Never having done rope drop til this trip, I didn't know some characters did this. Our first MK day, we did rope drop and headed o Adventureland. We are a big group, so slow-moving, and we stopped for pictures.our first ride was Magic Carpets and Aladdin andJasmine came out and greeted everyone and got in our carpets with us! It was definitely a trip highlight! I'd say it must have been "near" rope drop, but definitely not the Carpets very first spin of the day.
Similarly, on our 2nd MK day, we did rope drop, but ambled down Main Street, peeked in on my nephew getting a first haircut in New Harmony Barbershop, took our time heading to fantasyland. We went on the carousel when lo and behold the stepsisters and step,other got on too! They are really hilarious! So, again, rope drop, but not immediately first thing they were there.
Don't know if it's rlevant, but our first day was Monday and 2nd was a Friday.