question of saving time, it's a question of what you would be doing otherwise, if not standing in line.

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

Given need to arrive 60-75mins before rope drop, does this strategy really save that much time these days compared to other times in day?

The biggest problem with getting there too early is that those guests will tire out and be out of the park when the lines get short in the evening.

Maybe that’s why a late night plan works so well. The mornings are just crazy busy but the big crowds leave before the end of the day.

 

[epcotty]

End of the night definitely