We used the Akershus strategy last Wednesday. We had an 8:20 reservation, we arrived in Norway at 8:05 and there were already 3-4 families in line, about 6-8 people total. We were let in to the restaurant at 8:25. We asked for our bill as soon as the food came out at 8:35ish, which seemed to boggle our server's mind a bit, but she complied. We shoveled down our food and hightailed it across the courtyard at 8:50. We were probably 25 people back in line, but one family in front of us was a group of 11 who only wanted meets for the kids and 2 adults, who were sisters named Anna and Elsa themselves, which I thought was kinda cool.
About 2 minutes after we got in line people mobbed the area. We did see running adults, but I think only 2 or 3 people from the rope made it back before the first hour line closed, the rest were those of us from Akershus. I think some families inside the restaurant must have realized what was happening and sent people outside to get in line. By 9:30, as we were entering the meet and greet ourselves, one CM remarked to another that the wait was up to 4.5 hours already. We were in and out by 9:35.
My 10 year old, who is going on 25 btw, thought that it was the best moment of her trip, and it re-ignited the desire to meet characters again, and get autographs, something she thought she was "too old" for before we went.
I will say though, I think those actresses are a little over this, if you catch my drift. They smiled, and interacted, but if you kept your eyes on them, you'd see them frown and make little irritated eyes as soon as the little one's faces were turned. I will also say that the Anna in the Festival of Fantasy parade looks and acts more like Anna from the cartoon, but Elsa is better at the meet and greet.
For those desperately searching for an Elsa gown, they apparently re-stock the Elsa dresses every morning in the shop adjacent to the meet and greet. They had two styles, one a little more elaborate than the other, and there were LOTS of them before the meet and greet started.
If you do the Akershus strategy, be sure to pay attention to the adult's faces when they are coming back to Norway and discovering the line for these girls. It is an entertaining way to pass the time. There are lots of dropped jaws and huge eyes. It just goes to show you how many visitors really don't read the Dis, and have absolutely no clue what they are getting into.