DCA Rope Drop Plan

[tuc48038]

Hi All,

Myself and 4 other people are getting to DCA at rope drop this Saturday (7:45am). Our plan is to get Fastpasses for WoC, Frozen and Radiator (I know Soarin also opens this weekend too though so maybe that's a better choice over Radiator?).

I'm wondering in what order I should run to each attraction to get Fastpasses for? We will be there all day, but I know those 3-4 attractions will be nuts so I'm trying to avoid having long lines.

Also, what are drink prices like for the "secret menu" at Cove Bar? We were thinking of going there for a few hours to drink after a long day on our feet before WoC.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[ADLFAN]

I think the new Frozen show will have the longest line, as they start distributing Fastpasses for the first show at park opening and don't cease distribution until the three shows are all given away.

After that, you might find that you only have time for EITHER RSR or Soarin, but by the time your FP eligibility is up again, I'd guess FP'S for both those rides will be long gone.

RSR has a single rider line that usually works great, but you wouldn't likely get to experience the ride as a group.

WOC FP'S will likely last longest, and they do not affect your ability to pull another FP as they are "disconnected" from the rest of the system. Don't wait too long though.

Toy Story Midway Mania is also a popular destination at rope drop, and typically has its shortest line in the morning. No FP is available for that one, and it's stand by line is usually 30-40 minutes or longer.

Have fun!!

 

[CassieF]

here's what I would do...there will be a line for the frozen fp before the actual rope drop, so have one of your group in that line (just not at the very front) and have another with all your fp at soarin side...

Soarin fp via runner (should be 840 return time)
WOC fp via runner....then book it back to friend in frozen line for:
Frozen fp
Racers fp at 840 then Ride Soarin

 

[MissErikaRae]

Frozen, Radiator Springs, and WOC.

 

[tuc48038]

Thank you all for your help!

Any note on the drink prices by chance? Or if there are any hidden gem bars we should know about?

Thanks!

 

[2clssy]

here's what I would do...there will be a line for the frozen fp before the actual rope drop, so have one of your group in that line (just not at the very front) and have another with all your fp at soarin side...

Soarin fp via runner (should be 840 return time)
WOC fp via runner....then book it back to friend in frozen line for:
Frozen fp
Racers fp at 840 then Ride Soarin

Perfect plan! My family did exactly this schedule last Sunday and had a great day

 

[MissErikaRae]

Thank you all for your help!

Any note on the drink prices by chance? Or if there are any hidden gem bars we should know about?

Thanks!

I don't know about a secret drink menu at The Cove Bar but the bar at Carthay Circle has an awesome drink menu and the lounge is a nice place to cool off. Not including wine and beer- I'd say drinks vary from $12- $16? That's just an estimate, maybe someone else has a better idea.

 

[grnflash]

here's what I would do...there will be a line for the frozen fp before the actual rope drop, so have one of your group in that line (just not at the very front) and have another with all your fp at soarin side...

Soarin fp via runner (should be 840 return time)
WOC fp via runner....then book it back to friend in frozen line for:
Frozen fp
Racers fp at 840 then Ride Soarin

OP, do this plan - it's perfect!

 

[clb79]

here's what I would do...there will be a line for the frozen fp before the actual rope drop, so have one of your group in that line (just not at the very front) and have another with all your fp at soarin side...

Soarin fp via runner (should be 840 return time)
WOC fp via runner....then book it back to friend in frozen line for:
Frozen fp
Racers fp at 840 then Ride Soarin

Interested to see if demand for the new Soarin will throw a wrench in this plan at all. Will the lines over there be long enough that it will throw timing with the return window off, or make it so you can't get back to the Frozen line in time, etc?

 

[tuc48038]

Interested to see if demand for the new Soarin will throw a wrench in this plan at all. Will the lines over there be long enough that it will throw timing with the return window off, or make it so you can't get back to the Frozen line in time, etc?

That is my fear! Considering it's the first weekend the new ride is opening, it might be hard to tell! Good thing is, I'm a heck of a sprinter! And if my friends get in line for Frozen while I run to Soarin and WoC, it might be okay!

Regardless, thank you all for your advice and help!

 

[2clssy]

That is my fear! Considering it's the first weekend the new ride is opening, it might be hard to tell! Good thing is, I'm a heck of a sprinter! And if my friends get in line for Frozen while I run to Soarin and WoC, it might be okay!

Regardless, thank you all for your advice and help!

You should be okay, the 2nd time we did Frozen fast passes, my husband waited in the fast pass line from 8:05-8:45am. While he waited, I took the kids to the Elsa Anna meet and greet, rode the trolley, and ordered breakfast at Flo's before we he met back up with us. Needless to say the frozen line is LONG

 

[CassieF]

As long as the person in the frozen line isn't too close to the front you should be fine. They usually have a line formed before rope drop (and even at 745am it is crazy long!) so it will take a bit to get to the front. The one time I was there at 745 I didn't get my fp until 815, so it was a 15 minute line once they started, and if worst comes to worst, let people go by you until your friends get back with the passes

 

[clb79]

I am seeing on other sites that they have added an additional Frozen show starting today. SOARIN FP distribution and return times seem more inline with RSR (projected to run out around the same time) and that earlier this morning SOARIN had longer wait times than RSR.

I still think Cassie's plan logistically makes sense, but if SOARIN is that popular how close to the front of that line will you have to be to pull those with an 8:40 return time? I guess you might have to just wait longer before your window opens to pull RSR passes?

 

[2clssy]

I'm going back next weekend, what do you all think the estimated wait time will be right at 8am if magic hour is at 7?

 

[2clssy]

I'm going back next weekend, what do you all think the estimated wait time will be right at 8am if magic hour is at 7?

Oops for I meant to say the new Soaring