How does rope drop (RD) work?

[Burgermom]

I have not been to WDW in about 20 years and have never done rope drop.

Can someone please explain how it works or direct me towards a link where it is explained. I have read so many posts/threads re: RD and am still somewhat confused. It is difficult to visualize how it will actually be. It sounds as though I need to get to the park about 30-45 minutes before park opening but then what happens? Do I really HAVE to get there that early if I will not be running towards an attraction?

I will be visiting with two small children and using a large double stroller during a low to moderate crowd day (relatively low; I am learning that there is no such thing as "low" anymore). I just cannot see us "making a fast dash" towards an attraction. We can probably sit the kids in the stroller and move at a moderate pace but that's about it.

Another specific question I have is, while waiting for the park to open is there a washroom nearby? Or a place to grab a coffee or snack? I was hoping to visit the washroom with the kids as close to the time we enter the park as possible so that we are not "wasting" good touring time going to the washroom. And my DH will need/demand a coffee.

Thanks

 

[BrianL]

"Rope Drop" isn't as chaotic as it sounds, and it varies slightly from park to park. At MK they will actually scan people through the tap points to a holding area (in front of the Mickey Floral) until it is full. Then, about 15 minutes before opening, there is a little Welcome Show (usually anyway, and it is awesome too) that lasts about 7 minutes, then the park is opened. Those in the Floral area can enter immediately through the two tunnels to the sides. If you want to see the show it is best to get there early.

At other parks people will just line up at the tap points. They may start scanning in a bit early, but the attractions aren't necessarily open. At Epcot they were holding a rope at either side of Future World last time I went. In these cases, you are basically at the mercy of your position in line as it takes time to scan through the people at the tap points. Being say 10th in line will get you to your first attraction much faster than if you are 30th (or 90th, or 200th). The lanes stretch back quite a ways on busy days. So, again, being there early is key.

Bear in mind that bus stops are a bit of a walk too (as is the parking lot). If you are driving and going to MK remember that you are parking at TTC and taking a ferry or monorail over to MK, so budget for that time (resort buses to MK go right there).

People only run to certain attractions, so if you are not heading to 7DMT, Anna & Elsa, Soarin' (once it's reopened) or Toy Story, then you don't have to make a mad dash (which is exaggerated anyway since CMs help the process). What is great however is that all the other attractions are empty right after rope drop, but they fill in as more and more people enter. At a low time this will take between one and two hours before the lines get long.

There are always restrooms outside the gates, but some are less convenient than others. At MK, if you have entered the holding area, you will have to exit to use the restroom, but they can scan you right back in if it's early (before the lines have formed). At Epcot they're a little ways away toward the bus stops. There may be a shop or kiosk open, but I don't think they have coffee or anything (maybe pre-packaged snack items though). MK has one in the holding area where I bought $15 sunscreen that time I forgot it.

Best of luck on your trip!

 

[Dluna]

it is a little complicated to understand.. however it really helps me to look at youtube videos.. I love seeyoureelsoon.. and they have some where they are entering at rope drop..