There’s so much to do and see when you visit the parks at Walt Disney World. Many guests find “rope dropping” to be an essential tactic for their Disney vacations. Rope dropping a park means to arrive just before the park opens so you can be one of the first in the gates. This gives guests advantages when it comes to stepping in line for popular attractions and riding other rides with little to no wait at all. Each park has its own unique benefits when it comes to rope dropping. If you plan on visiting Magic Kingdom first thing in the morning during your next Disney trip then check out our rope drop guide.
Popular Attractions to Get in Line For
One of the biggest advantages of rope dropping Magic Kingdom is being able to get in line for popular attractions before the wait times get too long. Guests who are staying at a Disney resort can take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry and enter the park 30 minutes before other guests. Fantasyland and Tomorrowland are open during this time, giving guests the opportunity to get a head start on their day.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is one popular attraction that guests like to head toward first thing in the morning. Other attractions like Peter Pan’s Flight and Space Mountain can also develop long wait times as the day goes on. Rope drop is also a great time to ride attractions that typically have shorter waits before the crowds arrive. You might be surprised by just how much you can get done during your first hour or two at the park!
Breakfast Locations
If you arrive at Magic Kingdom hungry then there are a few places where you can grab some breakfast. Main Street Bakery is home to Starbucks coffee as well as breakfast sandwiches and pastries. This is a convenient option for guests who want to grab something quickly before heading to their first attraction.
Guests can also head to Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square for breakfast. Here you can enjoy items like waffles and other sweet treats. If you prefer to sit down and relax in the morning, Magic Kingdom also has character dining at The Crystal Palace where guests can enjoy breakfast alongside Winnie the Pooh and his friends. Starting your day with a good breakfast can be especially helpful when you have a full day of attractions ahead of you!
Popular Photo Spots
Early morning is also a great time to take photos throughout Magic Kingdom. While Main Street USA and Cinderella Castle will still be busy at rope drop, crowds can be lighter than they are later in the day. Guests can take advantage of this time to grab a few family photos before everyone gets tired from a long park day.
Cinderella Castle is an obvious choice for morning photos, but there are plenty of other great spots throughout the park. The castle hub grass, bridges surrounding Cinderella Castle, and areas throughout Fantasyland can all make great backgrounds. Taking your photos first thing in the morning also means you don’t have to worry about remembering them later!
Popular Character Meet and Greets
Meeting characters can be another fun way to spend your morning at Magic Kingdom. Mickey Mouse meets guests at Town Square Theater near the entrance to the park, making him a convenient character to visit as you make your way down Main Street USA. Guests can also find several characters throughout Fantasyland.
Princess Fairytale Hall is home to princess meet and greets, while Ariel meets guests at her grotto near Under the Sea- Journey of the Little Mermaid. Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Storybook Circus is another great place to meet characters like Minnie, Daisy, Donald, and Goofy. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for character appearance times during your visit.
Other Morning Activities
Rope dropping Magic Kingdom doesn’t have to mean rushing from attraction to attraction. The morning can also be a great time to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere of the park. Grab a cup of coffee and stroll down Main Street USA, explore some of the shops, or take some time to enjoy the details throughout Fantasyland before the park gets busier.
What do you like to do first thing in the morning at Magic Kingdom? Are you a rope drop family or do you prefer to sleep in? We want to hear from you in the comments below!
Featured Photo: Megan Woodard
Written by
Megan Woodard
Contributing Writer
Megan was born into a Disney family. Her first trip to Disney World was when she was only 18 months old. Now as an adult, Megan loves to share the magic of Disney with her family. Keeping up with Disney news and Disney World knowledge is a fun hobby for Megan. Disney World is her favorite place to be and continuously brings back her childhood joy.
