Transportation questions for rope drops

[dr&momto2boys]

I'm usually on top of park plans and strategies, but we leave in 8 days and I'm way behind learning all the new info! Since it was "last minute" we're using DVC but hopping to 4 resorts (Riviera, CBR, BLT, and BCV) and staying 14 nights. There are 7 of us.

1. What time do we need to get to Hollywood Studios to be near the front of the line for 9am opening?
1b. Will the Skyliner get us there early enough from Riviera and from Caribbean Beach?

2. What time do we need to get to Epcot to be near front at 11am opening? (I've heard they start letting you in at around 10:20.) Will the Skyliner be able to get us there from Caribbean Beach at that time? What time does Skyliner start running?

3. I've heard it's tough to get to Magic Kingdom early enough to be near the front of the rope drop if you have to take a bus there. I've heard to be at the resort bus stop 1 hr and 15 min prior to park opening time to be on the first bus. Is this accurate?

4. Would we be better off clustering Hollywood Studios and Epcot days together when we're at Riviera. Caribbean Beach, and Beach Club and clustering MK days when we're at Bay Lake Tower? Or is it going to be fine to spread them apart like usual- we've already got our dining planned.

 

[Grumpy1995]

I have similar questions for our trip next month. I found blog posts on EasyWDW (search for “rope drop”) helpful, with photos and detailed answers to some of your questions.

 

[FinnsMom7]

Following along, one epcot day this trip and im torn between skyliner and taking an uber. We will be at pop but i want to be in park as early as possible, and starting with FW would be preferable over walking thru WS to FW, tradition is SSE as first thing we do.

 

[stellaneal]

following also

 

[sethschroeder]

Skyliner should be fine for HS to get there before opening not sure what time you need to line up or not.

With Epcot don't think you need to worry about rope Drop that being said I would take the Skyliner to HS and then walk or boat from there to be at Epcot 1 hour early.

 

[goofy4tink]

If it were me, I would head to the parks that had direct access from my resort. DHS/Epcot from BC, and MK from BLT. If you can do that, then you'll be in great shape. Walking is always the best idea. It should take about 20 mins to get from BC to DHS...walk over to BW, then cut through the pool area via the tunnel by Wyland Gallery.