Park opening when there's no rope drop?

[twinspluscade]

I have kind of a stupid question about park opening.

When there's no rope drop, do you still go through baggage check and have your ticket scanned BEFORE the park opens? Or is that why you need to be in line so early? I've been reading the line cutting thread, and don't quite get why it's necessary to be in line so early before park opening.

TIA!

 

[ballarinamom]

You actually go through security BEFORE you get in line. Security has a tent with tables set up for inspection. The one time check covers BOTH DLR and DCA.
The reason people get in line early is because the entrance line gets backed up. And if you want to get on the popular rides and get early fastpasses, you want to get INTO the park sooner than later. If you're one of the first to get through the entrance, you could get an extra ride under your belt before the people who arrive at gate opening

 

[twinspluscade]

Thanks for your reply!

Okay, so it sounds like they take/scan your ticket after the parks open, right? Like as you're walking in the gate? I can get then the need to line up so early. At WDW it was very different; you give them your ticket to scan before you get in the waiting area (right after the bag checks). So when the parks open you just walk right in; really no need to be in line at all.

 

[ballarinamom]

It's very much like WDW as far as security and the ticket gates. They are different on reagular days with rope drop. At WDW they hold you before the tunnels into Main Street. But DLR will let you into Main Street and the stores and rope drop starts at the hub