How early should we be in line at DL's front gates?

[danacath]

Since DH and I will only have one day--possibly two, in which to tour the parks in late September, we want to make the most of the time we have. We'd like to be among the first in the park when it opens in the A.M. When should we plan on arriving at the front gates? If DL "officially" opens at 10, does this mean that they will open Main St. at 9:30 and do a rope drop from there at 10, or do they really just open the front gates at 10? Any helpful park-opening strategies that we should know about? We're very used to utilizing early entry and "commando-style touring" at WDW, but since there isn't early entry at DL, we weren't quite sure how to plan our morning. TIA

 

[disneychrista]

I would be there at 9:30 but don't expect to get in the gates until 10.

 

[axavilez]

I'm pretty sure they do let you into the park a half hour before official park opening. At DL, you are not allowed to go past Main Street until the rope drop. Just pick a spot near the direction you will be going (usually near Adventureland for most people). Adventureland gets pretty congested so try to stay ahead of the crowds. You may want to get an Indy fastpass and head straight to Splash Mountain, which often has the longest wait of any ride at DL. I've often done Splash Mountain first thing in the morning and walked right on. At DCA, they also let you into the park a half hour before official park opening. The good thing is some rides are usually open early. Soarin and Tower have been running 20 minutes before official park opening the last two times I've been there. Most people don't know this, so you can just walk right on.

 

[Firefly777]

Also keep in mind that Peter Pan and Matterhorn are both very popular rides without Fastpass. So it might be a good idea to do those early in the day.

 

[iceskatejen]

The only time they don't let you on Main Street 30 minutes early is if the open at 8.