JTA sign up help

[Wdw1015]

First timer here!

We have 8:00 reservations at H & V in the hopes of getting a jump start for JTA sign-ups (currently a 9:00 opening for October). I've heard however, that HS tends to open early. What effect does that have on the "early" shot at sign-ups that the breakfast provided us?

If you are in the restaurant, how do you even know that they've opened if they decide to do it early?

Want to have all my bases covered as this is the one thing my boys absolutely have to do!

 

[jtowntoflorida]

We have always done the 8:00 H&V for the JTA signup advantage (including 3 times in 3 Octobers!). The last time we did it was in December '14 and we were the first ones to sign up for JTA and made it over to TSMM before the RD herd arrived. Basically, we ask for our check when we're seated and then head outside by 8:40. Because the characters are non-speaking and because it's first thing in the morning, and because H&V doesn't seem to be all that popular, 40 minutes is more than enough time to eat and meet the characters without feeling rushed, IMO. We then chat with the CMs who are stationed outside the restaurant until the park opens. The CMs will then release you to go to JTA. The cue that the park has opened is when the background music changes. When the CMs hear that, they'll let you head out.

If you want to stay in the restaurant until park opening, you'll start seeing people walking by when the park opens. It's pretty obvious since the park is totally empty before then. For us, we like to be outside and waiting for park opening. We've had some great chats with CMs during that time!

 

[Wdw1015]

Thank you so much for the info! This is exactly what I was looking for!