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Pandora Family Floating Mountains
  • On Apr 17, 2023
    Elisa from BC Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Gonna attempt rope-drop at Animal Kingdom. How early can we start lining up? Will we be allowed into the parking lot if taking uber?

    Well hi there Elisa, and welcome back to planDisney! 

    It's awesome to see a question come in from a fellow Canadian, and based on the great things you've asked our team over the years, I love the meticulous care and attention to detail that you put into each trip, no matter the Disney Destination! I must admit my husband is the resident rope-dropping guru in our family, and since we're currently hanging out at the Walt Disney World Resort at the moment, I can give you a few of my handy Princely Picks, Tips and Tricks on what our most recent experience was like at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park:

    • In our experience, we know that the key to a successful rope drop morning involves being at the forefront of any group being held until opening time; we were aiming to be among the very first few to enter through the turnstiles for an Early Entry time of 7:30 a.m. EST. There were already a fair few folks there when we arrived just after 6:45 a.m. who said that they had been able to enter the parking lot almost 90 minutes before the general opening time listed in the Park Hours. (I might note that your mileage may vary as there have been days where folks have been turned away for arriving too early, even in ride-sharing vehicles.) 
    • I spoke with a friendly Parking Attendant Cast Member who let me know that they typically have allowed drop-offs around an hour prior to the opening time. You might be happy to hear that depending on how close your driver can drop you off, this could end up being a shorter distance to the security checkpoint than many of the Disney Resort Bus Gates.
    • In order to best expedite your security screening process and potentially avoid a more thorough bag check, I recommend placing your items in a transparent bag or holding anything electronic, metallic or bulky out in front of you as you walk through the scanner so they can be clearly seen and identified.
    • I wish I knew where you'll be staying in order to determine whether you'll be eligible for the Early Theme Park Entry benefit for Disney Resort Hotel Guests. As long as you'll willing to camp out a little earlier (typically from 45 minutes up to an hour prior to the post Early Theme Park Entry time) for the Complimentary Resort Bus Transportation, this has more often than not been the most effective way to beat the crowds and be among the first, while avoiding some hefty surge pricing that Uber might have as a lot of fellow rope-droppers have the same idea.

    Even if you're not eligible for Early Theme Park Entry during this stay, the Cast Members will still allow you to queue up and wait for your appropriate entry time. Whenever possible, I recommend prioritizing Pandora - The World of Avatar to avoid lengthier waits throughout the day! You're always welcome back at planDisney to ask me any more great strategy questions ahead of your next adventure. 

    All the best on your future morning quest, and may you drop all the ropes!
    Prince

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Meet the Panelist: Prince, Ontario

Hello, Bonjour, Aloha and Ahoy there! As a performer and world explorer who's been to all of the Disney theme parks around the globe, I'm always happy to provide my best adventuring advice and knowledge to navigate your way to all of the greatest snacks, attractions and entertainment on land and at sea. Find me featured on the planDisney Podcast and on the Disney Parks Blog, discussing Disney Eats at festivals and beyond, holiday events at Walt Disney World Resort and planning my Disney Fairy Tale Wedding! Learn More About Prince

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