If you’re looking for thrills at Disney World, you’re heading to Hollywood Studios. Whether you’re dropping into the Twilight Zone, escaping the First Order, or racing through Andy’s backyard, there is no shortage of thrilling attractions at this park. But with so many popular attractions in one place, wait times can go up fast.

The good news is that there is still a way to beat the crowds and hit all the main attractions at Hollywood Studios. But, how? Well, by being some of the first guests in line, of course! And, that, friends, is what we call “rope drop.”

A solid rope drop strategy can save you hours of waiting in line at Hollywood Studios, and in this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to pull it off. We’ll cover what rope drop actually means, which attractions to prioritize, when to arrive, and step-by-step strategies so you can hit the ground running during your 2026 trip!

What is Rope Drop at Hollywood Studios?

If you’ve done any Disney strategy research, you’ve probably heard the term “Rope Drop.” But what does rope drop actually mean?

The term “rope drop” refers to arriving at a Disney park at the official opening time. The name comes from the physical ropes Cast Members use to hold guests back before the park opens. When opening time arrives, the ropes “drop” and guests can head to the attractions.

However, rope dropping isn’t as simple as showing up right at the posted time. Disney actually allows guests to enter the park before the official opening. Cast Members let guests walk through the entrance and gather at designated holding areas. At Hollywood Studios, guests typically line up along Hollywood Boulevard near the Chinese Theater. Then, at the official opening time, Cast Members release guests to explore all the different lands.

The goal of rope dropping Hollywood Studios is to reach high-demand attractions before the lines build up. Rides that might hit 90-minute waits by mid-morning often sit at just 15 to 20 minutes at rope drop. Executing a successful rope drop is a satisfying feat and takes a bit of strategy, but boy, is it worth it!

Early Entry vs. Rope Drop: What’s the Difference?

Before we dive into the details of a success rope drop strategy, it’s important that we clarify a key source of confusion for first-timers. Rope drop and Early Entry are two different things!

Rope drop is available to everyone with a valid park ticket. It simply means arriving at the park at the official opening time.

Early Theme Park Entry, on the other hand, is a perk exclusive to 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 start riding select attractions early.

So if Hollywood Studios opens at 9AM, Early Entry guests can enter at 8:30AM and begin riding select attractions right away, including some of the park’s heavy hitters, such as Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. General guests can enter the park before 9AM but will be held at the rope until the official opening.

What’s Open During Early Entry at Hollywood Studios?

Almost all rides at Hollywood Studios open during Early Entry, making it one of the most valuable parks to use this perk. Attractions available during Early Entry include:

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• Slinky Dog Dash
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (available through March 1, 2026)
• Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Toy Story Mania!
• Alien Swirling Saucers
• Star Tours: The Adventures Continue

Keep in mind that most character greetings and shows are not available during Early Entry. Only rides operate during that 30-minute window.

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 Your Rope Drop Strategy Matters at Hollywood Studios

If you’re only going to rope drop one park, make it Hollywood Studios. Heading to Hollywood Studios early helps Disney-goers in all scenarios, whether you are a thrill-focused group or a group with young children!

Hollywood Studios is consistently known for its long wait times across nearly all of its attractions, whereas the other three parks typically have only one or two high-ticket rides with consistently long wait times. The good news is, Hollywood Studios has the smallest footprint of all four parks. That means that walking back and forth between different sections of the park is relatively easy, so you won’t have to plan your route based heavily on location, the way you might at Magic Kingdom or EPCOT.

A well-executed rope drop lets you knock out two or three high-demand attractions before 10 AM. That frees up the rest of your day for shows, dining, character meets, and the entertainment that often gets overlooked at Hollywood Studios!

Lightning Lane vs. Rope Drop: Do You Need Both?

Lightning Lane passes are Disney’s paid skip-the-line system. Understanding how they interact with rope drop helps you avoid overspending and maximize your day.

If you plan on purchasing Lightning Lane passes during your trip, it’s important to know that they come in two main forms at Hollywood Studios:

• Lightning Lane Multi Pass lets you book return time windows for multiple attractions throughout the day. This typically costs $25 to $45 per person at Hollywood Studios (prices vary by date). Most rides in the park are included.
• Lightning Lane Single Pass is a separate, per-ride purchase for the park’s highest-demand attraction, Rise of the Resistance. This typically costs around $15 to $25 per person.

There’s also a Premier Pass option that bundles everything together at a higher price.

The key to a successful Lightning Lane and rope drop strategy is to make sure you aren’t wasting your time rope dropping a ride that you’re already purchased a Lightning Lane for! For example, if you already have a pre-purchased Lightning Lane pass for Slinky Dog Dash set for 2PM, you’ll want to use your rope drop advantage for a different ride.

