RopeDrop vs Stakeout: Disney Dining Alerts Compared

If you only need one alert, both are free. For a full trip's worth, RopeDrop is cheaper and runs longer.

By the RopeDrop Planner team. We make RopeDrop, so every Stakeout figure here comes from Stakeout's own site, checked 2026-10-16. Prices change, so confirm there before you pay.

Side by side

* Cost for watching 5 restaurants for the 2 months before a trip. Disney opens dining reservations 60 days ahead, so that's the window most people watch.

Pricing

Where Stakeout is better

• Text alerts, to up to 3 phone numbers.
• A well-established app: 4.9 stars from about 6,900 App Store ratings, on iPhone and Android.
• Alerts keep running after they fire, and there's a "Check Now" button.

Where RopeDrop is better

• 10 free alerts instead of 1.
• 25 alerts for $5.99 a month, against $24.99 for Stakeout's 60-day pass.
• Trip planning tools in the same account.

What RopeDrop doesn't do (yet)

We don't send text messages, we don't monitor hotel rooms or DVC villas, and we alert you rather than booking the table for you. Our dining alerts cover Walt Disney World, Disneyland and the restaurants inside Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea only. We check about every 6 minutes. If any of those is the deciding factor, Stakeout or another service in our full comparison may suit you better.

Common questions

Is RopeDrop cheaper than Stakeout?

For watching 5 restaurants for the 2 months before a trip: RopeDrop costs $0 on the free plan (10 alerts, push + email); Stakeout costs $24.99 (60-Day Vacation Pass). Competitor prices as listed on their own site on 2026-10-16.

Does Stakeout have a free plan?

Yes, 1 active alert. RopeDrop's free plan: Yes, 10 alerts (push + email).

How often does Stakeout check for reservations?

Not published. RopeDrop checks about every 6 minutes (measured median, nov 2026), around the clock.

Which resorts does Stakeout cover?

Walt Disney World, Disneyland. RopeDrop covers Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Resort (in-park restaurants).

Can Stakeout book the reservation for me?

No. RopeDrop alerts you and you book it yourself.