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3 Signs Rope-Dropping May Not Be For You (And What You Should Do Instead)

guests with mickey mouse
Credit: Disney

If you’re a fan of visiting Walt Disney World, then you’ve probably heard of something called ‘Rope-dropping.’ While it’s a great strategy for those who want to see and do everything, it’s certainly not for everyone.

Unfortunately, rope-dropping is slightly more intensive than most vacation practices, and finding out it’s not for you through trial and error can be painful and exhausting. So, here are three signs that rope-dropping may not be for you and what to do instead!

mickey mouse and cinderella castle at disney world

Credit: Disney

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1. You’re Not An Early Bird

Rope-dropping involves waking up well before the Parks open and making your way to the entrance gates. That means waking up super early and taking advantage of Disney transportation (busses, Skyliners, boats, etc.) to make it to the gates 45 minutes before they open. Or before the metaphorical rope drops.

If you get there early enough, you’ll be among the first Guests entering the theme park, and you’ll have a better chance of experiencing the best rides before the lines get crazy long.

Instead, consider entering the Disney Park later in the day and staying until closing time. By then, much of the morning and afternoon crowds have already left, giving you a better chance to check off your must-see list without exhausting yourself.

cinderellla-castle-fab-50-character

Credit: Disney

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2. You’re Staying Off-Property

Even if you’re an early bird, it may not matter if you’re not staying on Walt Disney World property.

Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel can check into the Disney Park they’re visiting earlier than those staying at a non-Disney Resort hotel.

That means that even if you get up early, check-in, and arrive at the gates, you’ll still have to wait for the Disney Park to officially open before you can enter. At that point, it may not be worth it to rope drop! Instead, it may be better to get the extra rest and arrive right as the Disney Park opens (instead of arriving 45 minutes beforehand).

Slinky Dog Dash Rollercoaster

Credit: Disney

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3. You’re Not Interested In Experiencing the Biggest Attractions

One of the biggest reasons Guests rope drop Disney Parks is to experience the most popular attractions before the lines get too long. If you don’t mind waiting in lines or are not particularly interested in experiencing the most popular attractions, it may not be worth going through the trouble of rope-dropping.

Instead, focus on the live entertainment, the less popular attractions, the shopping, and of course, the delicious food!

Credit: Disney

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Rope-dropping isn’t for everyone, and that’s totally okay! If this hectic practice isn’t for you, it doesn’t make you any less of a Disney fan. Take the Disney day at your own pace, and you’re sure to have the best possible time during your visit!

About Isabella Reimer

Isabella Reimer grew up visiting Walt Disney World and relocated to Central Florida to be even closer to The Most Magical Place on Earth. She earned her Bachelor’s from Florida State University, where she studied Creative Writing and Women’s Studies. Her biggest hobby is bonding with the ikran at Avatar Flight of Passage, and her retirement plan includes becoming the 1,000 Happy Haunt of the Haunted Mansion.