"Rope Drop" at Disneyland: Start Your Day with Disney Magic!

At Disneyland Resort, “Rope Drop” refers to the exciting park-opening moment when guests get early access to lands and attractions. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of it!

Step 1: Security Screening Before you reach the gates, all guests go through a security check. This includes a bag check and a quick walk through metal detectors. To keep things smooth, have all bag compartments unzipped and ready, and empty your pockets. Security lines are often shorter in the early morning, so arriving early means a quicker start to the day!

Step 2: Entry Gates

Next, head to the entrance gates, where Cast Members scan your ticket. For multi-day ticket holders, Disneyland takes a photo of each guest on their first day for easy re-entry throughout your visit. This is also a great time to pick up a park map and the day’s schedule if you like having a physical copy!

✨ TIP: Early admission for certain ticket holders and hotel guests starts 30 minutes before official park opening. If you're eligible, this is a fantastic way to enjoy a head start on popular attractions!

Step 3: Main Street, U.S.A. and Buena Vista Street

Both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park open select areas up to an hour before the official opening time. At Disneyland, you can explore Main Street, U.S.A., grab a coffee, or browse the shops. At California Adventure, Buena Vista Street offers a similar opportunity to relax, snack, and soak in the morning ambiance.

Step 4: “Rope Drop” Ceremony

Cast Members hold guests at the entrances to the various lands until official park opening. Sometimes, there’s an actual rope stretched across the path (hence the name!) or a line to stand behind. At opening time, a fun announcement welcomes everyone, and the “rope” is pulled aside, letting you walk—never run!—to your destination.

✨ TIP:: If you’re hoping to ride popular attractions like Peter Pan's Flight, Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout or Radiator Springs Racers, be strategic! Arriving early gives you a huge advantage in avoiding long waits. Early birds often head straight to these crowd favorites, so make your plan ahead of time.

Step 5: Lightning Lane Selections

If you've purchased Lightning Lane MultiPass for the day, you can start booking your Lightning Lane selections right at park opening. Popular attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! and Indiana Jones Adventure are great first picks to ensure shorter waits later in the day.

Why Arrive Early?

Arriving early means lighter crowds, shorter lines, and sometimes even a surprise character sighting! You may get to see Mickey and friends waving you in or enjoy a special welcome show, making for magical memories right at the start.

When to Leave Your Hotel: To be among the first at Rope Drop, aim to leave your hotel 60–90 minutes before park opening. This allows for transportation, security, and finding a good spot at the gates. Disneyland Resort hotel guests have the advantage of being within walking distance, making early access even easier!

Let’s Make Your Disney Day Magical!

As a luxury travel advisor specializing in Disney vacations, I offer complimentary planning services to help you maximize your time and create unforgettable moments. Reach out today, and let’s make your Disney dreams come true!

Sarah McClure, Luxury Travel Advisor