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Planning to rope drop Disneyland? You’re in the right place for ALL the tips and tricks. Many guests line up early at the gates in hopes of getting on their favorite rides before the crowds hit. But not all attractions are created equal when it comes to early morning value. And while Rise of the Resistance is often the headline grabber, it’s not always the smartest rope drop strategy, especially if you’re a repeat visitor or on a tight schedule.
This guide will help you make the most of those precious first hours in the park, whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth.
What Does “Rope Drop” Mean?
“Rope drop” refers to the moment the park officially opens to guests waiting just inside the entrance. Cast Members will hold guests at designated ropes or checkpoints in various lands, and once the clock hits opening time, the ropes are removed, hence the term.
This early window is prime time for maximizing short wait times. You can typically complete 2–3 attractions in the first hour with little to no waiting if you have a solid plan in place. It’s the best time of day for getting on popular rides, especially if you want to avoid purchasing Lightning Lane MultiPass, Premier Pass, or Individual Lightning Lanes.
Rise of the Resistance: Still a Top Pick?
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Galaxy’s Edge is one of Disneyland’s most ambitious and immersive rides, and yes, it’s still wildly popular. If it’s your first time visiting or you’re a huge Star Wars fan, it’s worth the rope drop hustle.
However, this attraction is known for occasional morning delays and technical issues. If you rope drop and it’s down, you’ve already lost precious time. On top of that, it’s located deep in the park, so you’ll need to move quickly if you want to beat the crowd heading that way.
Opt to rope drop Rise of the Resistance if:
- You’ve never experienced it before
- You’re skipping Individual Lightning Lane
- You’re staying close to the park entrance before opening and can be among the first in
If you’ve already ridden it before, you might want to use your early morning more efficiently elsewhere.
The Fantasyland Power Hour
Fantasyland is one of the smartest areas to rope drop, especially for families or Disney fans who love the classics. This land gets very congested mid-morning, but right after rope drop, you can enjoy multiple rides in rapid succession with almost no wait.
Start with Peter Pan’s Flight, which consistently builds a 30–60 minute wait later in the day. Then continue to Alice in Wonderland, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, and Snow White’s Enchanted Wish. You’ll easily knock out five rides in under an hour.
Fantasyland is especially great for:
- Families with kids under 10
- Guests who want to avoid walking long distances early in the day
- Those who appreciate Disney’s original charm
This strategy also gives you flexibility to grab breakfast or mobile order early while the rest of the park catches up.
For Thrill Seekers: Head to Space or Indy
If you’re looking to start your day with a shot of adrenaline, Space Mountain and Indiana Jones Adventure are two excellent rope drop picks. Both rides build long waits by 10:00 AM and are fan favorites for teens and adults.
Choose Space Mountain if you’re starting in Tomorrowland. The ride is right off the hub and tends to be one of the earliest options available to rope droppers.
Pick Indiana Jones Adventure if you’re heading through Adventureland, which is a slightly longer walk but usually has slower foot traffic, giving you a better chance of getting ahead.
Both are also great to target if you don’t want to rely on Lightning Lane MultiPass or Premier Pass, later in the day.
Return Visitors: Get Creative With Your First Hour
Already done the big rides? Your rope drop doesn’t have to be a sprint. Return visitors can take a more relaxed, strategic approach. Consider rope dropping:
- Character meet-and-greets like Mickey’s house in Toontown (lines fill FAST)
- Photo ops on Main Street or in front of the castle while lighting is perfect
- Jungle Cruise or Pirates of the Caribbean, which offer lower-key starts without sacrificing ride time
This is a great way to enjoy a quieter morning and skip the chaotic crowd heading toward Galaxy’s Edge or Tomorrowland.
What Not to Rope Drop
Not all attractions benefit from early arrival. Some rides have consistently short waits throughout the day, or they’re better saved for later. Avoid rope dropping:
- Haunted Mansion (waits are manageable most of the day)
- It’s a Small World (high capacity, minimal line issues)
- The Enchanted Tiki Room (set showtimes, not a ride)
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (usually better to use Individual Lightning Lane)
Save these for mid-morning, afternoon breaks, or when the sun is blazing and you’re looking for indoor entertainment.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Rope Drop
Want to make the most of your rope drop? Here are a few practical strategies:
- Arrive at the park gates 30–45 minutes before opening. Earlier if it’s a weekend or holiday.
- Use mobile order for coffee or breakfast while waiting in line.
- Know your target attraction and the fastest route to get there—don’t wander.
- Have a Plan B if your top pick is temporarily closed at opening.
- Bring layers, mornings can be chilly, especially outside peak summer.
A well-planned rope drop sets the tone for your entire day and helps reduce your reliance on Genie+ or long afternoon waits.
Let Us Help You Plan the Perfect Disneyland Day
Want to build a strategy that fits your group’s priorities and pace? That’s what we do best. Our travel advisors can help you:
- Pick the best park days
- Plan a personalized rope drop route
- Maximize Lightning Lane MultiPass or Premier Pass, or help you skip it entirely
- Save time and reduce stress