We went the 1st MNSSHP this year and lined up at 5:45 and it worked out well. We were about the 20th group thru the line. Photo's only- no autographs....so the line moves fast.
Not sure my son would be able to manage an hour and a quarter wait Will possibly just do whatever M&Gs we can towards end of the party when (so I'm told) it gets slightly quieter for M&Gs
Yes, we got in at 5.30 last time and had our photos and were off to the party by 7 pm. They sometimes come out a few minutes before they are scheduled to. It was HOT sitting in the sun there, but we were 3rd in line and it meant we didn't waste too much party time which was worthwhile to us
Your other alternative is to wait until later in the evening as stated as lines tend to thin out then. Just check what time the characters are out until as they are not necessarily there right to midnight so don't leave it too late without checking first