Rope Drop ???s

[mandanjeremy]

Ok first what exactly does a 'rope drop' consist of? Is it just a bunch of people waiting to be the 1st ones in, or is there more to it than that? When do they begin, and is it worth, in your opinion, getting a 2 and 4 yr old out of bed for? And finally, is there a need to allow extra transportation time, if we take one of the Disney buses?

 

[dancin'girl]

We LOVE the rope drop ceremony at MK. You should get there a little early-we arrived 10 - 15 minutes before park opening and were fine. We went in Sept, so it wasn't busy at all. Don't know about other times during the year? They do a little show prior to park opening right outside the train station - then the characters came down and mingled with the guests. We were able to do pictures and autographs very easily. It was such a nice way to start the vacation. Brought tears to my eyes!

 

[mandanjeremy]

So, if MK opens at 9am then, then we should get there about 8:30?? Is that right?

 

[nessz79]

So, if MK opens at 9am then, then we should get there about 8:30?? Is that right?

Yup. The show at the MK is great...just make sure you go during a regular opening. When they have early admission (EMH Morning), they do a mini-version of the rope drop show...it isn't the same.

The regular show is great!

 

[tzolkin]

Yup. The show at the MK is great...just make sure you go during a regular opening. When they have early admission (EMH Morning), they do a mini-version of the rope drop show...it isn't the same.

The regular show is great!

Yes, we went to rope drop at MK 3 times on our trip-- all EMH. There wasn't much of a show-- just a few characters came out and waved, there was some confetti, and then we went in. But, for us it was still worth it to get the kids out of bed just to get to the park early. We were able to do all of Fantasyland and several other attractions with under 5 minute waits.

We didn't have any issues with extra time for the busses. At that time of day they were running tons of busses, so we actually waited less time for a bus even though there were more people waiting.

 

[badblackpug]

Ok first what exactly does a 'rope drop' consist of? Is it just a bunch of people waiting to be the 1st ones in, or is there more to it than that? When do they begin, and is it worth, in your opinion, getting a 2 and 4 yr old out of bed for? And finally, is there a need to allow extra transportation time, if we take one of the Disney buses?

To us it's an urban legend....kinda like bigfoot...other people have seen it....I'm not sure it exists!

 

[aidtrismommy]

We don't really go to rope drop for the "show", it is hard to see because of the swarms of people, etc. We get there for rope drop at the rope drop time, not before, in order to get some rides done before it gets too crowded. TIP, get to HS at rope drop to immediatly get a fastpass for TSM and then get in line to ride it. Fastpasses sell out extremely early and if you don't get one, you will have to wait in the insanely long line. Once in May, there were no fastpasses left at 10 in the morning. My kids are really little so they get up rather early, it is better for us to be in the parks early than stay late. So it works for us.

 

[PeterPanLover06]

I would definitely get there a little early for the rope drop ceremony!

I've done it several times with my family, and I love it every time! For my high school graduation we went to WDW, and we got to MK early for the rope dropping. It definitely added something more to it, I think. The ceremony was great, and having all the characters come out was really cool, too.

Oh yeah, and getting there early for fastpasses is good, too! They do sell out fast, and you need to make sure to go ahead and get all the ones you want to get!! Plan smart!

 

[brymolmom]

We're a rope-drop family, but not really for the shows. I agree with PP that it is tough to see with the layout often and too often it is too crowded up front so we just hang in the back. At EPCOT - it is often boring and hot waiting in the sun. However, we do it because we, without a doubt, are able to see/do more rides and attractions in the first hour and 1/2 than in the next few hours combined. It is the slowest part of the day. And I like to get things done early so we can go back for a swim in the hot afternoon.

So IMO it is NOT worth it if you're going just to see the 'show' - if you are going to be one of the first in the park to get lots of stuff done - then it is definitely worth it.

 

[mkel34]

The rope drop videos are on youtube. I personally think they are great and you really can hit a bunch of rides before the real crowds set in at that time.

 

[MyZoeJane]

Personally, I think you're crazy if you're NOT getting your toddlers out of bed to be at the parks first thing when it opens. For two reasons:

In my experience (of course every family is different) kids that age have more fun if they'e not exhausted by mid afternoon... and that means taking a break during the hottest part of the afternoon. (Well, even if it's not hot, a break makes for a wonderful morning AND a wonderful evening!)

If you get there first thing, you can see and do so much before the lazy sleeping people get out of bed and get there. THEN you LEAVE after lunch to go back to the hotel to swim, nap, and refresh.... By 3pm you're ready to head out again and enjoy the evening without being exhausted!

Rope drop is a must for us for these reasons AND because it's fun to watch the show they put on at park opening! (Just don't linger too long... get your booties out to enjoy the rides while the lines are still short!)

 

[sleepymomof4]

So, if staying off-site what time should we be in the parking lot for a 9am opening at the end of March? Thanks!

 

[MyZoeJane]

So, if staying off-site what time should we be in the parking lot for a 9am opening at the end of March? Thanks!

I'd plan to be pulling into MK by 8am at the latest. How far away from the park are you staying?

 

[dougsmom98]

We stay off site, and I like to get to the parks at 8:00 am for a 9 am opening. I have been there before the parking lots even open and been first in line to get in. So, you can tell I am a little obsessed with getting there at the rope drop. It allows us to get through security and through the finger scan without any stress or crowds. MK's rope drop is very cool because of the show. In Epcot, they allow you in to a certain point and then you are roped off. We are usually right up front and the characters come out and give hugs and high fives to those right up near the rope. The kids love it. It has been a while since we have done DHS and AK, so I am not sure what their openings are like. I think with little kids, you should arrive to the park for opening. There will be hardly any lines for the first few hours.

 

[DWFan4Life]

We usually get up early and be there 30 minutes before it opens. Kids are not problem because they are the one who really gets up early and excited for a day to happen.

 

[sleepymomof4]

I'd plan to be pulling into MK by 8am at the latest. How far away from the park are you staying?

We are staying in Terra Verde Resort. Owner says about 12 minutes from Disney, is MK first?