Hollywood Studios is gaining popularity quickly! And because it’s one of the smallest of the parks – it gets crowded quickly too. Fear not, I’ve got a strategy for you. Hollywood Studios is divided into Animation Courtyard, Echo Lake, Mickey Avenue, Grand Avenue, Sunset Boulevard, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land.
What is Rope Drop?
Rope Drop is Disney Lingo for arriving before park opening to ensure that you are through security and at the gate the minute it opens. Some parks are known to open earlier than posted – so recommended arrival times vary. Back in the days of Walt, the parks opened with an actual velvet rope. Hence the term – rope drop.
PRO TIP: Disney Resort guests can get into the parks 30 minutes before the posted park opening time. It doesn’t seem like much, but it makes a big difference – trust me!
Why is Rope Drop Important?
If waiting in lines is not your jam, then getting to the park early will make you happy. You can accomplish more in the first two hours of your day if you rope drop, than in a whole afternoon of peak time.
It’s slower in the morning which means better photos, more opportunities for Photo Pass memories, and a little bit of quiet to sneak in a breakfast snack or coffee.
How to Get to the Park for Rope Drop
Disney resorts provide transportation from your resort to all of the parks. While it’s the most reliable and inexpensive way to get there, it might not always be the quickest. If time is of the essence, you’ll want to avoid the bus. If it’s the only option from your resort – try Uber, Lyft, or Minnie Van. If you’re ready to wake with the singing birds like a real Cinderella – then allow yourself 60 – 90 minutes to get where you want to be.
If you’re at a Skyliner resort, you’re in for a treat – a quick ride to the entrance. Find out which resort is best for you – check out this post.
- Caribbean Beach Resort
- Riviera Resort
- Pop Century Resort
- Art of Animation Resort
PRO TIP: Check the bus times in the MyDisneyExperience app and get on the first bus available.
What to Ride First at Hollywood Studios
At this park, it’s best to target a land, or area, that you want to start with. Most likely – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or Toy Story Land. If you want to avoid paying for Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lanes, prioritize rides in this order.
- Rise of the Resistance – Probably the most popular ride in the park, this ride offers Individual Lightning Lane (ILL) purchase. You’ll want to buy this first thing in the morning (ahem, 7am if you’re an on property guest) because it will sell out, or you can rope drop it. Wanna ride twice? Purchase ILL and Rope Drop.
- Slinky Dog Dash – this will fill the fastest (within minutes!), so book it right at 7:00am if you can!
- Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Smuggler’s Run
- Tower of Terror
- Rock n’ Rollercoaster
Rope Drop and Early Mornings Not Your Thing?
If early mornings are not your thing but you still want to get in all the rides, you’ll want to purchase all the Individual Lightning Lanes and Genie+.
PRO TIP: I offer detailed strategy flyers and graphics for Genie+, Lightning Lane, and Rope Drop to clients who book with me at Orange Grove Travel Company.
Find The Best Snacks at Hollywood Studios.
Have a little fun with a Skyliner Bar Crawl.
Learn How to Rope Drop other parks:
