Are you looking to maximize your experience during your next visit to Magic Kingdom? Rope dropping is the best way to get the most out of your visit and maximize your time while avoiding the lines, so let’s explore some of the best rides to head to directly after being let into the park. Of course, there is a fair amount of subjectivity to these picks, but we don’t think you can go wrong with any of these attractions we’ve listed.
What Is Rope Dropping?
Rope dropping is a term used to describe the process of arriving early at Disney theme parks in order to be among the first guests to enter. It involves arriving before the park officially opens, usually about 30 minutes before, and waiting for the “ropes” that separate guests from the entrance to drop. This allows visitors to get a head start on their day and experience some of the attractions with shorter wait times. Rope dropping is especially beneficial for those who are visiting during peak season when lines tend to be longer.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
There are two separate strategies to employ depending on your must-do’s for the day. For those that must ride either Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, or Space Mountain, early morning entry is an an excellent option to get in line for those attractions before the first wave of guests pile into line.
| Walt Disney World Park | Magic Kingdom Park |
|---|---|
| Location in Park | Fantasyland |
| Height Restrictions | 38 inch minimum |
| Age Interests | Kids to adults |
| Thrill Type | Thrill ride – small drops |
| Hours | Regular Park Hours |
| Wait Times | 60 – 120+ minutes |
| Accessibility Information | Must transfer from Wheelchair/ECV |
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is an exciting and family-friendly roller coaster at the Magic Kingdom Theme Park. Located in Fantasyland, this ride takes guests on a thrilling adventure through the diamond mine of Snow White’s seven dwarfs.
Riders climb aboard a motorized mine train car and take a winding journey around sharp curves and steep drops as they explore the depths of the mine. As they travel, riders view beautiful scenes featuring gems and jewels, friendly woodland creatures, and audio-animatronic dwarfs singing as they work.
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train offers plenty of excitement while still being suitable for younger ones who may not be able to experience larger roller coasters. Families can enjoy this attraction together without having to worry about who will be left behind.
Since its opening in 2014, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train has quickly become one of the most popular attractions at Magic Kingdom Theme Park. Guests love it for its unique blend of thrill and classic Disney storytelling that makes it a favorite for families around the world.
Peter Pan’s Flight
For those with little one’s in tow, stopping by the Fantasyland attractions first thing in the morning such as Peter Pan’s Flight or The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh could win you some much-needed goodwill with your kids. This is a great way to make sure those kiddos feel like their attraction wishlist is top priority without waiting through the high mid-day lines!
| Walt Disney World Park | Magic Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Location in Park | Fantasyland |
| Height Restrictions | Any Height |
| Age Interests | All Ages |
| Thrill Type | Slow rides, Small drops |
| Hours | Regular park hours |
| Wait Times | Medium to High |
| FastPass+ | Yes |
| Accessibility Information | Audio Description, Handheld Captioning, Must Be Ambulatory |
Peter Pan’s Flight is a classic Magic Kingdom Theme Park ride that transports visitors to the magical world of Neverland. Located in Fantasyland, this attraction takes guests on an aerial journey with Peter and Tinkerbell on their way to Neverland.
Riders board a flying pirate ship and soar over London before taking a smooth flight to visit many familiar characters from the story of Peter Pan, such as Wendy, John, and The Lost Boys. All of the characters are audio-animatronic figures who sing and talk during the ride.
The ride also features special effects such as mist, stars, and fireflies adding to the sense of realism and total immersion into Peter’s story. As riders reach their destination they are treated to stunning views of Neverland and scenes from the movie that kids and adults can enjoy together.
Peter Pan’s Flight is a beloved attraction for many Disney fans who have visited for generations, providing an enchanting adventure for all ages that captures the spirit of Disney storytelling.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Another great rollercoaster to head to in the morning would be Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, as it is a chart-topping attraction that sees consistently high wait-times. This will also put you into the Frontierland side of Magic Kingdom, which tends to be a bit less popular than Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.
| Walt Disney World Park | Magic Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Location in Park | Frontierland |
| Height Restrictions | 40 inches |
| Age Interests | Children to adults |
| Thrill Type | Adventure – Thrill Ride, Small Drops |
| Hours | Regular Park Hours |
| Wait Times | 45+ minutes |
| Accessibility Information | Must transfer from wheelchair/ECV |
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a thrilling outdoor roller coaster attraction located in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Theme Park. The journey takes guests on a wild ride through twists, turns, and steep drops as they explore the abandoned gold mine.
Riders climb aboard a runaway train car and experience a fast-paced adventure full of surprises. Along the way, guests pass geysers, waterfalls, caves and rocks as they wind their way around the mountain’s tight turns and winding tracks.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is sure to get your blood pumping! With its combination of high speeds and sharp turns, this out of control roller coaster provides plenty of thrills while still being suitable for all ages. Riders can also enjoy stunning views of the Rivers of America as they travel around the mountain’s base.
Since its opening in 1980, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been one of Magic Kingdom Theme Park’s most popular attractions for thrill seekers looking for an exciting yet family-friendly adventure.
Are there any of your favorite attractions to head to first thing in the morning that we missed? What are some of your favorite tactics for rope dropping at Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments!
We hope you enjoyed reading about our top 3 attractions for rope dropping at Magic Kingdom, as always, stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog for all the best tips on making your Disney vacation as magical as possible and all latest developments for Disney theme parks & Disney Vacation Club resorts.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
