Rise, Shine & Rope Drop: Your Magical Game Plan

If you want to unlock the ultimate Disneyland advantage, it all starts before the gates even open. Rope dropping at Disneyland is one of the simplest ways to save hours, ride more, and kick of your day feeling ahead of the magic. And better yet, it doesn't require anything fancy. Anyone can do it with just a little planning and an early start.

So what exactly is rope dropping? Rope dropping means getting to the park before it officially opens, so you are ready as soon as guest are allowed in the lands. Waking up early on vacation might not sound ideal to most of us, but you are going to want to trust us on this one and rope drop at least once on your Disney trip, because this tool can be a total game changer. And here's why:

• Ride more in less time (often 2–4 rides in the first hour!)

• Avoid the longest lines of the day

• Start your day feeling relaxed instead of rushed

• Set yourself up for a smoother, more magical day

Rope Dropping can truly make a difference in your Disneyland Day. Below is our Pixie Dust guide to make the most out of rope dropping.

Have A Plan

While it is important to always be flexible on your Disney trip, it is just as important to know exactly where you are going when the park opens. Wandering=wasted time. Head straight to your top priority ride especially rides that tend to have longer lines throughout the day. Take pictures, grab food and shop later. The magic will still be there.

Remember that Disney has a "no running" policy. If a cast member sees you running, they will ask you to slow down. But that doesn't mean you can't move with a purpose. Know where you are going and go with the flow keeping mind of busy walkways versus back pathways.

Stack Your Morning Wins

After you complete your first attraction, head straight to your second one, keeping in mind of where it is. The closer, the better.

By mid morning, you'll have already accomplished more than most guests. That is your cue to slow down a bit, grab a snack, enjoy a show or take in the atmosphere.

✨EXTRA PIXIE TIPS

• Keep an eye on wait times through the Disneyland App

• Prioritize the rides that matter most to you

• Keep your plan simple. Don't overcomplicate it

  

✨PIXIE DUST RECCOMENDATIONS

• Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: This one is pretty controversial and most people will tell you not to do it, but honestly it has always worked for us. Throughout the day, this attraction almost always has a wait time of over 65 minutes. When rope dropping, the line might look long, but it has never taken us more than 25 minutes to get to the first preshow. This can be a great option for those who want to knock this off their list early or those who don't want to stay late at the park when the wait time lowers.

  
  

• Radiator Springs Racers: While California Adventure does not have a designated rope drop like Disneyland, riding Radiator Springs Racers as soon as the park opens is still our recommendation. While this ride does have a single rider option, wait times for the normal standby line hovers around 90 minutes to 2 hours majority of the day. Keep in mind that this ride does not have the typical lightening lane either.

  
  

• Space Mountain: This is another popular attraction that often has long wait times over an hour. If this indoor rollercoaster is for you, rope dropping it might be your best bet for minimum wait times.

  
  

• The Incredicoaster: Disneyland's most intense rollercoaster often hovers around 50-95 minute wait times. Going in the early morning however, can decrease your chances of longer wait times or mid-day temporary closures.

  
  

• Your Favorite Attraction: While our list includes the top busiest attractions, we also understand that everyone's bucket list looks a little different and it is really all about having fun. That being said, you can never go wrong with the classics. There have been many times where Pirates of the Caribbean has been our go to first ride of the day.

✨Pixie Tip: If you are going to rope drop at least once on your trip, we recommend going on your first day. You'll only get more tired from there.

Remember that rope dropping isn't just about getting to wherever the fastest. It's about starting your day with more ease and excitement. Instead of feeling behind the crowds, you will feel ahead of them, with more time to enjoy the moments that make Disneyland so full of magic and special.

So set that alarm, grab your coffee, and get ready...because the magic is waiting for you bright and early.