Cyndal BenulloAnimal Kingdom is the largest theme park in the world by size, but did you know the park actually offers the fewest number of attractions out of the four Walt Disney World theme parks? Additionally, Animal Kingdom is going through a significant transformation, with even more rides closed (or closing) in 2026 to make way for the new Tropical Americas Land opening in 2027.
With fewer attractions comes higher demand, so popular rides can have long wait times throughout the day. But what if you could beat the crowds and experience top attractions with minimal waits?
That’s where rope drop comes in! Arriving early puts you ahead of the crowds and opens up your entire day. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about rope drop at Animal Kingdom. You’ll learn what time to arrive, which attractions to prioritize, and how to build a winning strategy for 2026.
What is Rope Drop at Animal Kingdom?
If you’ve done any Disney strategy research, you’ve probably heard the term “Rope Drop.” But what does it actually mean?
Rope drop refers to arriving at Disney Parks at the official park opening time. It got its nickname from the actual ropes that block off sections of the park, which drop at opening time.
However, rope dropping isn’t as simple as showing up at opening time. Disney actually allows guests to enter the park before official opening and gather near the Tree of Life to wait for Cast Members to release them into the rest of the park.
The goal of rope dropping Animal Kingdom is to maximize your time in the park and knock out some normally high-wait-time attractions before the crowds have time to gather. In turn, you’ll be able to do more in just one day!
A successful rope drop takes strategy. But the payoff is well worth the early wake-up call.
Early Entry vs. Rope Drop: What’s the Difference?
Before we dive into the details of a successful rope drop, let’s clarify an important distinction that often confuses first-timers. Rope drop and Early Theme Park Entry are not the same thing.
Rope drop is available to everyone, and it simply involves arriving at the park at the official opening time.
Early Theme Park Entry, on the other hand, is a perk exclusively for guests staying at Disney World Resort hotels and select partner hotels. This benefit allows eligible guests to enter the parks 30 minutes before the official opening time and begin riding select attractions (note that not everything is open during Early Entry).
So if Animal Kingdom opens at 8AM, resort guests can enter at 7:30AM. During Early Entry, select attractions operate for eligible guests only. This includes Avatar Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey, and Expedition Everest. It’s important to note that Kilimanjaro Safaris does NOT open during Early Entry, but does open at the official park opening time. If you’re rope dropping, you can expect there to already be a short line at these attractions from Early Entry guests, but don’t let that discourage you!
Hotels That Qualify for Early Entry
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels:
All Disney-owned resorts qualify, including value resorts (All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, All-Star Sports, Pop Century, Art of Animation), moderate resorts (Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside, Fort Wilderness Cabins and Campsites), and deluxe resorts (Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club, BoardWalk, Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village, Riviera, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht Club) along with all Disney Vacation Club properties.
Select Partner Hotels That Also Qualify:
- Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve
- Shades of Green
- Four Seasons Resort Orlando
- Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
- Waldorf Astoria Orlando
- Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
- Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
- DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando
- B Resort & Spa
- Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
- Wyndham Lake Buena Vista
- Holiday Inn Orlando
- Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando
Why Does Your Rope Drop Strategy Matter at Animal Kingdom?
Animal Kingdom presents a few unique challenges that make rope dropping this theme park especially valuable compared to others.
Fewer Attractions Mean Longer Lines
With the park’s focus on animal exhibits and conservation, Animal Kingdom has fewer rides than other parks. This concentrates guests onto fewer attractions, creating longer wait times that often last the entire day.
Animals Are Most Active in the Morning
Many guests visit Animal Kingdom specifically for Kilimanjaro Safaris and the ability to see wildlife in action. However, you can spend a whole day here without seeing much of anything if you have the wrong strategy. Animals are most active in the cooler morning hours, especially on Kilimanjaro Safaris, so rope dropping gives you the best chance to see active animals on the savanna.
Florida Weather
Nearly everything at Animal Kingdom is outdoors, and Orlando is notorious for afternoon thunderstorms, especially during summer months. Knocking out must-do attractions in the morning protects you from weather-related shutdowns later.
Balance Your Day
Rope drop lets you tackle attractions in the morning. Then you can slow down and enjoy all the walking trails, shows, and animal exhibits that Animal Kingdom has to offer in the afternoon. This creates a more relaxed pace for your entire day and a better park experience overall.
Which Attractions to Prioritize at Rope Drop
Not all attractions deserve your early morning energy. Here’s how to focus your rope drop.
