Morning MK rope drop strategy with preschoolers

[Angel Ariel]

And to add to the above ^^ we will arrive on a Friday and will stay at the resort, so Saturday is our first park day. I can't quite imagine NOT going to MK that day but certain sites say to avoid MK on weekends in May. I assume with a FP plan we can make it work?

I know it's hard to avoid MK, but if this is a first trip I highly recommend doing Epcot first (or at least, before MK). IME, we took my nephews to Epcot first on their first trip, and they *loved* it. They had no idea what "Magic Kingdom" was, or what to expect. We spent a good 2 hrs in The Seas by itself. They also loved the interactive displays in the Imagination pavilion and Spaceship Earth. We spent the whole day there, and they really enjoyed themselves. Their parents were doubtful of the approach beforehand, but after the trip they agreed it was a very good decision, as the boys weren't biased by what the rides at MK were like.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Thanks for advice, pitpat. So if I'm understanding correctly, one day at rope drop, go to Adventureland and do what you suggested and on another day, focus on Tomorrowland. We do have girls in the group who will want to meet Princesses but whether we do that at character meals or FP or both is TBD.

I have used Touring Plans with good success in the past but their plans often have a lot of zig zagging and we are trying to go without strollers except for the baby so we are trying to conserve everyone's energy - especially with May heat.

I believe if you work with Touring Plans' customizable touring plans on their website, that you can tell the system that you don't want to zigzag

 

[Surgie2]

I believe if you work with Touring Plans' customizable touring plans on their website, that you can tell the system that you don't want to zigzag

I'm sure that's true. When I've used TP in the past if was for all-adult trips so we didn't mind paths that were not efficient if it meant saving time in line.

 

[buyerbrad]

I believe it's 1 hour after the park opens to everybody.

 

[IrishNYC]

I wouldn't pay for hoppers in advance - only add them after you arrive if you find you need them. We went with our 5 year old for her first time with hoppers and our grand plans of one park in the morning, swim and relax at the resort, then back to a different park didn't pan out that way because it was so much more than a 5 year old could stay awake for. With 8 days, you can get plenty done without planning to hop, and it will cost the same if you add it later anyway.

 

[Mainemama]

Another fan of rope dropping with baby/preschool set. I even recommend it with EMH and have been known to successfully drag my preschooler (at both age 3 and 4) to a 7 a.m. EMH. We always do New Fantasyland first. No problem to avoid 7DMT folks. It is empty and magical around Dumbo 1st thing. We then continue to any desired Fantasyland rides (saving PP and 7DMT for FP.) I like to time FP for 9, 10, 11, and be out of the park after last fast pass. The last day I did this, we did 9 rides this way. We eat out of the park at a sit down restaurant, and then chill for a long time. Sounds crazy, but a 5 hour break is about right. Then, ready for an evening activity. My baby/preschoolers have always been able to sleep in the stroller, even through fireworks, so we don't necessarily do a regular early bedtime, but it works out. Naps happen sometimes, other days just quiet time in room for a bit. I know you ntioned Touring Plans and wanting to avoid its walk all over plan. I set mine up to avoid this by focusing on only two lands in MK. You can also reorder the attractions into whatever order you want to walk where you want to. I love to use touring plans with preschool aged kids, because the actual length of the ride figures into what I choose to do. I think every kid should have a stroller. Seriously. Avoid meltdowns and just rent them. Have fun planning!

 

[clconnell]

We were just there Dec. 17-23 (BUSY time of year) with my 4 & 7 yr old. I am a HUGE proponent of doing rope drop. You will accomplish SO much in the first few hours the park is open. We headed straight to Fantasyland every MK day because my kids loved it so much. On our first morning: Peter Pan, Meet Cinderella & Elena, Little Mermaid, Meet Ariel, Goofy's Barnstormer (multiple times - my kids' favorite), Dumbo (multiple times), Pooh, Tea Cups, Carousel - all with NO lines. We began our fast pass times 1.5-2hrs after rope drop. If you use your fastpasses for 7 Dwarfs then you can do a ton in Fantasyland at ropedrop and the hour - two after.

 

[TEK224]

So with the new opening at MK, if you're allowed on Main Street until 9AM opening, how does it work with AM EMH? What do you need to show to get to the rides?

 

[Klayfish]

I know, I know It's up to the parents to decide. I'm just Nana haha. They won't be bringing them on the flight (except for the baby) but we can rent onsite or offsite as needed. I thought for our MK mornings, if we keep the days shorter, the kids will be able to get from one spot to another on foot. I foresee them needing strollers at Epcot, though, especially if we all go together and want to see the F&G show. I'm hoping for an am EMH at Epcot so I can go on my own to see F&G.

Yes, lugging strollers on and off a plane is a bit of a pain...been there, done that. We went when the kids were 4, 1, 1. We brought two strollers, three car seats, luggage, etc... Nightmare to say the least. For the toddlers and older, forget renting or carrying a stroller. Go to the local Wal-Mart or Target near WDW (there are many of them) and pick up a cheap $20 umbrella stroller. Use it, abuse it, trash it/donate it when you leave. Much cheaper and easier than renting.

 

[Robo]

So with the new opening at MK, if you're allowed on Main Street until 9AM opening, how does it work with AM EMH? What do you need to show to get to the rides?

Most WDW Resort guests take the WDW buses to MK, so they are admitted into AM EMH to ride attractions.

Most NON-WDW Resort guests drive to MK, so guests are held at TTC (MK Parking Lot area) until much closer to regular
opening time, THEN they start bringing guests to MK via monorail and ferry.

 

[sweetmama17]

We did 2 morning MK days last month and this is what it looked like. With a 4 and almost 2 year old and we weren't in line for the first ride until 10 both days and we left by 1sh.

Day 1:
Buzz lightyear (no FP)
Winnie the Pooh (FP)
Seven Mine (X2 with rider switch and FP)
Tea Cups (for the baby with no SM)
lunch at BOG
Haircuts at Harmony Barber Shop (with reservations)
Meet Mickey (FP)

*If we had gotten there earlier we could have easily added something like astro orbitor, speedway, little mermaid.....

I was able to get a 4th FP for Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom which we used after our "break" which we also saw ROL and were back at the hotel by 830.

Day 2:

Pirates (no FP)
Thundermountain (X2 with rider swap and FP) baby played in splash playground
lunch at the Plaza
Tomorrowland speedway (FP)
SMT (x2 with riderswap and FP)
*We ended up leaving after this as the baby had fallen asleep but I still had a FP for barnstormer I think

*We could of very easily knowcked out jungle cruise, aladdin, and haunted mansion if we had gotten in the park by 9 (which we have done on previous trips)

 

[North of Mouse]

A friend with an AP who goes frequently with younger children suggested keeping it simple - no rope drop mornings,

Disagree! Smaller children usually do great first thing in the morning. Ours were always 'bright eyed and bushy tailed' first thing and were raring to do anything for action!! I would definitely take advantage of morning hours!

My preschoolers are always awake for RD anyway so we figure we may as well beat the crowd!