Written by Stephanie & Marci
What does the Disney term “rope drop” mean? We are so glad you asked. As seasoned agents, we frequently are asked this important question. Rope drop is the time frame in which each Disney park is officially open for the day. There is no physical rope involved in the process anymore, but this term has long been used to describe when park goers are allowed to pass through the gates. Taking advantage of this early morning strategy can ensure more ride opportunities.
While choosing which ride to conquer first, you will need to consider the ages of those in your group, ride height requirements and the level of adventure. Whether you are traveling with children or are a big kid at heart, be sure to factor in personal interests…for example, favorite Disney characters or movies.
To help you narrow down those rope drop rides, here is a list of our tried and true favorites.
Magic Kingdom
Snow White fans love this indoor/outdoor, smooth coaster, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which whips riders through a gem-filled mine as it tells the story of this classic fairytale. One reason that lines tend to build quickly is that this ride has a lower height requirement (38 inches) than some of the other roller coasters in Magic Kingdom. If your little ones don’t meet height requirements, you will want to cruise over to Peter Pan’s Flight to embark on a journey through Neverland.
Animal Kingdom
We tend to choose one of two options here depending on your party’s makeup. If you’re feeling adventurous and everyone is above 44 inches in height, you will want to head straight to Pandora to experience the fully immersive banshee experience, Flight of Passage. On other hand, if your crew includes little ones, you might want to travel instead by boat through Pandora’s glowing bioluminescent rainforest on Na’vi River Journey.
Epcot
If you are traveling with little snowmen or princesses that can’t wait to step foot in Arendelle, you will want to rush your way to Norway. Frozen Ever After is a picturesque journey aboard a Nordic vessel into the wintry world of Frozen. Personally, we recommend a hang gliding adventure that we like to refer to as a “vacation within the vacation”. Take flight on Soarin’ Around the World to experience the wonders of the world.
Hollywood Studios
Star Wars fans will use the force to guide them straight to Smuggler’s Run to get the opportunity to fly the Millenium Falcon like their buddy, Chewie. Marci would head straight to Andy’s backyard to Slinky Dog Dash. Toys above 38 inches will be thrilled as they twist and turn aboard this coaster that springs across Toy Story Land. As an avid Aerosmith fangirl, I would “walk this way” to Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster. This high-speed super stretch limousine launches riders from 0 to 45 MPH in 2.3 seconds.
No matter which option you choose, arriving early to each park and knowing your plan ahead of time will help you soak up every minute of the magic. Good luck on your rope drop adventure!
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