Lining up for Rope Drop

[WDID]

Does arriving 30+ minute before rope drop feel significantly different than waiting in line? We want to get to the parks early so we can hit PPF and TSMM first thing, but does getting there that early feel like standing in line for 30 minutes? If so, is it any better than standing in line at one of those rides if we were to get to the gates right at park opening?

Thanks!

 

[Girimama33]

When you start at DCA and got to TSMM to start, you do not have to be there too early on this day...maybe get in the park 10 minutes before opening. Most will be heading to Cars Land, so the need to get there really early is not necessary if your goal is TSMM first.
For DL and PPF...You can get there closer to opening, and spend that 30 minutes in line if you like. I think the idea of people getting there earlier to wait is that the waiting they are doing is during non park hours, so there is less waiting initially depending on where you are heading.

 

[DarthMole]

I think the idea of people getting there earlier to wait is that the waiting they are doing is during non park hours, so there is less waiting initially depending on where you are heading.

Yes. This. Time is valuable and I'd rather "wait" in a line before the park opens than wait in line inside the park. If the park opens at 8am, I'd rather wait a little longer out front and be off my first ride by 8:10, than wait 30 minutes and be getting off that ride at 8:35-8:40. If all rides had 5-10 minute waits, I wouldn't care do much, but when something like Peter Pan gets to 20+ minutes in the blink of an eye, I'll make the effort.

 

[BriannaRuth]

Unless you're trying to get on RSR, I don't think getting there early significantly decreases the wait for the first ride, technically, since you either wait in the opening line 30 minutes early or you wait in line for your first ride longer. However, it's 30 minutes spent waiting during non-park time, so you do have more time for rides.

And actually, I kinda LIKE that initial 30-minute wait at the gates at times! It's so full of anticipation, everyone is excited and happy, and it always brings back memories of my first trip to DL when I was first in line at the gate (thanks to these boards) with my then 4 year-old daughter (who is now 14). We always grab a portable bite to eat and have breakfast in line. It also gives us time to apply sunscreen, review the plan for the day, that kind of thing, so I'm not sure that we actually have to get up that much earlier.

 

[whoever]

There's a difference though, you are waiting BEFORE park hours or you are waiting DURING park hours.

 

[WDID]

There's a difference though, you are waiting BEFORE park hours or you are waiting DURING park hours.

Yes, this makes sense.

And actually, I kinda LIKE that initial 30-minute wait at the gates at times! It's so full of anticipation, everyone is excited and happy, and it always brings back memories of my first trip to DL when I was first in line at the gate (thanks to these boards) with my then 4 year-old daughter (who is now 14). We always grab a portable bite to eat and have breakfast in line. It also gives us time to apply sunscreen, review the plan for the day, that kind of thing, so I'm not sure that we actually have to get up that much earlier.

I was wondering about this. Can you wander around during that 30 minutes--go in and out of shops, etc.? Take pictures all over? Or do we really need to be hanging out near the castle the entire time so we can get on PPF in the early wave?

 

[Girimama33]

I was wondering about this. Can you wander around during that 30 minutes--go in and out of shops, etc.? Take pictures all over? Or do we really need to be hanging out near the castle the entire time so we can get on PPF in the early wave?

You can wander around Main Street and go in the shops as well.

 

[Blue32]

I was wondering about this. Can you wander around during that 30 minutes--go in and out of shops, etc.? Take pictures all over? Or do we really need to be hanging out near the castle the entire time so we can get on PPF in the early wave?

If your goal is to ride Peter Pan with a short wait, I would NOT be in the shops early. I would try to be at the FRONT of the Rope.

 

[WDID]

If your goal is to ride Peter Pan with a short wait, I would NOT be in the shops early. I would try to be at the FRONT of the Rope.

So this would be one of those instances where it's bad etiquette to line up at the front of the rope with the stroller while DH takes the kids around to explore Main Street and the hub? That's a no-no, right?

 

[Geemo]

So this would be one of those instances where it's bad etiquette to line up at the front of the rope with the stroller while DH takes the kids around to explore Main Street and the hub? That's a no-no, right?

I wouldn't say it's a "no-no"....

However, the crowd gets so BIG, your DH might have trouble getting through to meet up with you before they drop the rope.

If you are RIGHT at the front, it gives a nice opportunity for pictures.

Right up front for young kids is an exciting time.

Geemo

 

[WDID]

Right up front for young kids is an exciting time.

Geemo

Now that sounds promising! How about for husbands?

 

[DahliaRW]

I wish DLR would do a welcome show like MK. That was a surprise, and it was nice to have "entertainment" while waiting for the park to open.

 

[At Least Many]

I agree with not having to be there as early for TSMM. There are 2 rope drops at DCA, one at Hollywoodland, one at Condor Flats. The Hollywoodland one is more for Carsland and the other for the Pier, much less crowded.

 

[sweeteypie1118]

I'd much rather wait before park opening. My son and I were the first ones at the gates every morning. I sit on the ground, drink my tea, look at maps and touring plans etc. I talk to my son and people around me. If you get to the most popular attraction right away, you will have a shorter waiting time for the ones you do after that as all the other people are headed to one you already did.

 

[WDID]

Everyone's response has been so helpful. Thank you!