Disney's Animal Kingdom Ditches Holding Areas for Rope Drop

Disney's Animal Kingdom has made its second change to rope drop procedures this year. The new system allows all guests, except those visiting Pandora - The World of Avatar, to enter the lands freely before the park opens.

In July, Disney implemented a change that allowed both Early Theme Park Entry and regular park day guests to enter through Oasis, with Discovery Island serving as the main waiting area. However, this new system removes the holding areas at Discovery Island, giving guests more freedom to explore the park before it officially opens.

The only restriction remains for Pandora - The World of Avatar, which is still exclusive to hotel theme park guests during Early Theme Park Entry. Guests without Early Theme Park Entry can line up on the bridge to enter the land when the park opens, with a cast member verifying their hotel reservation before allowing entry.