Welcome, Ashley, to planDisney! It's our pleasure to assist you with every Disney detail for your upcoming visit.
For guests staying at a
Walt Disney World Resort hotel, including The Swan and Dolphin hotels and Shades of Green,
Lightning Lane purchases and selections can begin 7 days before your arrival date at 7:00 AM Eastern Standard Time. If you're staying off-property, you'll be able to purchase Lightning Lane and make selections 3 days in advance of your park visit, also starting at 7:00 AM Eastern Standard Time. So be sure to set your alarm clock to wake up a little before 7 am, 7 days before your arrival. Remember that the most popular Lightning Lane selections can go quickly!
Rope Dropping, Ashley, is a strategy for early risers and guests who want to beat the crowds, enjoy popular attractions first, and avoid the midday heat. At park opening, Cast Members may use a physical rope to hold back guests from certain areas until the park is officially open. This helps control the flow of guests, especially for high-demand rides like
TRON Lightcycle / Run at
Magic Kingdom or
Avatar Flight of Passage at
Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
My family often enjoys rope dropping at the theme parks so that we can enjoy a midday nap once the crowds and heat increase.
Have a wonderfully amazing time at Walt Disney World, Ashley! Please visit us again soon if you need additional help with planning every Disney detail! We're here to help!
Toodles,
Korliss