Rope drop?

PrincessJill · 09-21-2004

I keep reading posts that talk about rope-drop. I've never heard of that before.. can anyone tell me a little about what goes on? It sounds like something I should try to see the next time I go.

MerlinMatt · 09-21-2004

Hey Jill:

I see we've gotten you over your question-asking anxiety.

Rope-drop is the coolest, especially at MK. It's the opening ceremony that happens at each park.

EMH days don't have a big ceremony, but regular days do.

At MK, everyone gathers in front of the gates and the Mayor of Main St. begins the ceremony around 10 minutes prior to opening. There's dancing and singing and pixie dust.

I don't want to give it away, so that's all I'll say. DW was moved to tears when she saw it and I just thought it was one of the magical things I've ever witnessed.

Epcot has a ceremony which isn't nearly as cool, but I suppose it's worth seeing.

I've never seen what happens at the other two parks.

HTH.

**mickey** · 09-21-2004

Just as a bit of trivia. The term "rope drop" came from the fact that the Magic Kingdom used to open about 15 minutes before the stated time. You could have access to main street up to the hub in front of the castle. At that point, there were ropes that blocked access to Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Libery Square and Adventureland. At the strike of the clock, the Cast Members would drop the rope, and the race would be on.

That doesn't exist any more, now they have small shows near the entrances to keep people entertained until opening.

Davy Crockett · 09-21-2004

Thanks for the info Mickey, and Merlin Matt. I am glad to get a definitive on how the park opens.

This will be our first trip in October. I have devoured every good guide book out there; Unofficial 2005, Passporter, Birnbaum's, and Hassle Free.

In Unofficial 2005, the author mentions strategies for touring plans based on the two different opening scenarios. Rope drop vs main gate opening. But, based on your posts, it sounds like the days of allowing folks on Mains street prior to official opening time is a thing of the past.

I think I might have caught a post somewhere that alluded to 9-11 as the cause of this change. Do either of you know this? I am surprised that Unofficial Guide would still be talking about the two.

Can I assume that every park will not open the gates until opening time in my upcoming October trip?

Thanks much in advance. I really appreciated all your help and insight.

Baloo85 · 09-21-2004

Get there early and you can see one happen! It is exciting

gumby101 · 09-21-2004

I must say that in all of the many trips from D-Town to WDW, our last trip in February was the very first time I was able to see the "drop". Magical is an understatement. Simply amazing, and well worth getting to the park just that little bit early to see it.

Captgoodguy · 09-21-2004

I can't believe in all my years of going to WDW, I've never heard of this. It just goes to show that I can still be surprised by Disney!

I'll be checking this out next month to see what it's like.

**llama** · 09-21-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captgoodguy

I can't believe in all my years of going to WDW, I've never heard of this. It just goes to show that I can still be surprised by Disney!

I'll be checking this out next month to see what it's like.

Me too. I always assumed that "rope-drop" just meant opening the park.

PrincessJill · 09-21-2004

Thanks everyone for all your help!! You guys are great. :) I definitely won't miss it next time I go.

AlvaroLuis · 09-22-2004

I guess I'll have to check this out next January. Is the first time I hear about some sort of ceremony going on!

lisalovesmickey · 09-22-2004

This is something that sounds really cool. Are there any tips on when to get there or where to stand for optimal viewing?

Thanks a bunch!

Lisa

Pooh Fan · 09-22-2004

On our last 2 trips, my DD has been chosen to open Epcot and drop the rope. This is very special to her because Epcot is her favorite park. We have some special pictures and a certificate from each time commemorating the occassion. The CM's also give you special fastpasses to ride Test Track that do not have a set time or expiration for each member of your group!

CiliaWilia · 09-22-2004

That sounds like fun. Do they do this everyday?

Pooh Fan · 09-22-2004

Yes, as far as I know.

Captgoodguy · 10-30-2004

Thanks for this post! We made sure to get to the MK early enough to see it. We really enjoyed it and are still surprised that we didn't know about it after all these years. A new family tradition has been added to our list of things to do at WDW.

09-21-2004	#1 (permalink)
PrincessJill Princess In Training Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Wonderland Posts: 1,904	Rope drop? I keep reading posts that talk about rope-drop. I've never heard of that before.. can anyone tell me a little about what goes on? It sounds like something I should try to see the next time I go.

09-21-2004	#2 (permalink)
MerlinMatt DC Grand Poohbah Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Boston Posts: 3,370	Re: Rope drop? Hey Jill: I see we've gotten you over your question-asking anxiety. Rope-drop is the coolest, especially at MK. It's the opening ceremony that happens at each park. EMH days don't have a big ceremony, but regular days do. At MK, everyone gathers in front of the gates and the Mayor of Main St. begins the ceremony around 10 minutes prior to opening. There's dancing and singing and pixie dust. I don't want to give it away, so that's all I'll say. DW was moved to tears when she saw it and I just thought it was one of the magical things I've ever witnessed. Epcot has a ceremony which isn't nearly as cool, but I suppose it's worth seeing. I've never seen what happens at the other two parks. HTH. __________________ Erin's still my favorite.

