Welcome show and rope drop question.

[johnrd]

I'm planning our first trip and have a question about the welcome show at MK. We'd like to watch the show and were wondering if we lose any strategic "rope drop" advantage by doing so? Also, do the other parks have similar opening shows?

 

[Virtucomp]

Only the Magic Kingdom has a welcome show. If you watch the show you are already through bag check and the ticket line. When the show ends your in the group at the front of the rope drop line or at least a part of it. No loss of RD advantage since you can't get in the park until the show is over.

 

[Greenfield1984]

Magic kingdom is the only one with a real show. I believe the other parks might have characters come out to greet you but that is it.

The magic kingdom show is, in my opinion the perfect way to start your day.

It's not a high production show but really introduces you to the fantasy world you will be entering.

As for lost strategic opportunity.
In order to watch the show you kind of have to be in the middle of the square at the entrance to really appreciate it.

So while no one can enter the park while the show is going on, by watching the show this way you arnt right up to the entrance gates so you won't be at the front of the pack when the park does open.

This is a minor issue unless you ate trying I hit the mine train first thing in which case it can add some time to your wait in line.

But really isn't a big deal. Watch the show

This is the perfect opportunity to take a step back from uber planning and just appreciate what is in front of you.

 

[linskypens]

I will say that two years ago we had an epic recovery from the back of the rope drop crowd( will admit to sprinting) to the front of the tomorrowland rope.depending on your willingness to walk really fast, and dart in and out of people (without being a jerk) it is possible to be all the way at the back (and I mean not even at the ticket gate, still in line for that) when the rope drops, and still recover.