Opening of DL Question

[Iggipolka]

I just need some clarification on DL opening without EE.

If the stated opening time for DL is 9:00, does this mean that the gates actually open at 8:30 and people can hang out on Mainstreet until rope drop at 9:00?
OR
Does it mean the the gates open at 9:00 and people hang out on Mainstreet until rope drop at 9:30?

Thanks!

 

[spazzyjazzy]

When we went a couple of weeks ago the rope drop was at 10 and they let us in at 9:30 to hang out.

 

[EnnEss]

Last time I went at opening (last december) they let us in about a half hour before opening time, but only on main street, then they dropped the rope at the advertised opening time.

 

[funnygarcia]

They do the half hour before on Main Street and then the rope drop.
If it's an 8 am opening, then they open gates at 8 am, no rope drop, no extra time on Main Street (for a non EE day). On a 8 am opening EE day they have a few gates that are for EE only (all the other gates are closed), right before 8 am they switch all the gates to general entrance.

One tip I read was to stand in line for an EE gate, it will turn to a general entrance gate at 8 am, the line will be much shorter than the others.

Alos, look for lines that have a planter/tree in front of them. They are the gates closest to the middle. When you are in a long line you might not notice it at first, but the line splits around the planter. Those lines are quicker than others.