We all have our own strategies for navigating Disney World. Some of us like to get up early and get to the parks at rope drop (or even earlier for Early Theme Park Entry). Others like to get to sleep in, get to the parks later, and stay until park close.
We asked our readers to pick a side — and the open or close verdict was a near 50/50 split!
Rope Drop
Some of you consider the crowd levels throughout the day at Disney World to make your decision. AllEars Reader Rickey said, “Rope drop. I’d rather be sleepy with smaller crowds than tired with heavy ones.”
Maddie agreed, “Rope drop. The nighttime entertainment is on people’s Instagram lives, I don’t have to fight the post-fireworks crowd, and… for some reason, the bus wait after a long day at the parks feels even more agonizing than just getting on a bus back in the middle of the day.”
Being a morning person vs. a night person also helped some of you make your decision. Lisa said, “Rope drop. Because I’m an early riser no matter what. Rather rope drop & get to leave park fairly early than be at the park late & have to then get back to the hotel late to then wake up early again the next day.”
One reader, Tanis, just enjoys mornings more: “Rope drop, fresh morning air, smell of coffee, the sun just getting warm, the lineups … shoulda stopped while I was ahead.”
Catt said, “Oof. I have to be taken out of the park by force by family sooo this is difficult. Rope drop! You have the whole day ahead of you and your feet don’t hurt yet because of the adrenaline. 
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Stay Until Park Close
Others of you like to sleep in and get to the parks later. Some feel like the crowds are better if you wait until park close, like AllEars Reader Lisa, who said, “Closing – nights when the crowds have gone home to put the kiddos to bed is the truly magical time!”
Some of you just really appreciate riding certain attractions in the dark. Angie said, “Park close, for sure! More rides and less crowds that way and I love the rides when it’s dark:)”
Many of you just really love the nighttime spectaculars that generally happen before park lose. Dulcie said, “Park closing… the fireworks are more exciting 
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Finally, many of you liked that evenings in Florida are cooler. Justine said, “Park close.. I love the parks at night and it’s so much nicer without the sun beating on you.”
Both
Many of our readers refused to pick and have a strategy to do both without getting too exhausted during the day. AllEars Reader Brandie said, “Why pick? I’m taking a nap during the busy, hot middle of the day and then coming back for fireworks and one last ride.”
Danielle has a similar strategy: “My best day is rope drop, then leave from 11:30-4 to hang at the pool and take a nap. Then return to the parks till closing.”
Several of you even mentioned it depends on the park. Kara said, “At EPCOT and Animal Kingdom, rope drop. At Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, park close.”
We think you all made some very valid points. Be sure to follow us on Facebook to take part in more fun discussions — and check back with us here to see what everyone said!
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Which would you prefer if you could only do one: rope drop or stay until park close? Let us know in the comments.
If I could only choose to rope drop or stay late at night, I’d probably rope drop because it is usually less crowded in mornings and you can be the first to get in line for heavy hitter attractions. You can have a chance to get on attractions that gat long lines throughout the day.