Part of the magic at Magic Kingdom is Rope Dropping. Rope Drop is sometimes one of the busiest times at Magic Kingdom, but also a great time to go on one of the more popular rides. This is our guide for Magic Kingdom Early Entry and Rope Drop Guide.

Magic Kingdom Early Entry & Rope Drop Tips:

This post will give you tips to help plan your day at Magic Kingdom. Rop Drop and Early Entry are great ways to get in early and ride some of the rides with the longest wait times. Prioritize your Rope Drop with going to either Tron, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

How to Maximize a Full Day of Fun:

If you want to fit in the most magic possible during your Disney day, Early Entry and Rope Drop at Magic Kingdom are your new best friends. With just a little planning (and a little coffee), you can ride the biggest attractions before the crowds even arrive.

Here’s everything you need to know — plus tips to make it work even with kids in tow!

What Is Early Entry?

Early Theme Park Entry is a perk for all guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel (or select partner hotels). It lets you enter Magic Kingdom 30 minutes before the official park opening time.

How to Use Early Entry the Right Way:

1. Get to the park 45–60 minutes before Early Entry begins.
   That means if Early Entry starts at 8:30 AM, you should aim to arrive by 7:30–7:45 AM.
2. Use the resort guest entrance lanes.
   Cast Members will scan your MagicBand or phone to confirm you’re staying on property.
3. Only Fantasyland and Tomorrowland are open during Early Entry.
   So, plan your must-do rides from those two lands – like Tron or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Top Rides to Prioritize During Early Entry:

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Typically, the longest wait times of the day — this is THE Early Entry target. Everyone prioritizes this ride for Early Entry.
• Tron – The newest ride at Magic Kingdom that has a long wait times. This is quickly becoming the main Early Entry target.
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – In Frontier land, this is the refurbished Splash Mountain. If your plan is to ride this early, go to Frontierland as soon as it opens.
• Peter Pan’s Flight – The Classic Peter Pan dark ride, with typically an hour or longer wait time.
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – Great option for toddlers that averages about 45 minutes to an hour wait time.
• Jungle Cruise – Adventureland’s fun boat ride that averages about a hour wait time.
• Pirates of the Caribbean – This line can get long but the wait is mostly inside which makes it a good line for hot afternoons as well.
• Haunted Mansion – A classic dark ride on a Doom Buggy through a Haunted Mansion. Typically, this ride has a 45 minute or longer wait time.

Rope Drop 101:

“Rope drop” refers to being in the park before it officially opens to the general public — so you can enter the rest of the park the second it opens. Cast Members literally used to drop ropes; now they guide guests in waves.

Best Rope Drop Strategies:

If you used Early Entry for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train:
At official park open, head straight to one of the other big rides. Hopefully you can get there before the major crowds get there. If the wait times are low on some of the other higher wait time rides, maybe go that route.

• Tron Lightcycle Run or Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
• Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, or Haunted Mansion.

If you didn’t use/have Early Entry:
Rope Drop either of these:

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Line will still be shorter than later.
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – Furthest to go for rope drop, but it’s a great chance to get on with less wait time.
• Peter Pan’s Flight – Pretty close to where the rope is dropped.

Have little ones you want to prioritize rides for them?
Hit Fantasyland hard early. If you have kids who can’t ride the thrill rides then go for these first.

• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Dumbo
• Pooh

Pro Tips for a Smooth Morning with kids:

If you are getting to the park early with kids here are a few tips from Disney parents who are pro Disney planners.

• Pack snacks and drinks: Breakfast lines get long, and you’ll want to keep kids happy in those early hours.
• Bring a stroller: Even for kids 5–6 years old if you plan a full day. You’ll thank yourself at 3 PM.
• Use mobile order for breakfast: Sleepy Hollow, Main Street Bakery, or Friar’s Nook have mobile ordering available. Order as soon as you’re in line for your second ride.
• Take photos early: Before the meltdowns and heat hit take photos at the beginning of the day while everyone’s still clean, fresh, and smiling! 📸
• Don’t overdo it: Plan a midday break or sit-down lunch to recharge.

Getting to Magic Kingdom early might mean setting that alarm for 6:30 AM or earlier… but it’s 100% worth it when you knock out your top rides with little to no wait. You’ll avoid the crowds, save Genie+ dollars, and feel like a Disney pro.

Check out some of our other posts for Tips for your Disney trip:

The Best Disney World Character Dining Guide – Here is our full list of The Best Disney World Character Dining. All the character dining experiences available in the Disney World area in one post!

The Best Rides at Magic Kingdom – Everyone asks what the Best Rides in Magic Kingdom are, so here is our list! This is our Top Ten of the Best Rides in Magic Kingdom!

Animal Kingdom Top Tips and Secrets – Here is our list of Animal Kingdom’s Top 10 Tips and Secrets. Use this to help plan out your perfect day at Animal Kingdom! Even if you don’t follow our recommendations exactly, have a great trip!

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