From Peter Pan to Powdered Sugar: A Disneyland Rope Drop Morning Done Right

You’ve probably heard the term “rope drop” tossed around on Disney pages and on TikTok. But what is it really, and why are people showing up to Main Street at 7am like it’s Black Friday in 2009? Let’s break down why rope dropping might just be the smartest move you make your whole trip.

The term “rope drop” refers to the first two hours after the park is open. You can enter the park about 30 minutes to an hour before the official park opening. Use this time to grab a coffee, shop, or grab a picture in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle (with no one in it!).

On my rope drop day, Disneyland opened at 8am, with Early Park Entry beginning at 7:30am. *Note - Early Entry is no longer available starting in 2026, but these principles can still be applied!

I left my hotel at 7:10am, and was in the park by 7:25am. You know you’ve nailed that early-bird timing when you stroll right through security with no wait! Walking down Main Street, I snapped a few quick pictures of the castle, and headed straight for the rides. 

To get the most bang for my buck, I decided to rope drop Fantasyland. There’s something magical about Fantasyland so early in the morning, almost like stepping straight into a storybook.

Pro tip: if Peter Pan’s Flight is on your must-do list, head there first. I was able to get on this big-ticket attraction in no time, flying from London to Neverland in less than 10 minutes. Next, I walked right on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, King Arthur’s Carousel, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant for a dose of nostalgia. I then traveled to Wonderland to hop on the Mad Hatter’s Teacups and Alice in Wonderland, two attractions that are bound to have steady wait times as the day goes on.

After checking off every Fantasyland favorite, I had enough pixie dust left in me for one more ride: the Matterhorn Bobsleds. This high-speed roller coaster is one of Disneyland’s most popular attractions, with waits often climbing higher than the mountain itself. I power-walked over to the Matterhorn, and guess what? No line. None. I walked right up, hopped into a bobsled, and before I could say “rope drop,” I was racing through the snowy mountain, narrowly escaping the Yeti popping out to say “good morning!” 

After conquering all Fantasyland has to offer, I made the only logical next move: Mickey beignets. Because what’s better than celebrating a successful rope drop with powdered sugar-goodness?

As I brushed the last of the powdered sugar off my shirt (and my phone, and my bag, and my Minnie ears…you get the idea) I realized just how special my whirlwind morning felt. Because honestly? If you can walk on eight rides before most people finish their morning coffee, you’ve basically mastered rope-dropping at Disneyland. 

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