Is my HS December day doable?

[caribbeandream]

Based on what's on the Disney website right now with some info from Tim Tracker's YouTube videos from last year this is my schedule for Saturday, December 8th:

10:51 am - arrive at MCO

Leave travel bag at POFQ front desk and go straight to park. (Suitcase will be delivered by ME.) - What would be the fastest way to get to HS?

streetmosphere / shopping / Santa photo?
Maybe do Frozen sing-a-long? - How long will I stand in line w/o a FP?

5:45 pm - tree lighting at Eco Lake
6:05 pm - Sunset Season's Greetings Projection Show
6:20 pm - ADR - Minnie's Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine
8:30 pm - Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Nighttime Spectacular

From what I have read Sunset Seasons lasts about 20 minutes and I should expect to be at Minnie's Holiday Dine 60-90 minutes for both the meal and the character interaction.

This will be a solo Disney day for me w/o Star Wars or rides for me.

 

[Delirium]

Any particular reason why you wouldn't use your 3 allotted FPs? While you probably would not need a FP for Frozen, since you expressed a concern about it and you are not doing rides, you may as well grab one for it.

 

[caribbeandream]

Any particular reason why you wouldn't use your 3 allotted FPs? While you probably would not need a FP for Frozen, since you expressed a concern about it and you are not doing rides, you may as well grab one for it.

Mostly because I don't want to decide which show I want to see until I'm actually there. If I don't actually catch it I'm perfectly fine with that.

 

[sharonabe]

5:45 pm - tree lighting at Eco Lake
6:05 pm - Sunset Season's Greetings Projection Show
6:20 pm - ADR - Minnie's Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine
8:30 pm - Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Nighttime Spectacular

From what I have read Sunset Seasons lasts about 20 minutes and I should expect to be at Minnie's Holiday Dine 60-90 minutes for both the meal and the character interaction.

You're supposed to be at your ADR place 10-15 min before your ADR. I'd save Sunset Season's Greeting for after you eat. It runs continuously through the night.

 

[xlsm]

you'll be fine with all of these, and you shouldn't have to worry about waiting too long for the Frozen show. I mean, it'll depend on when you arrive based on the next showtime, but it shouldn't be too bad. I agree with sharonabe about waiting until after dinner for Sunset Season's Greetings. It does run continuously, and would be more convenient later in the evening. I'd go check in for your dinner right after the tree lighting. Holiday time at DHS is the best, my favorite park decorations!! Sounds like you're in for a fun night, enjoy!

 

[gharter]

2 concerns:
1. I would book FPs for things you MIGHT want to do. If you don't show, they cancel. But it gives you a guarantee to see the things you want to do.
2. If Sunset Seasons is 20 minutes, that puts you 5 minutes late for your ADR. You are supposed to be there 5-10 minutes early. While unlikely, showing up late, they don't have to honor your ADR. Now if one person shows up on time, you should be ok.

 

[caribbeandream]

Is this better?

5:45 pm - tree lighting at Eco Lake
6:05 pm - ADR - Minnie's Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine
Sunset Season's Greetings Projection Show
8:30 pm - Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Nighttime Spectacular

 

[DisneyWishes14]

As others have said, I would book 3 FP+ even if you don't end up using them. You could book a Frozen FP+ and even modify it if you decide to go to a different show.

If you have time to kill, I would watch some of Sunset Seasons before your ADR. You can always go back to it. You don't need to be at H&V until 6:20 pm. There is zero reason to check in early and many time, if you show up too early, they ask you to come back.

 

[caribbeandream]

2 concerns:
1. I would book FPs for things you MIGHT want to do. If you don't show, they cancel. But it gives you a guarantee to see the things you want to do.
2. If Sunset Seasons is 20 minutes, that puts you 5 minutes late for your ADR. You are supposed to be there 5-10 minutes early. While unlikely, showing up late, they don't have to honor your ADR. Now if one person shows up on time, you should be ok.

1. For this particular trip I really just want to walk around and absorb the Disney/holiday atmosphere. The only thing I have not done before that I'm remotely interested in is the Frozen sing-a-long and even then I'm feeling rather lukewarm about it. I thought about going to TSL but I don't do roller coasters (especially not by myself!), I don't do spinning rides and TSM is no fun if you don't have someone to beat. I'm planning a 2020 trip for my son so I will be spending a lot of time doing Star Wars and TS stuff with him. This trip is about me. kwim?
2. I switched my ADR to 6:05! Now that I look at the order it feels less rushed already.

 

[caribbeandream]

As others have said, I would book 3 FP+ even if you don't end up using them.

I know this is blasphemy for those who love HS but there's really nothing I really *want* to do in that park - no Star Wars, no TSL, no ToT no RnR, no Belle/Ariel and certainly no Disney, Jr. I just want to walk around Hollywood Blvd. and Echo Lake and look at all the pretty Christmas decorations. Heck, what I'm really looking forward to crossing off my HS bucket list is going to Baseline Tap House and sampling all the beers!

 

[sapphirerose915]

I have a very similar evening planned at HS
Arrive at 5, go see Santa, watch Sunset Greetings, do a little shopping, then H&V dinner at 730. Its one of our Christmas evenings we have planned!! So I think your plan seems perfect!!!

 

[Mickey's Best Girl]

If it’s atmosphere you’re after I’d suggest giving Sunset Seasons Greetings more time. So yes, wait until after dinner.

It’s amazing. I could stand there and watch the projections for hours. There are a few different shows to see.

We also hung around Echo Lake much longer than I had anticipated.

I hated that the Osborne Lights were removed and nothing can compare (IMO) but this new Holiday “overlay” to the Studios is a very close second. I was impressed.