General Rope Drop Question

[Mano22]

If a park opens at say 9 AM, what is the optimal time to get there for RD? Does a first come/first serve line form, i.e. if we got there at like 8 AM would we be the first ones in the park? Or is it just a free for all where you have to fight off people from "cutting" you the whole time. Similarly if we go there at 8:55 would we not get into the park until say 9:10 and then be at the back of the rush to the headliners?

Basically looking for optimal RD/rush to the headliners strategy.

 

[Disneylover99]

I would say get to any park by 8:20am and then pick a turnstile to line up at. There will probably be about three to six families at each turnstile around this time. Of course, it depends on time of year too. But generally, the earlier, the better.

 

[Alesia]

Showing up 45 to 60 minutes early will put you near the front of the pack. Showing up right as the park opens will put you 20 minutes behind the front of the pack, which doesn't seem like much, but it can add up to several extra hours spent in line over the course of the day.

 

[cakebaker]

Josh has a great article showing how the lines build up at opening. Just for fun, we tested his plan and he was right on target. We used his time suggestions and were right at the rope before opening and one of the very first into the park.


http://www.easywdw.com/uncategorize...er-bell-moves-the-4th-fp-magic-kingdom-52814/

 

[Mano22]

Thanks all. Nice to get 3 independent answers all saying basically the same thing.

 

[quakechicago]

We found it worthwhile to watch youtube videos of park opening and reading the map. It can save you tons of time. (We also use ride max)

 

[Mikie]

I have often seen Robo post a great description of Rope Drop procedures for each park, so I hope I'm doing this right and will try to link directly to one of his recent ones
Tickets and rope drop question