Top Rope Drop Priorities
Depending on your preference for thrill rides, family rides, or slow rides, here are some rides you’ll want to focus on at rope drop that usually have high wait times throughout the day:
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Na’vi River Journey
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Expedition Everest
Attractions to Skip at Rope Drop
While the rides listed above are notorious for high wait times, here are some rides that typically have shorter wait times throughout the day. Don’t waste your rope drop strategy on these rides:
- Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
- Kali River Rapids
- Festival of the Lion King
- Rafaki’s Planet Watch
2026 Animal Kingdom Changes to Know
Animal Kingdom is undergoing a significant transformation in 2026. And, while it means that a lot of exciting things are coming soon, these changes will affect your rope drop strategy if you’re visiting this year.
Dinoland U.S.A. Closure
Dinoland U.S.A. closed permanently on February 2nd, 2026. This includes:
- DINOSAUR
- TriceraTop Spin (closed earlier)
- Restaurantosaurus
- The Boneyard
- All Dino-Rama attractions
What’s Coming: Tropical Americas
The new Tropical Americas land (Pueblo Esperanza) opens in 2027. It will feature:
- An Encanto-themed attraction based on Antonio’s rainforest room
- A new Indiana Jones attraction unique to Disney World
- New dining and shopping
Rafiki’s Planet Watch Temporary Closure
In addition to these changes and closures, Conservation Station, Affection Section, and the Wildlife Express Train closed temporarily on February 23rd, 2026. The area reopens in Summer 2026 with a new Bluey meet-and-greet experience.
Impact on Your Strategy
With fewer attractions available in 2026, the operating rides will have even higher demand (a.k.a. longer lines). This makes your rope drop strategy more important than ever. Keep reading for our go-to rope drop strategy at Animal Kingdom in 2026.
Step-by-Step Animal Kingdom Rope Drop Strategy
Even though you are on vacation, there is still some prep work to do beforehand to ensure you make the most of your strategy plan. Here’s how to execute a successful rope drop at Animal Kingdom
The Night Before
- Check the My Disney Experience app for park opening time
- Set your alarms (account for getting ready and travel time)
- Prep your bags (snacks, chargers, waters, medications, etc)
- Lay out comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothes
- Have a transportation plan (will you be driving or using Disney’s transportation system?)
- Have a rope drop plan (where will you be heading first)
Sample Morning Timeline (8AM Opening)
- 6:00AM – 6:45AM: Wake up and get ready. Grab a quick breakfast at your resort or pack protein bars.
- 6:45AM – 7:00AM: Head to your transportation. If driving, aim to arrive at the parking plaza by 7AM. If using Disney buses, be at the stop by 6:45 AM.
- 7:15AM – 7:30AM: Pass through security. Have bags open and ready. Keep tickets or MagicBands accessible.
- 7:30AM – 7:45AM: Enter Animal Kingdom. Resort guests with Early Entry proceed past the Tree of Life. Non-resort guests wait at the designated rope drop area.
- 7:45AM – 8:00AM: Position yourself for rope drop. Know which direction you’re heading when Cast Members release the rope.
- (Rope Drop) First 15 Minutes: Walk quickly (don’t run) to your chosen attraction. Don’t be discouraged by lines that might look long. They move fast when rides first open.
- 15-45 Minutes: After your first attraction, head to your second priority. Check wait times on the My Disney Experience app to guide your decisions.
- 45-90 Minutes: Complete your third prioritized attraction. By now, crowds are building. Consider transitioning to a slower pace with breakfast, shows, or walking trails.
Sample Magic Kingdom Rope Drop Strategy Routes for 2026
Pandora – World of Avatar Rope Drop Route
Ride Order: Flight of Passage → Na’vi River Journey → Kilimanjaro Safaris
Best for: Groups with riders who meet height requirements, Flight of Passage enthusiasts
Animal Focused Rope Drop Route
Ride Order: Kilimanjaro Safaris → Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail → Flight of Passage
Best for: Guests prioritizing wildlife viewing, families with mixed ages
Thrill Seeker Rope Drop Route
Ride Order: Flight of Passage → Expedition Everest → Kali River Rapids
Best for: Teens and adults looking to maximize thrills first, animals later
Families With Young Children Rope Drop Route
Rider Order: Na’vi River Journey → Kilimanjaro Safaris → Festival of the Lion King
Best for: Families with children under 44 inches tall
Lightning Lane vs. Rope Drop: Do You Need Both?
Lightning Lane Passes are Disney’s paid skip-the-line systems. Understanding how Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Single Pass, and Premiere Pass mix with rope drop helps you avoid overspending.
If You Purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass for Flight of Passage
Don’t waste rope drop on Flight of Passage. Instead, rope drop Kilimanjaro Safaris or Na’vi River Journey and then use your Lightning Lane for Flight of Passage later in the day. This spreads out your must-do experiences
If You Have Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Check which attractions you’ve pre-booked with your Multi Pass. Then, use rope drop for attractions that are NOT included in your selections. This maximizes your coverage.
