Hello Cheryle! Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
For many Walt Disney World Resort Guests, getting the most out of a day at any of the 4 Theme Parks means being there as early as possible.
Rope drop is the term used to refer to the official Theme Park Opening for Guests to enjoy the attractions and entertainment at Walt Disney World Resort. At Magic Kingdom, Cast Members used to hold a rope that kept Guests from rushing ahead and walk them to the various lands that lead away from the Hub in front of Cinderella Castle.
With the new
Let the Magic Begin Welcome Show that happens roughly 5 minutes before official Magic Kingdom opening , Guests are granted access to some of the shops and Main Street Bakery on Main Street, U.S.A. between 25 minutes to 45 minutes before the let the Magic Begin Welcome Show.
At the other Theme Parks, the rope drops are still used in many cases. When signing up first thing in the morning for the
Jedi Training Academy at Disney's Hollywood Studios Theme Park, a tactic like rope drop keeps Guests from bullying their way through others to sign up for the event.
When morning Extra Magic Hours are offered as a benefit to
Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, I have found that rope drop is less common as the benefit outweighs the need.
If you arrive 20 minutes before official Theme Park opening, you should be able to experience the thrill of rope drop at a Walt Disney World Resort Theme Park.
Have a Great Morning!
~Todd