Sounds of Disneyland: The Rope Drop

The Rope Drop at Disneyland is the ceremony that takes place as the park is opening to the guests and usually starts 1 minute before the official park opening time. The ticket turnstiles at the entrance start letting guests in 15 minutes before the park opens, but ropes are draped across "the Hub" of Disneyland (the circular area where the statue of Mickey and Walt are) to prevent further travel until the exact time of the park opening. Guests line up in this area, some to the west who are headed to Fronteirland or Adventureland; some to the east who are intent on heading to Tomorrowland; and some to the north who are headed to Sleeping Beauty's Castle and the magical Fantasyland. As the park opening time approaches, you can feel the anticipation of the kids as well as many of the adults! At one minute before the park opens, an announcement plays over the park's PA system and during this announcement, Cast Members (employees of Disneyland) take down the rope and let the guests excitedly head to their destinations. Even if you don't care that the morning time is the least crowded time at Disneyland, even if you have an impossible time pulling yourself out of bed early, witness the rope drop at least once in your life time!

To listen to the rope drop/park opening audio, click the link below: