Getting to the park early is a favorite strategy for many Walt Disney World guests, and how a park handles its morning opening can shape the first hour of your day. Disney’s Animal Kingdom recently updated its rope drop procedures, and as of July 23, 2026, those changes are now permanent. Here is a look at what has changed, how the new setup works, and what it means for your next morning at the park.
The Old Rope Drop Setup
Under the previous procedure, non-resort guests were held in the Oasis, the entrance area that leads to Discovery Island, until the park’s official opening at 8 a.m. This kept everyone bunched together in a relatively tight space while they waited.
Resort hotel guests had a head start. They could move past the Oasis and into the rest of the park for Early Entry at 7:30 a.m., giving them a 30-minute window before general opening.
What Has Changed
The main update involves where non-resort guests wait before the park opens. Rather than holding them in the Oasis, Disney now lets non-resort guests move onto Discovery Island during that pre-opening period.
The shift gives guests more room to spread out while they wait. Discovery Island offers more space than the Oasis, so the morning crowd feels less packed as everyone gets ready for the day to begin.
What You Can and Cannot Do While You Wait
It helps to know what is available during this waiting window. The shops on Discovery Island still do not open before 8 a.m., so you will not be able to browse or make purchases until official opening.
There is one worthwhile option to keep in mind. PhotoPass photographers are stationed near the Tree of Life during this period. If you want photos in front of the park’s centerpiece before the crowds fill in, this is a good chance to take advantage of a quieter setting.
The Three Access Points From Discovery Island
Discovery Island serves as the hub that connects to the rest of the park, and there are three access points leading out to other areas. Knowing where each one goes can help you plan which way to head once you are cleared to move on.
The first is in front of Island Mercantile, which leads to Pandora – The World of Avatar. The second sits in front of Zootopia: Better Zoogether! and takes you across the bridge toward Expedition Everest. The third is located at the former DinoLand U.S.A. bridge.
How Early Entry Works Now
Resort guests still receive their Early Entry benefit, and the check-in process happens at these access points. At each of the three locations, resort guests check in with Cast Members to head into the park for Early Entry.
Non-resort guests, meanwhile, wait in designated areas near these points until the park opens to everyone at 8 a.m. This keeps the two groups organized while still giving resort guests their early access.
A Note on Future Changes
While these procedures are now considered permanent, Disney can adjust them at any time. The exact steps are subject to change, so it is a good idea to check current details close to your visit rather than assuming everything will stay the same.
Final Thoughts
The updated rope drop at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a practical improvement for guests who like to arrive early. By moving the waiting area onto Discovery Island, Disney has given morning crowds more breathing room, along with a chance to grab early photos at the Tree of Life. Whether you are staying at a resort or visiting for the day, understanding how the new setup works can help you start your park day on the right foot.
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.