09-21-2004	#3 (permalink)
mickey Administrator Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 6,229	Re: Rope drop? Just as a bit of trivia. The term "rope drop" came from the fact that the Magic Kingdom used to open about 15 minutes before the stated time. You could have access to main street up to the hub in front of the castle. At that point, there were ropes that blocked access to Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Libery Square and Adventureland. At the strike of the clock, the Cast Members would drop the rope, and the race would be on. That doesn't exist any more, now they have small shows near the entrances to keep people entertained until opening. __________________ Frank Costanza: You can drop a grand in Disney World, like that. My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Disneyland, 2008 I am riding the Matterhorn

09-21-2004	#4 (permalink)
Davy Crockett Mouseketeer Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 73	Re: Rope drop? Thanks for the info Mickey, and Merlin Matt. I am glad to get a definitive on how the park opens. This will be our first trip in October. I have devoured every good guide book out there; Unofficial 2005, Passporter, Birnbaum's, and Hassle Free. In Unofficial 2005, the author mentions strategies for touring plans based on the two different opening scenarios. Rope drop vs main gate opening. But, based on your posts, it sounds like the days of allowing folks on Mains street prior to official opening time is a thing of the past. I think I might have caught a post somewhere that alluded to 9-11 as the cause of this change. Do either of you know this? I am surprised that Unofficial Guide would still be talking about the two. Can I assume that every park will not open the gates until opening time in my upcoming October trip? Thanks much in advance. I really appreciated all your help and insight. __________________

09-21-2004	#5 (permalink)
Baloo85 DC JungleCruise Skipper Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: in denial on the Nile river Posts: 1,545	Re: Rope drop? Get there early and you can see one happen! It is exciting

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Rope drop?

09-21-2004	#6 (permalink)
gumby101 Mouseketeer Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: D-Town Posts: 69	Re: Rope drop? I must say that in all of the many trips from D-Town to WDW, our last trip in February was the very first time I was able to see the "drop". Magical is an understatement. Simply amazing, and well worth getting to the park just that little bit early to see it. __________________ 1998 Wilderness Lodge 1999 Fort Wilderness Cabins 1999 All Star Music 2000 Fort Wilderness Cabins 2001 Polynesian 2002 Grand Floridian 2003 Fort Wilderness Rented Motorhome 2004 Pop Century

09-21-2004	#7 (permalink)
Captgoodguy Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 405	Re: Rope drop? I can't believe in all my years of going to WDW, I've never heard of this. It just goes to show that I can still be surprised by Disney! I'll be checking this out next month to see what it's like. __________________ A former and future Annual Passholder from Indiana that has visited too many times to list here. Proud parent of Jingles The Wonder Dog.

09-21-2004	#9 (permalink)
PrincessJill Princess In Training Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Wonderland Posts: 1,904	Re: Rope drop? Thanks everyone for all your help!! You guys are great. :) I definitely won't miss it next time I go.

09-22-2004	#10 (permalink)
AlvaroLuis Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2003 Location: Panama, Rep of Panama Posts: 51	Re: Rope drop? I guess I'll have to check this out next January. Is the first time I hear about some sort of ceremony going on! __________________ Alvaro from Panama MK-1978,DL-1986,WDW-1990 thru 2004

09-22-2004	#11 (permalink)
lisalovesmickey Chef Disney Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,675	Re: Rope drop? This is something that sounds really cool. Are there any tips on when to get there or where to stand for optimal viewing? Thanks a bunch! Lisa __________________ I have a little Mickey in me! :) 1996 - All Star Music Resort 1999 - Port Orleans French Quarter 2008 - Wilderness Lodge Possible May 2010 POFQ!!!!!!!!!! Theres a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every day.....just a dream away. My Disney Countdown Counting down to: We will be makin' new magical memories in 531 days 4 hours 42 minutes

09-22-2004	#12 (permalink)
Pooh Fan Sweeter than hunny Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 1,880	Re: Rope drop? On our last 2 trips, my DD has been chosen to open Epcot and drop the rope. This is very special to her because Epcot is her favorite park. We have some special pictures and a certificate from each time commemorating the occassion. The CM's also give you special fastpasses to ride Test Track that do not have a set time or expiration for each member of your group! __________________ 1976 Disney World Offsite as a kid 1995 Disney Land Offsite 2002 Contemporary Resort 2004 All Star Movies Resort and Royal Pacific Resort at Universal 2005 All Star Movies and Hard Rock Hotel 2006 Beach Club and Hard Rock Hotel 2007 Beach Club and Hard Rock Hotel 2008 AKL Savannah View Concierge and Royal Pacific Resort Kid Suite My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Counting down to our Christmas trip. Disney, Universal, and the beach here we come! 13 days 21 hours 42 minutes

09-22-2004	#13 (permalink)
CiliaWilia Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Orange County, Ca Posts: 124	Re: Rope drop? That sounds like fun. Do they do this everyday? __________________ Help restore The Walt Disney Company back to the magical times, check out www.savedisney.com and help remove Michael Eisner. "We're restricted with the mouse. He's become a little idol. the duck can blow his top and commit mayhem, but if I do anything like that with the mouse, I get letters from all over the world. 'Mickey wouldn't act like that' they say." --- Walt Disney November 2004-POR-Riverside-First Trip at WDW

09-22-2004	#14 (permalink)
Pooh Fan Sweeter than hunny Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 1,880	Re: Rope drop? Yes, as far as I know. __________________ 1976 Disney World Offsite as a kid 1995 Disney Land Offsite 2002 Contemporary Resort 2004 All Star Movies Resort and Royal Pacific Resort at Universal 2005 All Star Movies and Hard Rock Hotel 2006 Beach Club and Hard Rock Hotel 2007 Beach Club and Hard Rock Hotel 2008 AKL Savannah View Concierge and Royal Pacific Resort Kid Suite My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Counting down to our Christmas trip. Disney, Universal, and the beach here we come! 13 days 21 hours 42 minutes

10-30-2004	#15 (permalink)
Captgoodguy Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 405	Re: Rope drop? Thanks for this post! We made sure to get to the MK early enough to see it. We really enjoyed it and are still surprised that we didn't know about it after all these years. A new family tradition has been added to our list of things to do at WDW. __________________ A former and future Annual Passholder from Indiana that has visited too many times to list here. Proud parent of Jingles The Wonder Dog.

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