Rope Dropping at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Everything You Need to Know
If you’ve never taken advantage of early entry at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’re missing out on a fantastic way to maximize your day. As one of my favorite parks, Disney’s Hollywood Studios delivers thrilling attractions, immersive lands, and nostalgic charm, making it the perfect place to start your adventure early.
This park holds a special place in my heart, and it’s not just because of the rides (though they’re incredible!). Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the perfect blend of thrills, nostalgia, and Pixar magic. Tower of Terror and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster provide adrenaline-pumping excitement, while Toy Story Land is a dream come true for Pixar fans like me. Plus, with the upcoming Monsters Inc. Land, there’s even more to look forward to (stay tuned for a future blog post about that!).
Because of how much I love this park, it’s almost always one of the first two parks I visit during my trips, tied only with Magic Kingdom. Starting your day here with early entry is a no-brainer for thrill-seekers and families alike.
What is Early Entry?
Early entry is a perk exclusively for Disney resort guests, allowing you to access Disney’s Hollywood Studios (along with the other parks) 30 minutes before the park officially opens to the public. While 30 minutes might not sound like much, it’s a game-changer if you use it wisely. During this time, you can hit popular attractions with shorter lines or simply soak in the park’s atmosphere without the usual hustle and bustle.
Is Early Entry Worth It?
The debate over whether early entry—or "rope dropping," as it’s often called—is worth it depends on your priorities. For me, it absolutely is! Here’s why:
Shorter Lines: This is your chance to experience high-demand attractions like Rise of the Resistance or Slinky Dog Dash with minimal wait times.
No Lightning Lane Yet: Lightning Lane access starts at the official park opening, so early entry lets you enjoy attractions without using up your paid passes.
Peaceful Park Exploration: Not a fan of rushing to rides? Use this time to enjoy the park’s ambiance or grab a bite at select dining locations that open early.
When Should You Arrive?
Timing is everything when it comes to early entry. Here’s my recommendation:
To Be Among the First Inside: Arrive 1.5 hours before the posted park opening time. If the park opens at 9:00 a.m., aim to be at the gates by 7:30 a.m.
To Avoid Big Crowds: Arrive 1 hour before the posted opening time. For a 9:00 a.m. opening, get there by 8:00 a.m.
Arriving early might mean an earlier wake-up call, but trust me, it’s worth it. The quiet anticipation as you wait to enter and the excitement of stepping into the park before the crowds is an experience in itself.
What Attractions Should You Prioritize?
During early entry, you’ll want to focus on attractions that typically have long wait times. Here are my top picks:
Rise of the Resistance: This ride is wildly popular for good reason. If you’ve never experienced it or want to save $25 on a Lightning Lane single-pass, prioritize it. Standby waits often exceed an hour, so knocking it out early is a win.
Slinky Dog Dash: As one of the most beloved rides in Toy Story Land, this attraction’s Lightning Lane reservations can be tricky to snag. Early entry is a great time to tackle it.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: This charming ride is another high-demand attraction with consistently long lines throughout the day.
Tower of Terror & Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: If thrill rides are your priority, head straight to Sunset Boulevard and enjoy these two back-to-back. Many guests don’t think to start here, giving you a head start.
Other Early Entry Tips
Plan Ahead: Know which attractions you want to prioritize and have a game plan.
Stay Flexible: Crowds and wait times can vary, so be prepared to adjust your plan.
Enjoy the Atmosphere: Sometimes, the best part of early entry is simply soaking in the quieter, less crowded park vibes.
Final Thoughts
Hollywood Studios is a park that truly shines during early entry, offering an opportunity to jumpstart your day with thrills, nostalgia, and even a little magic. Whether you’re a Star Wars fan heading to Galaxy’s Edge or a Pixar lover like me reliving your childhood in Toy Story Land, this park has something for everyone.
So, set that alarm clock and make the most of your morning at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Hello, my name is Matthew and I hope you enjoyed this blog post. I am a travel planner specializing in Disney destinations and I would love the opportunity to work with you in planning your next magical adventure.
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