The following tips will help you navigate the park opening procedures at Animal Kingdom. Note that Disney occasionally tinkers with its opening procedures, so the information here is subject to change.
- Animal Kingdom generally allows guests through the turnstiles around 30 minutes prior to official opening. They can walk through the Oasis to Discovery Island, where they'll be held behind a rope near the Tree of Life until about 10 minutes prior to opening. At that time, Disney cast members will lead guests to their first attractions.
- The rightmost turnstiles are reserved for character breakfast guests only and thus have no lines. However, once the other turnstiles start operating, all park guests are allowed through these turnstiles. To shorten your wait at the turnstiles, you may be able to hover near these "breakfast only" turnstiles and then jump in line quickly once the turnstiles start running for everyone.
- Since the paths of the Oasis are narrow, it is difficult to pass people. For this reason, it behooves you to be at the front of the pack at rope drop.
- If you want to ride Expedition Everest first, going through Dinoland U.S.A. to get to the attraction may get you there faster than following the cast members through Asia past Yak and Yeti.
More Rope Drop Tips!
- Disney World Rope Drop
- Magic Kingdom Rope Drop
- Epcot Rope Drop
- Hollywood Studios Rope Drop
- Animal Kingdom Rope Drop
