Just got back and nailed A&E at Rope Drop twice in a row. First day I was 3rd, second day I was 1st.
It doesn't matter which side of the train you're on (the two tunnels) because on the first day I was on the right and second I was on the left. Also you don't have to be absolutely the front, because we were about 10 people back on the right side on the first day (our annual passes weren't properly linked to our MBs so the MBs didn't work at the turnstile, I was...not happy.)
Here's what you do: walk swiftly up the left side of main street in the street not on the sidewalk. Try to weave through people if possible because you want to be as close to the rope as you can. I pushed a stroller with 2 kids up main street and through the castle, and while we were in the castle I switched the stroller to my wife and took my daughter ahead on foot. You can't have a stroller if you want to be in the first few groups.
As you get through the castle they will announce you're going left around the carousel, stay left here. Do not be on the right side of the pack. Why? Because on the far side of the carousel is stroller parking, and the pack walks around the stroller parking. If you're on the right you will literally walk right into the stroller parking and you'll end up going left and you'll be behind people who started on the left. This is another reason you don't have to be absolutely in the front. Most people are on the right side of the pack because that's the quickest way to FairyTale Hall when you're coming out of the castle, so this gives you some time to get left and up near the front of the rope as everyone else is right. Once they figure out they have to go around the carousel they will be behind you. Remember, stroller parking is like 30 feet wide, so a lot of people will have to shift to their left.
As soon as you get towards the end of stroller parking a CM will say "Follow me to Anna and Elsa".
Get as close to that person as possible! That person will literally walk into A&E's line and everybody follows him/her into the line.
From what I saw on Fri and Sat last week this is the best way to go. If you aren't in the absolute front of the entrance you'll still be OK. The most important thing is to get yourself near the rope by the time you get to the castle. That's like 200 yards where you can pass people (walk, don't run) who are taking pictures and "enjoying the sights". So even if you walk through the train station and see 200 people in front of you that doesn't mean you're in trouble. Just walk with a mission and get yourself to the left side of the street. Then you need to be properly positioned as you come through the castle. You need to be near the left side of the rope as you walk around the carousel.
Use these tips and you will have a successful A&E experience. My daughter was so "in shock" all she could do was lean forward and stare up at Elsa!
