I have some confusion about when you can go through the opening gates and when "rope drop" is to allow guests access to the rides.

If Disneyland park hours are listed as opening at 9 AM, when do the gates open and when is rope drop? I thought from our previous trip that you could spend some time on Main Street before the rope drop. If it is an EE day does that effect the regular entrance time?

Also, I seem to remember that Soarin' Over California was open earlier than the rest of CA Adventure. Is this still true?

Thank you for your help! It is sad how my memory of these details have faded since our last visit!

Disneyland - If the park opens at 8am, there is no rope drop. The turnstiles open at 8. If the park opens at 9 or 10, turnstiles USUALLY open 30 minutes prior, and rope drop is at park opening.

DCA - Turnstiles open 30 minutes prior to opening. There are ropes up blocking to the Hollywood area and off towards the pier, but Soarin is open.

Thank you for the clarification Malcon10t! I appreciate the reply.
-Jamie