Hi Jamie! Rope drops at the parks are for the guests who don't need sleep!
To enjoy the experience of a park rope drop one must be up and going early. The parks publish opening times but these are often changed if crowds are building at the entrances. So to participate one must be there in plenty of time.
The
Magic Kingdom has a little show where they use the train. The characters come in on the train and there is a family of the day that helps to greet the guests and open the park.
Epcot keeps guests in the queue lines and there is music and confetti when the park opens.
Hollywood Studios is my least favorite of all four parks as you basically just move down the street and merge to the area you wish to head once the park officially opens. Here they will have ropes. My favorite opening is
Animal Kingdom. They will open the queues early and it is usually about 15 minutes ahead of the time published. You will then walk down the paths and cross the bridge where you stand before the great Tree of Life. There is a little music and then suddenly these gorgeous birds come flying from everywhere over your head. It is an amazing site and if you were to be at only one rope drop this is the one I would choose.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is an extra cost event. It will get you into the holiday spirit with the snow falling, music, and great parade. It is also a chance to enjoy some of the attractions without long lines.