Talk to me about Hollywood Studios rope drop

[mshanson3121]

So, I keep seeing that the rope drop at HS is beyond bone crushing insanity. I have no interest in experiencing that. And yet, at the same time, would like to be in the park as close to 9 as possible. We are not heading to TSL first, but rather to Celebrity Spotlight/Mickey & Minnie first.

So... given that, how do we avoid the long wait outside the park entrance, the insanity of that initial rope drop and yet still get in the park at a good time? What time would we want to arrive at HS?

 

[mesaboy2]

So, I keep seeing that the rope drop at HS is beyond bone crushing insanity. I have no interest in experiencing that. And yet, at the same time, would like to be in the park as close to 9 as possible. We are not heading to TSL first, but rather to Celebrity Spotlight/Mickey & Minnie first.

So... given that, how do we avoid the long wait outside the park entrance, the insanity of that initial rope drop and yet still get in the park at a good time? What time would we want to arrive at HS?

Show up about 15-30 minutes after park open. Most of the “bone crushing insanity” should be gone.

 

[mshanson3121]

Show up about 15-30 minutes after park open. Most of the “bone crushing insanity” should be gone.

As an aside, since MK now opens Main Street an hour early, I'm assuming there's no longer that huge crowd build up outside the gates now for rope drop there?

 

[mesaboy2]

As an aside, since MK now opens Main Street an hour early, I'm assuming there's no longer that huge crowd build up outside the gates now for rope drop there?

That is new since my last MK rope-drop experience, so cannot say. Seems likely, though.

 

[Minsc]

Agree with mesaboy2 on that being the best way to avoid the insanity. Otherwise, you have this:

"Conan! What is the best Hollywood Studios Rope Drop Strategy?"

 

[CouponGirl]

Agree with mesaboy2 on that being the best way to avoid the insanity. Otherwise, you have this:

"Conan! What is the best Hollywood Studios Rope Drop Strategy?"

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

Its really not that bad at all.
Even if you're not heading to TSL I'd still get to the park prior to RD so that you can swiftly move through the bag check.
Once they allow people into the park they will stop you at the corner. If not going to TSL I'd just hang back a ways and then walk to your destination.

 

[Justplainchy]

We rope dropped Star Tours the at HS on 3/16 and we avoided most of the insanity all together. When we got into the park (before park open), there was a mob being held toward TSL, and then smaller groups being held at the different access points around echo lake. As we approached these groups a cast member asked us where we were headed, we told them and they directed us to the right group. Once the park opened we were escorted by a cast member over. It was super civil and nice, but we weren't headed for SDD, so. Like Queen said above, I'd still get there before park open to maximize your time, and just go the opposite way of the press of humanity. They'll move by quick and you'll basically have the park to yourself!

Also: for MK the week of 3/15-3/23, they opened up main street at 8 and so no, there wasn't a huge press of humanity outside the gates. We went in, rode the Omnibus to the castle and had a really nice time watching the opening show before joining a group that was waiting for not SDMT. The packs of people were at the entrances to the land, so easy to avoid if you were willing to be patient. Hope this helps!

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

We rope dropped Star Tours the at HS on 3/16 and we avoided most of the insanity all together. When we got into the park (before park open), there was a mob being held toward TSL, and then smaller groups being held at the different access points around echo lake. As we approached these groups a cast member asked us where we were headed, we told them and they directed us to the right group. Once the park opened we were escorted by a cast member over. It was super civil and nice, but we weren't headed for SDD, so. Like Queen said above, I'd still get there before park open to maximize your time, and just go the opposite way of the press of humanity. They'll move by quick and you'll basically have the park to yourself!

Also: for MK the week of 3/15-3/23, they opened up main street at 8 and so no, there wasn't a huge press of humanity outside the gates. We went in, rode the Omnibus to the castle and had a really nice time watching the opening show before joining a group that was waiting for not SDMT. The packs of people were at the entrances to the land, so easy to avoid if you were willing to be patient. Hope this helps!

Just so everyone aware what you experienced at MK was not just because this is a busier time but rather it has been the normal operation for 2 years now.

 

[mshanson3121]

We went in, rode the Omnibus to the castle and had a really nice time watching the opening show

What is the Omnibus?

 

[mom2rtk]

What is the Omnibus?

Double decker bus on Main street.