Rope Drop?

[larina]

I keep hearing it mentioned. I'm sure there's some thread about it I am just missing. But, what in the heck is Rope Drop?

 

[PinkBudgie]

On some days they open the gates early. You can go down Main Street as far as the rope that is across the street. At the time of park opening, they "drop" the rope and you can go where you want. Sort of like a small head start to the day.

 

[larina]

Thanks so much! I knew I wanted to know. How do you find the schedule for this?

 

[PinkBudgie]

That, I don't know. They don't do it on MMs. But during the summer, some days they did it and others they didn't. I'm thinking maybe on the days they expect it to be busy they have the rope drop. Maybe someone else can shed more light on this.

We discovered that we didn't need to be in the very very front at rope drop to get a short line at Peter Pan or Star Tours FP machine (2 popular arrival destinations) if we "walked with purpose". So I wouldn't stress. Even in the middle of the rope drop crowd, you are still way ahead of most other people who will be at the park that day. Just know where you want to go before you get there.

 

[skiingfast]

Thanks so much! I knew I wanted to know. How do you find the schedule for this?

I'm thinking maybe on the days they expect it to be busy they have the rope drop.

They let people in anywhere from 30 to 10 minutes early for Rope Drop.

They do them on busy days like Pink Budgie mentioned. Letting people in early to the end of Main Street allows more space for the waiting crowd. This way the DL lines doesn't fill up the Esplanade.

Also when let in for Rope Drop you can shop and gets snacks on Main Street.

Rope Drop does occur often for regular guests on Magic Morning days.


In DCA there is also a Rope Drop. DCA guests are allowed in 30 minutes early (9:30 when the official opening is listed at 10am). The can ride Soarin, get Soaring FPs, WoC show tickets, and later ride Little Mermaid. Guests wait for the Ropes to drop to get onto Paradise Pier for Screamin and TSMM.

 

[HydroGuy]

On some days they open the gates early. You can go down Main Street as far as the rope that is across the street. At the time of park opening, they "drop" the rope and you can go where you want. Sort of like a small head start to the day.

This is technically correct, but I think the meaning of rope drop has expanded beyond this. It is used as a general term at DLR and WDW to mean being in line when a park opens. Although they may not drop a rope on some days at some parks, it is still a catch-all term for being there at opening.

 

[larina]

Thanks for the info. I knew you all would tell me what I needed to know.

 

[WonkaKid]

Also when let in for Rope Drop you can shop and gets snacks on Main Street.

It's also very handy if you want to stow a backpack or other such things in a locker on MS. We always bring our own tea and snacks (cheese, nuts and the like). A locker is an essential for us.