I found plenty of info about MK and their EMM, but little about HS and so I thought I would update. I am not sure how long they will last as they don't seem to be as popular as MK's, but thought it might help someone!
Our 6 year old really wanted to do JTA and I hated the idea of waiting in line forever just to run with many others and wait some more hoping for a good spot. I decided to book a PPO for H&V to help with that...but DS is not into Disney Jr. anymore, the reviews are pretty bad, and then when I read that some days they were not letting PPO people sign up before dining, I wasn't happy with that option either. I decided a week before our trip that if I was willing to spend $60ish on a crappy buffet, it wasn't that far of a jump to splurge and make a morning out of it as a surprise date for me and my son.
The most difficult part was finding out if we could get there. We were staying at the Fort and could not get a straight answer from anyone if the internal or park busses would be running early enough to get us there in time. It was super frustrating. We ended up waking up super early, waking the 20 minutes to the Outpost in the dark, and then figuring if a bus wasn't coming, we could have time to figure something out. I really wish Disney would communicate this better as I know others have been confused as well and someone we asked should've known.
Thankfully it wasn't an issue...a bus pulled up right when we arrived at around 6:35 am. He talked with us for quite awhile and we still ended up being the first to the park. We were at the gates waiting by maybe 7:10. People started showing up soon after though. The event was dead, I looked at the list and there was maybe 30 people signed up. We got wristbands and just after 7:45 am, they let us into the park. We strolled over to JTA and got signed up before anyone. It was so nice to get that out of the way.
We went over to TSMM and rode 5 times back to back, we didn't even have to get off the ride. We met Buzz and Woody next, strolled over to meet Mickey and Minnie, and then I braved Star Tours. I don't do well on motion simulators, but this one isn't bad at all. My son is a huge Star Wars fan and so I wish I would've done it again.
At this point, regular guests were entering. We went over to Launch Bay and were able to see Chewbacca and Kylo Ren in about 15 minutes total. We then headed to ABC Commissary for our breakfast. I thought there was a really nice selection and all were tasty. A big selection of fruit and danishes, sausage, bacon, frittata, cheesy potatoes, eggs, and the most amazing french toast sticks I have ever had! Plenty of beverage choices too. We stuffed ourselves and then headed out to meet my husband.
We had an absolute blast and I am so glad we did it. I was the biggest skeptic when these events were first announced, but it really was a unique and fun experience. Is it worth the money? I don't think it would be with young kids who couldn't keep up or appreciate it, or with large families. For a special experience for just the two of us though, I think it was.
Free free to ask any questions!
Our 6 year old really wanted to do JTA and I hated the idea of waiting in line forever just to run with many others and wait some more hoping for a good spot. I decided to book a PPO for H&V to help with that...but DS is not into Disney Jr. anymore, the reviews are pretty bad, and then when I read that some days they were not letting PPO people sign up before dining, I wasn't happy with that option either. I decided a week before our trip that if I was willing to spend $60ish on a crappy buffet, it wasn't that far of a jump to splurge and make a morning out of it as a surprise date for me and my son.
The most difficult part was finding out if we could get there. We were staying at the Fort and could not get a straight answer from anyone if the internal or park busses would be running early enough to get us there in time. It was super frustrating. We ended up waking up super early, waking the 20 minutes to the Outpost in the dark, and then figuring if a bus wasn't coming, we could have time to figure something out. I really wish Disney would communicate this better as I know others have been confused as well and someone we asked should've known.
Thankfully it wasn't an issue...a bus pulled up right when we arrived at around 6:35 am. He talked with us for quite awhile and we still ended up being the first to the park. We were at the gates waiting by maybe 7:10. People started showing up soon after though. The event was dead, I looked at the list and there was maybe 30 people signed up. We got wristbands and just after 7:45 am, they let us into the park. We strolled over to JTA and got signed up before anyone. It was so nice to get that out of the way.
We went over to TSMM and rode 5 times back to back, we didn't even have to get off the ride. We met Buzz and Woody next, strolled over to meet Mickey and Minnie, and then I braved Star Tours. I don't do well on motion simulators, but this one isn't bad at all. My son is a huge Star Wars fan and so I wish I would've done it again.
At this point, regular guests were entering. We went over to Launch Bay and were able to see Chewbacca and Kylo Ren in about 15 minutes total. We then headed to ABC Commissary for our breakfast. I thought there was a really nice selection and all were tasty. A big selection of fruit and danishes, sausage, bacon, frittata, cheesy potatoes, eggs, and the most amazing french toast sticks I have ever had! Plenty of beverage choices too. We stuffed ourselves and then headed out to meet my husband.
We had an absolute blast and I am so glad we did it. I was the biggest skeptic when these events were first announced, but it really was a unique and fun experience. Is it worth the money? I don't think it would be with young kids who couldn't keep up or appreciate it, or with large families. For a special experience for just the two of us though, I think it was.
Free free to ask any questions!