The best approach is to use rope drop to knock out one or two major attractions. Then use Lightning Lane for others throughout the day. This combo lets you experience the most rides with the least amount of waiting.

Purchasing Lightning Lanes is a surefire way to experience the most attractions during your time at Hollywood Studios, with rope drop enhancing that experience! However, it is totally doable to knock out Hollywood Studios’ most popular attractions without paying extra money for Lightning Lanes. You just need a solid rope drop plan!

Which Attractions to Prioritize at Rope Drop in Hollywood Studios

Not all attractions deserve your precious rope drop time. Focus your early morning energy on the rides that consistently build long waits later in the day.

Attractions to Prioritize at Rope Drop

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:

• Slinky Dog Dash
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• Rock N Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith (Closing for refurbishment March 2nd, 2026, reopening Summer 2026 Starring The Muppets)
• The Twilight Zone Terror of Terror
• Toy Story Mania
• Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

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:

• Alien Swirling Saucers
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• All Entertainment Shows

2026 Changes to Keep in Mind

Hollywood Studios is going through significant changes in 2026. Several closures and updates will affect your strategy:

• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith closes on March 2nd, 2026, for a reimagining. It will reopen in Summer 2026 as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
• Muppets Courtyard has already closed to make way for a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land (expected around 2027).
• Animation Courtyard is mostly closed for construction, with only The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure and Walt Disney Presents remaining open.
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run receives a major update on May 22nd, 2026, featuring a new storyline with The Mandalorian and Grogu. Guests will choose their own destinations, and engineers will interact with Grogu during the mission.

These changes mean that if you’re visiting between March and Summer 2026, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will not be available. Adjust your strategy accordingly!

Step-by-Step Hollywood Studios 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 a sample rope drop schedule that you can follow to help you strategize!

The Night Before

• Pack your park bag: Snacks, portable phone charger, water bottles, and any medications should be ready to grab and go.
• Set out your clothes: Morning outfit decisions slow you down. Know what everyone is wearing the night before.
• Confirm your transportation plan: Will you be driving, or using Disney’s transportation system? Each option has different time requirements.
• Finalize your rope drop plan: Everyone in your group should know which ride you’re heading to first. No morning debates!
• Set your alarms: Work backward from park opening to figure out your wake-up time. Account for getting ready, travel time, and security.

Sample Morning Timeline (9 AM Opening)

• 6:30AM – 7:15AM: Wake up and get ready. Grab a quick breakfast from your hotel room or pack protein bars and snacks the night before.
• 7:15AM – 7:45AM: Head to your transportation. If taking Disney’s Skyliner from a connected resort, factor in potential wait times for gondolas. If driving, account for parking and the tram or walk to the entrance.
• 8:00AM – 8:15AM: Arrive at Hollywood Studios security. Have your bags ready for inspection and your tickets or MagicBand accessible.
• 9:00AM (Rope Drop): Walk purposefully (don’t run!) to your first attraction. Don’t be intimidated by lines that look long. The queue moves quickly when a ride first opens.
• First 15 Minutes: Ride your top priority attraction. The queue will feel longer than it actually is since everyone is entering at once.
• 15-45 Minutes After Opening: Head directly to your second target attraction. Check the My Disney Experience app for wait times as you walk.
• 45-90 Minutes After Opening: Head to your third attraction based on current wait times. After this, you’ve completed the most valuable rope drop window. Start to slow your pace and enjoy shows, breakfast, or lower-wait attractions.

A Note on Rise of the Resistance Reliability at Rope Drop

Rise of the Resistance is arguably the best rope drop choice at Hollywood Studios. It is known for having wait times of 90+ minutes throughout the day, and you can often head straight to Slinky Dog Dash afterward. That lets you knock out the park’s two biggest wait times in the first hour of your park day. However, there’s a catch.

Rise of the Resistance experiences downtime at rope drop roughly 20% of the time. That means there’s a one-in-five chance the ride won’t be operating when you arrive.

Here’s how to handle that risk:

• Check the My Disney Experience app often. If Rise of the Resistance is down, that will be noted next to the attraction in the My Disney Experience app. The attraction opens for Early Entry guests, so it’s status should be accurate by the time rope drop approaches.
• Have a backup plan ready. If you arrive at Galaxy’s Edge and Rise is down, pivot quickly. You can hop in line for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (often a walk-on that early) and then head to Slinky Dog Dash. Or skip Smugglers Run entirely and go straight to Slinky, where the line grows with every passing minute.
• Don’t wait around hoping it reopens. Standing in Galaxy’s Edge waiting for Rise to come back online wastes your entire rope drop advantage. Make a decision within two minutes and move on.