If You’re Skipping Lightning Lane
Rope drop becomes even more critical if you’re choosing to forego the add-on to skip the lines. If riding Avatar Fight of Passage is important to you and you don’t want to stand in a 90+ minute line, head here first when the rope drops.
Our Recommendation
For Animal Kingdom specifically, Lightning Lanes often aren’t necessary. The park has fewer attractions than other parks, and a solid rope drop strategy can accomplish most of your goals for free. Consider saving your Lightning Lane budget for Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios instead.
Common Animal Kingdom Rope Drop Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Arriving Too Late
The entire point of rope drop is to arrive at or before park opening to bypass the crowds and secure low wait times. If you arrive too late (yes, even just 30 minutes after park opening!) you’ll risk missing those low wait times and spend more time in line than you needed to!
Mistake #2: Stopping for Tree of Life Photos
The Tree of Life is a beautiful park centerpiece, no doubt. However, it doesn’t move. It will be there before and after you knock out some popular rides. Stopping for photos seems like a quick, painless idea in the moment. However, as you stand for pictures in the perfect spot (along with hundreds of other people), you’ll also see hundreds of people passing you, heading directly for the rides you want to go on!
Mistake #3: Not Having a Clear Plan
If you don’t have a plan for rope dropping the night before, you’ll be missing out on precious time. Standing around on the side of the walkway, checking your app, and discussing with your group what ride to go to next will waste way too many precious minutes.
Have a clear plan that everyone knows going into the morning, and maybe even a backup plan created.
Mistake #4: Choosing the Wrong First Attraction
Similar to not having a clear plan, choosing the wrong attraction first could waste precious time. Don’t rush to attractions that have continuously low wait times throughout the day. Instead, be sure to select one or two high-ticket attractions your party is interested in, and head there!
Animal Kingdom Rope Drop Tips for Different Groups
For Families with Young Children
If there are young children in your party, be sure to check the height requirements before developing your strategy. Luckily, two of the most popular attractions here don’t have height requirements! And, if you do have children who don’t meet height requirements but you still want to ride things like Flight of Passage, consider using Rider Switch.
Additionally, for fast maneuvering around the park, be sure to bring a stroller!
For Thrill Seekers
Avatar Flight of Passage is the most popular ride at the park, but it’s more immersive than it is thrilling. If you really want to get your adrenaline running, Expedition Everest is the definition of a thriller. It’s a high-speed roller coaster escaping the Yeti.
Both are must-dos for guests looking for thrills, and despite it not being a coaster, be sure to head for Flight of Passage first. The wait time will always be longer than the wait time for Expedition Everest.
For First-Time Visitors
Animal Kingdom is the largest Disney Park. That means you have a lot of ground to cover! However, it is also the best park to relax in. Be sure to research what attractions are important to your group before you head to Disney World, and keep in mind that animals are usually more active closest to sunrise.
With an early wake-up call for rope drop and a lot of park to cover, it can be a long day. Be sure to pace yourself and take breaks. You can check out our Animal Kingdom one day itinerary for a complete plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arrive about 45 minutes before the official park opening. If the park opens at 8AM, be at Animal Kingdom by 7:15AM. This gives you time to clear security and position yourself.
Yes! Waiting in line isn’t fun for anyone, especially excited children! Rope dropping, even the not-so-popular rides, can save hours in line throughout your day. Plus, kids are usually up early anyway!
Yes, anyone can participate in the process of “rope dropping.” Early Entry access is reserved for Disney resort guests only and allows them to enter the park 30 minutes before park opening.
Consider an evening strategy instead. Wait times often drop in the last two hours of the park day. You can also purchase Lightning Lane to skip lines without early wake-ups.
Eat before you head to the park. Grab a protein bar or quick breakfast at your resort. After completing two or three rope drop attractions, pivot toward a sit-down breakfast around 10 AM. Check out the best snacks at Animal Kingdom for mid-morning options.
It depends on your priorities. Flight of Passage has the longest waits and benefits most from rope drop. But Kilimanjaro Safaris offers the best animal viewing in the morning. If you have Early Entry, do Flight of Passage first, then safari at official park opening.
Have a backup plan. If Pandora attractions are down, head to Kilimanjaro Safaris instead. Check the My Disney Experience app as you enter the park for real-time ride status.
Final Thoughts
While rope dropping isn’t necessary to have a great time at Animal Kingdom, it definitely helps. Planning a rope-drop strategy can be the difference between waiting in minimal lines and waiting all day in line, and there is so much to explore!
However, if you do plan to rope drop, be sure to do some research beforehand. Whether you are purchasing Lightning Lanes, have young children in your group, or are a party full of thrill seekers, there is a route for everyone!
Comments
Do you plan to rope drop on your next trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments what ride you’re heading to first.
