I Asked 6 Disney Experts Which Magic Kingdom Ride They Rope Drop First — They All Said the Same Thing

If you only have Early Entry access to Magic Kingdom once, here’s the one ride every single expert agreed is worth it.

We asked six of our Disney experts here at AllEars what ride they rope drop first in Magic Kingdom — and, surprisingly, the answer was unanimous. But here’s the catch: the right answer depends on whether or not you have Early Entry. So we’re breaking it down both ways to help you make the smartest move when that rope finally drops.

If You Have Early Entry: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Every single one of our Disney pros said the same thing: rope drop Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, IF you have Early Entry access.

That’s because Mine Train is one of the rides in Magic Kingdom that actually makes Early Entry feel worth it. It consistently pulls some of the longest wait times in the park all day long, and once that line builds, it barely budges. It’s low capacity, slow loading, and super popular. Even 30 minutes after regular park open, you’re usually looking at a 60-minute wait (or more).

But during Early Entry? You’ve got a real shot at knocking it out in under 20 minutes if you hustle. It’s also family-friendly. So if you’re in a group with mixed thrill tolerance (or kids too short for TRON Lightcycle / Run), Mine Train gives you just enough coaster energy without terrifying anyone. Also, the theming is classic Disney — animatronic dwarfs, sparkly gem mines, and that peaceful post-ride scene in the cottage.

So, bottom line: if you’re eligible for Early Entry, go straight to Mine Train. It’s the ride that justifies that extra-early wake-up call.

If You Don’t Have Early Entry: Jungle Cruise

Now, if you’re entering with the rest of the regular park guests, don’t bother running to Seven Dwarfs — that ship has sailed. By the time the park officially opens, Early Entry guests have already filled that line and then some. Instead, our experts recommend heading straight for Jungle Cruise.

Why? Because Adventureland isn’t open during Early Entry, which means everyone gets access to it at the same time — that’s true rope drop. So when Cast Members lead the opening crowd from the hub to Adventureland right at official park open, you can be among the first to ride if you’re ready and moving.

Jungle Cruise is a sleeper hit when it comes to wait times. It might not get the early stampede like Mine Train, but the line builds steadily and stays long. Boats load slowly, and there’s a cap on how fast those skippers can tell jokes. If you don’t hit it early, you’re looking at a wait that can easily hit 60+ minutes, and the queue is one of the more humid, crowded spots to get stuck in.

Plus, there’s just something about doing Jungle Cruise in the morning. The jokes hit better. The energy’s good. The skippers haven’t yet done 300 back-to-back puns. So: no Early Entry? Make Jungle Cruise your move.

We put together an EXPERT rope drop guide just for you! You can download it for FREE by giving us your email below.

The Real Answer? Rope Drop What You Want

Here’s our honest take: if you’ve got a specific ride that’s your ride, don’t feel like you have to follow anyone else’s strategy.

Hate coasters? Then, who cares what the wait time is for Mine Train — skip it. If Peter Pan’s Flight is your nostalgic fave and you want to be one of the first to fly off to Neverland, go. If you’ve got toddlers and just want to knock out Dumbo and Winnie the Pooh before the crowds roll in, that’s valid.

The smartest rope drop plan is one that sets you up for your ideal Disney day, not just whatever has the longest line later.

So, What’s the Game Plan?

If you want to follow the expert playbook and have Early Entry, aim for Seven Dwarfs right at rope drop. Be ready to move fast — the early crowd heads there quickly, and that line builds in real time. But if you don’t have Early Entry, Jungle Cruise is a sleeper hit for rope drop. Quick to reach, doesn’t get the early stampede, and saves you a hefty wait later on. And if you just want to march to the beat of your own Magic Kingdom drum? That’s valid too. Whether it’s Dumbo, Peter Pan, or grabbing a cinnamon roll at Gaston’s, you do you.

Check back with AllEars again soon for more.

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What ride do you rope drop first at Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments!

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