How do you do everything and make rope drop?

[scrappinginontario]

We tend to plan our Rope Drop days and breakfast reservations towards the beginning of our trip then gradually move to lunch and supper reservations as we're more tired and want to sleep in.

 

[DSNY4ever]

We used to be able to do it. My husband and I usually opened and closed the parks and we were exhausted, but it was worth it! We don't get over to WDW often so it was like a mission to do it all! NO naps, only one sit down meal per day, eat breakfast in your room, walk as quickly as possible, wear comfortable shoes...train...LIVE IT, LOVE IT!

Now with DS we will be going MUCH slower and we certainly won't be staying open to close or "seeing it all"...but it will be worth it. We used to be able to do the DLR in 3 days and with DS we didn't see/do nearly everything in 4 days last time (plus there was so much new stuff)...but things just moved so much slower and he wanted to spend time just staring at things or watching streetmosphere or riding the same attraction multiple times, but whatever makes him happy makes me happy now

 

[disny_luvr]

I haven't read through all the posts, so sorry if I repeat anything that anyone has already said, although I'm sure I'm not.

We are not rope drop people. In fact, during our last three trips we only made rope drop once and that was because my children had a YES class to attend. I even got to see the little show outside the MK on that day before the park opened. Who knew there was a show ??? We tend to stay out later and sleep in a little bit. Now, our trips are usually between 9-12 days and we do this so we have down-time. I don't recall really missing anything or waiting in lines that were that bad because we missed rope drop. My DH and I traveled to WDW once before we had kids. He had never been before so I wanted him to see and do everything. We went from rope drop to park close. I was so tired one day I fell asleep on a bench in Epcot. After that trip we decided to tour at a more laid back pace and it's worked for us, but I know that it doesn't for most. Enjoy your trip and sleep in at least once.

 

[honeybunches]

We are early risers anyway, so we love going to 8 AM EMH. Otherwise we're kind of sitting around waiting for something to open. Around noon We typically go back to the hotel for nap midday, then head back to a park for the evening. We might skip the afternoon nap this year since my DS doesn't take one every day anymore. My kids get tired around 8 PM so we try to be back around then. I also plan a couple of half-days off during our trip. One full day off is too much for us, but we like having an afternoon with nowhere to be. All of our friends sleep in and stay out until the parks close. You just have to figure out what works for your family.

 

[4under4]

Making rope drop requires a little planning, but it's not that hard. First and foremost for us is to have everything ready the night before. Second, use your waiting/traveling time efficiently (i.e. eat while waiting for rope drop rather than in the room).

~ Shower before bed if possible
~ Outfits laid out, and make sure everyone knows where their pile is, including shoes, hats, sunglasses, etc.
~ Keys/phone/cameras etc. ready and waiting * in one place *
~ Pack a grab-and-go breakfast (Fruit, yogurt, granola bars, muffins, etc.)
~ Have a plan for the first hour+ of the day so you don't have to stop and say to each other "so what should we do now?" [If your family is unfamiliar with the park layout, go over the maps while you're on the bus or waiting for rope drop.]

Then when the alarm goes off (usually about 7:00), I get up & get ready myself (10-15 minutes). If the kids aren't awake by the time I'm ready, I get them up. Next step is sunscreen for everyone [assembly line style]. As soon as they have their sunscreen, they get dressed and brush teeth. DD's hair get's brushed, but I usually take a comb and braid it on the bus. If we are hanging at the bus stop for a while, we might eat some of the food there, but usually we eat outside the park while waiting for rope drop itself (don't eat on the bus!). While we're on the bus we review the plans for the morning so everyone knows what the general plan it going to be.

Enjoy!