Sample Hollywood Studios Rope Drop Strategy Routes for 2026

Different groups have different priorities. Here are optimized routes based on your party’s preferences.

Sample Thrill Seeker Rope Drop Route

Slinky Dog Dash → Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance → The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Best for: Thrill seekers, teens, and adults who want to maximize high-demand rides.

Note: Before March 2nd, 2026, you can swap Tower of Terror for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster if you prefer.

Sample Toy Story Land Rope Drop Route

Slinky Dog Dash → Toy Story Mania! → Alien Swirling Saucers

Best for: Families with young children, groups who want to enjoy the full Toy Story Land experience early.

Sample Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rope Drop Route

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance → Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run → Slinky Dog Dash

Best for: Star Wars fans who want the full Galaxy’s Edge experience. This route is especially exciting after May 22nd, 2026, when Smugglers Run debuts its new Mandalorian and Grogu storyline with upgraded interactivity and new destinations.

Important: Remember the reliability note above. Rise of the Resistance has roughly a one-in-five chance of being down at rope drop. If it’s not running, pivot to Slinky Dog Dash immediately.

Sample Sunset Boulevard Rope Drop Route

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror → Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster → Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Best for: Avoiding the majority of the crowds heading towards Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land. This is a great route for off-site guests without Early Entry.

Note: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster closes March 2nd, 2026 for its Muppets re-theme. If visiting after that date, replace it with Slinky Dog Dash or Toy Story Mania!

Sample Young Children Rope Drop Route

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway → Toy Story Mania! → Alien Swirling Saucers

Best for: Families with toddlers and preschoolers, or groups who prefer gentle rides with minimal-to-no height requirements.

Common Hollywood Studios Rope Drop Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Arriving Too Late

The entire point of rope drop is to arrive at/before park opening to secure low wait times. If you arrive too late (yes, even 30 minutes after park opening), you’ll risk missing those low wait times and spending more time in line than you needed to!

Mistake #2: Stopping for Photos at the Chinese Theater or Tower of Terror

These Hollywood Studios centerpieces are peak “Instagrammable photos.” However, they aren’t moving anytime soon! Don’t stop for pictures right away, no matter how tempting it might be. Remember, all those people you see stopping for pictures are now behind you in line!

Mistake #3: Not Having a Clear Plan

If you don’t have a plan for rope drop 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. Instead, be sure to select one or two high-ticket attractions your party is interested in, and head there!

Mistake #5: Not Checking Height Requirements in Advance

Nothing derails a rope drop like discovering your child doesn’t meet the height requirement for the ride you just speed-walked to. Check height requirements the night before and build your plan accordingly.

Here are the key height requirements at Hollywood Studios:

• Slinky Dog Dash: 38 inches
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: 40 inches
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: 48 inches
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: 40 inches
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: 38 inches
• Star Tours: 40 inches

Mistake #6: Waiting Too Long at a Broken-Down Ride

Ride breakdowns happen, especially in the first hour of the day. If your target ride is down when you arrive, don’t stand around hoping it reopens. Pivot to your backup plan within two minutes. You can always come back later.

Hollywood Studios 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. Two attractions at Hollywood Studios have no height requirements, making them the perfect first stops. Two great options with no height requirements are Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Toy Story Mania!

Additionally, for fast maneuvering around the park, be sure to bring a stroller!

For Thrill-Seekers

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is the most popular ride at the park, and it is a full-on thrilling experience, rather than a coaster-type thrill. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Slinky Dog Dash are the definition of a thriller, high-speed roller coasters, while Slinky Dog Dash is a family coaster with slower speeds.

Both are must-dos for guests looking for thrills. Rise of the Resistance is a longer attraction, so the line takes longer. Slinky Dog Dash typically has a longer wait time than Rise of the Resistance, but the ride is shorter, leaving the queue to move faster.

For First-Time Visitors

There is so much to do at Hollywood Studios that does not even involve rides, and many are overlooked! After experiencing the ride options the park offers, don’t skip the shows and entertainment. Some of the shows are on the longer side, running 30 minutes or longer.

That’s why rope drop is an excellent option for this park! But it can lead to a long day. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, pack some snacks, and stay hydrated. For more first-time Disney World tips, check out our complete guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

While rope dropping isn’t necessary to have a great time at Hollywood Studios, 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 Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments what ride you’re heading to first.