I will never miss rope drop again

[Baliezer]

For the first time ever, I took the advice of some well meaning friends and took my time getting to Disneyland last week. I figured that because we were staying for four days, getting to the park later on the first day of our trip, would be fine. We would just relax and take our time.

After a two hour drive that included getting stuck at border check (never happens at 5am), we arrived at the park at about 12:30. We were able to get fast passes for the rides we wanted, but getting from point A to point B became irritating. We are definitely not used to having to deal with larger crowds in the mornings. By 7pm I was done. We had only ridden about five rides and everyone was exhausted and tired. It was so crowded that I thought I had gotten my crowd tracker data mixed up. I didn't. Arriving at rope drop is definitely the best. With short lines at each ride, we are able to get most of the park and rides we want done by 11am. (When most of the crowd is arriving) We then head to lunch, relax in the room and come back later in the evening for the shows. So much better!

 

[lablady]

Good to know! It will be our first trip to DL and we'll make sure to get there really early! We never do when we go to WDW but it seems to be the most important tip for DL cause I see it everywhere!

 

[sherilaine]

I think this is especially true for Spring Break week - from reports I have heard it was quite crowded this year.

I do not know how some people brave crowds like that.

Glad you had fun the other days you were there.

 

[FreshBakedDisney]

I usually have to consider real hard how bad I want to go to the park that day if I can't make it for rope drop. For one, it's awesome. Two, people are generally nicer then. And three, OMG the crowds after a 4 pm parade.

 

[WonkaKid]

I missed rope drop yesterday by just a few minutes. I regretted it all day. Generally speaking, unless I make rope drop, I don't make Peter Pan. However, last night after the FWs were cancelled, I lined up outside of FL (near AIW) and was able to get on PP in about 7 minutes.

 

[Baliezer]

The rest of the trip was great. In fact yesterday we got to the park at 7am for annual passholder's EE, and rode space mountain three times, splash mountain, astro blasters, autopia, innoventions, star tours, matterhorn and was first in line for lunch at Plaza Inn. Then we went home.

Getting up early is hard, but so worth it!

 

[pnwsurfer]

Getting up early is hard, but so worth it!

I couldn't agree more. Last week, we slept in the first morning and learned our lesson. While getting up early was difficult, we found it was the right choice.

 

[Congo Queen]

Yes even my teenage son who on a regular school morning is like the Matterhorn Yeti when I wake him up at 7am (all red-eyed and growling, flailing his hairy arms at me as I turn on his bedroom light) knows the value of of EMH and getting into Dland early before the crowds. For one magical week a year during our annual family vacation to Dland, at 6am he jumps out of bed like Mary Lou Retton (sticks the landing) and gets quickly dressed so we can be at the esplanade by 6:30am. It's a miracle.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Yes even my teenage son who on a regular school morning is like the Matterhorn Yeti when I wake him up at 7am (all red-eyed and growling, flailing his hairy arms at me as I turn on his bedroom light) knows the value of of EMH and getting into Dland early before the crowds. For one magical week a year during our annual family vacation to Dland, at 6am he jumps out of bed like Mary Lou Retton (sticks the landing) and gets quickly dressed so we can be at the esplanade by 6:30am. It's a miracle.

I love this! My boy is almost 13 and I hope he remains this way for the our DLR visits over the next several years.

 

[rentayenta]

Yes even my teenage son who on a regular school morning is like the Matterhorn Yeti when I wake him up at 7am (all red-eyed and growling, flailing his hairy arms at me as I turn on his bedroom light) knows the value of of EMH and getting into Dland early before the crowds. For one magical week a year during our annual family vacation to Dland, at 6am he jumps out of bed like Mary Lou Retton (sticks the landing) and gets quickly dressed so we can be at the esplanade by 6:30am. It's a miracle.

I hear you. My two teen daughters are huge sleepers but when I woke them at 5:30 am to make the 7 am EMH, they were bee bopping around. The magic of Disney.

OP, I agree, missing rope drop is too especially during peak times of the year.

 

[VandVsmama]

THANK YOU for posting this because I am going to use your example with my husband when we go in May (he likes to sleep in).

 

[profa]

gettiing up early is hard, but so worth it!

We did for all 3 days and I agree. You can really enjoy the day more. We do exactly the same - return to the hotel after lunch for a break and then back for a few more evening hrs w/ 3 kids. Glad the rest of the trip went well.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

We did for all 3 days and I agree. You can really enjoy the day more. We do exactly the same - return to the hotel after lunch for a break and then back for a few more evening hrs w/ 3 kids. Glad the rest of the trip went well.

Disney is a not a relaxing vacation, it's not wise to sleep in *a mid day nap is great* if I want to relax I go on a cruise.

 

[ArchOwl]

Getting up early can make the day so much better at Disney! And normally I hate getting up early, but I don't mind when I am at Disneyland. I do take naps, though!

It is sooooo worth it when we are skipping through Disneyland and there are hardly any waits. I love it!

 

[scarlet_ibis]

I think this is especially true for Spring Break week - from reports I have heard it was quite crowded this year.

I do not know how some people brave crowds like that.

Glad you had fun the other days you were there.

So fron your posts, should I guess that Spring Break week is over? (We haven't had Spring Break yet here in WA state...)

 

[Magalex]

Very first trip to DL in July So glad we are a morning family

 

[Cheshirecatty]

Isn't it funny, and SO human nature to go against your gut feeling, and what you KNOW to be true in your head? We have gone several times, absolutely knowing what plan we need to follow, in order to maximize time and effort, yet when we get to the Resort, we somehow get lulled into that whole "Oh, we can wing it and it will be just fine!"

 

[GeneralTso]

I think record breaking spring break crowds had something to do with it.
It feels like spring break there almost any day though.