Rope Drop question

[Aliceacc]

I think I read somewhere that last winter, DHS started letting people through the turnstiles--and into the park-- 30 minutes before the posted time. And taht the trickle of people through the turnstiles acted to slow the crowds

Does that still happen? Just at DHS or at other parks too?

Anyone have any recent rope drop info they want to share?

 

[WillAustin]

When we were there a couple of weeks ago, DHS started letting people in about 8:35 and Epcot opened about 8:45. Neither one has the second internal rope anymore.

 

[Robo]

Here's what's been happening within the past few months:

Only MK still offers a Rope Drop SHOW along with an inside-the-gates holding area.
MK Gates open approx. 15 min. "early."
But, the Rope Drop show is timed so that guests will actually enter the PARK very near the
actual opening time.

DAK no longer offers a Rope Drop SHOW,
but still has a "rope" (guest holding area) at a location past the Oasis, near the Tree of Life.
DAK Gates open approx. 15 min. "early."
But, the rope is held in place, and is finally dropped at a time that guests
will actually enter the PARK a bit before the actual opening time.

DHS no longer offers a Rope Drop SHOW, AND no longer offer an inside-the-gates holding area.
DHS Gates likely open approx. 15-30 min. "early."

Epcot no longer offers a Rope Drop SHOW, AND no longer offer an inside-the-gates holding area.
Epcot and DHS Gates open approx. 15 min. "early."

AM EMH entrance times seem to not be affected (figure entering 2-10 minutes before the AM EMH time, as usual.)
On AM EMH days, MK will offer some form of their Rope Drop Show
(may or may not be the "full show")
only for AM EMH guests,
and no show at all for the regular hours open time that morning.

As always, for better positioning in the crowds, arrive well before the posted opening time at all parks.

 

[Zuzu03]

I really, really like the earlier gate opening times. A few weeks ago DD and I were at rope drop for all of the parks. It made it so much less frantic at the exact opening time by letting guests get in and where they wanted to be a few minutes early!

 

[Aliceacc]

Here's what's been happening within the past few months:

Only MK still offers a Rope Drop SHOW along with an inside-the-gates holding area.
MK Gates open approx. 15 min. "early."
But, the Rope Drop show is timed so that guests will actually enter the PARK very near the
actual opening time.

DAK no longer offers a Rope Drop SHOW,
but still has a "rope" (guest holding area) at a location past the Oasis, near the Tree of Life.
DAK Gates open approx. 15 min. "early."
But, the rope is held in place, and is finally dropped at a time that guests
will actually enter the PARK a bit before the actual opening time.

DHS no longer offers a Rope Drop SHOW, AND no longer offer an inside-the-gates holding area.
DHS Gates likely open approx. 15-30 min. "early."

Epcot no longer offers a Rope Drop SHOW, AND no longer offer an inside-the-gates holding area.
Epcot and DHS Gates open approx. 15 min. "early."

AM EMH entrance times seem to not be affected (figure entering 2-10 minutes before the AM EMH time, as usual.)
On AM EMH days, MK will offer some form of their Rope Drop Show
(may or may not be the "full show")
only for AM EMH guests,
and no show at all for the regular hours open time that morning.

As always, for better positioning in the crowds, arrive well before the posted opening time at all parks.

Robo, you're a lifesaver. Thanks so much!

 

[kristin08]

Do they open the International Gateway at 8:45 too?

 

[Robo]

Do they open the International Gateway at 8:45 too?

Generally, the IG is open in sync with the Epcot front gates.