Off site Rope Droppers Question

[RamKat77]

According to Google Maps, we are staying roughly 12 minutes from MK. So in the mornings, I'll round that up to 20...just in case. That being said, if we wanted to make it for RD (not necessarily the Welcome Show) which would be easier to take: the monorail or the ferry? Both of our MK days, it opens at 9 so I'm trying to determine the absolute latest we should leave our hotel to get there in time. The monorail seemed crowded even in mid January 2013 (the last time we have been to WDW)... So I'm just trying to get some advice!

1) What's the best transportation crowd-wise?
2) when should I plan to leave our hotel by?

Thanks for any opinions/help. Y'all have been awesome so far!!

 

[kj2mom]

I have been been trying to figure out the same thing. We are essentially staying off site across from Downtown Disney with a rental car and are trying to time RD for an 8am opening. It is our first morning there (we arrive at 6pm the night before) and also happens to be the 4th of July so we want to make sure to get some rides done in the am before it gets crazy. Having a hard time figuring out our timing!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

I would allow about 30 minutes from parking car to get to the gate. I would guess and it is only a guess that line for monorail would be longer than ferry

 

[dobtia]

We did this for years and we stayed at a timeshare very close to the property. Leave your 20 minutes drive. That early in the morning it is not so bad traffic and the roads are clearly marked. I would leave another 30 minutes to get through the gate, parked, everything out of the car, get on the tram and then load to transportation. We have done both the monorail and the ferry. I would say they are about a push. The monorail is express and is pretty quick if you get on right away. The ferry carries a lot of people and is quick right across. Problem with the ferry is it can be a bit of a wait if you just miss it.

I would leave at 8 if the park opens at nine and you should make it. Might see the show might not see much of it, but you will be there for rope drop.

 

[kj2mom]

Reading another thread, it seems the transportation starts at 7 so I guess I will just plan for us to be at TTC by 7 (assuming the parking lot opens prior to 7 when the park opens at 8?).

 

[RamKat77]

Thank you all! Getting up early on vacation is going to be a struggle but a necessary one. Looking forward to seeing how it all plays out. Thanks again, ya'll.