WHAT IS ROPE DROP?

"Rope Dropping" means being at the park before it opens. It makes security checks more efficient, gets you through the ticket gates faster, and lets you enter the park when it’s less crowded — perfect for photos and enjoying those early-morning vibes. We love being in the parks bright and early, having fun until we get hot or tired, and then taking a break back at the hotel during the busiest, hottest part of the day before heading back in for dinner, evening entertainment, and more rides.

HOW DO YOU ROPE DROP?

Plan to arrive at the security gate 30–45 minutes before park opening. Have your tickets ready to scan — it makes entry smoother for everyone. If your tickets are linked to a MagicBand, you can also use it at the turnstiles.

Once you get through security, head to the rope (yes, it’s literally a rope held by Cast Members — be kind!). They’ll hold their posts until a few minutes before official park opening. Music plays, and then guests are off to their first attraction of the day with lower wait times than usual.

Most people use this time for a “headliner” attraction so they can get it done before long lines form. After your first ride, it usually makes sense to hit other nearby rides before wait times increase. Another option is to go straight to a second high-demand attraction and hope the lines are still reasonable.

WHERE TO ROPE DROP IN DISNEYLAND

At Disneyland, the ropes are all set up at the hub in front of the castle. Head toward the side of the park you want to visit first. We usually go through Adventureland toward Indiana Jones, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and more.

Rides Worth Rope Dropping in Disneyland

• Tomorrowland: Space Mountain

• Fantasyland: Peter Pan or Matterhorn (Matterhorn sometimes opens later)

• Frontierland: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

• Adventureland: Indiana Jones Adventure

• New Orleans Square: Haunted Mansion (Holiday Overlay during season)

• Galaxy’s Edge (via Frontierland): Rise of the Resistance

• Toon Town: Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

WHERE TO ROPE DROP IN CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE

Unlike Disneyland, California Adventure has multiple rope drop locations depending on your first destination:

• Hollywood Boulevard: Head here if Guardians of the Galaxy is your target.

• Avengers Campus Entrance: Ideal for Webslingers.

• Cars Land Entrance: Radiator Springs Racers.

• Soarin’: Usually line up in front of Soarin’, but sometimes a rope blocks guests from going further than Fiddler, Fifer, and Practical Cafe. Wait there until it opens.

• Redwood Creek Area (near Little Mermaid): Access to Pixar Pier. If blocked, line up by Webslingers/Cars Land and walk over once the rope moves.

Rides Worth Rope Dropping in California Adventure

• Redwood Creek: Soarin’

• Hollywood Blvd: Guardians of the Galaxy

• Avengers Campus Entrance: Webslingers

• Cars Land: Radiator Springs Racers

• Pixar Pier: Incredicoaster or Midway Mania

WHAT IF WE MISS ROPE DROP?

No worries — Rope Drop isn’t for everyone. Kids are unpredictable, mornings are tough, or maybe you just slept in.

If you miss it, check current wait times and plan your morning from there. If the park is crowded and lines are long, purchase a Lightning Lane Multi Pass, book your first Lightning Lane, and snap some PhotoPass shots while you wait. Grab breakfast, soak in the atmosphere, and remember: there’s more than one way to enjoy a Disneyland morning.