Need some strategy advice from the experts! :)

[Boy Mom x3]

Planning a few trips at once (horray!) and I have some questions. Thanks so much!

1. If we are entering HS on a EMH day and want to do Jedi training, will we be able to sign up right at 8, or do they not start sign ups until the park officially opens at 9? I really don't want to waste that first hour waiting in line, but we are going for a limited time to HS only one day and my kids really want to do this.

2. We have ADR for Hoopty Doo Review. Is seating already arranged or would we get a better seat if we got there earlier? We are doing a park that day and would love to stay until the last second possible.

3. If we are only going to do one late night (little ones that trip), what is the "best" night show? We've done fireworks/light parade at MK and love it... is that the best?

4. What are mid December crowds really like? Any advice (besides getting there at rope drop) to have an easier day?

5. It looks like the Writer's Shop in HS is closed. Is there anywhere else to get the infamous carrot cake cookie?

6. If we buy tickets for one trip (not staying in a Disney resort that trip), we can use them with our "old" magic bands, right? How do we do that?

Again... thanks so much!

 

[Robo]

Planning a few trips at once (horray!) and I have some questions. Thanks so much!

1. If we are entering HS on a EMH day and want to do Jedi training, will we be able to sign up right at 8...

2. We have ADR for Hoopty Doo Review. Is seating already arranged or would we get a better seat if we got there earlier? We are doing a park that day and would love to stay until the last second possible.

3. If we are only going to do one late night (little ones that trip), what is the "best" night show? We've done fireworks/light parade at MK and love it... is that the best?

4. What are mid December crowds really like? Any advice (besides getting there at rope drop) to have an easier day?

5. It looks like the Writer's Shop in HS is closed. Is there anywhere else to get the infamous carrot cake cookie?

6a. If we buy tickets for one trip (not staying in a Disney resort that trip), we can use them with our "old" magic bands, right?
6b. How do we do that?

Again... thanks so much!

1. Yes. At 8AM.
2. It is pre-assigned, regardless of when you arrive at Pioneer Hall.
3. We also love Fantasmic! and IllumiNations. I can't answer "what's the best" for someone I don't know.
AND... by December is is POSSIBLE that DAK will have the highly anticipated Rivers of Light in operation.
4. There is no longer a significant "down time" at WDW. You should experience everything from moderate to high crowds, depending on the park and the day of the week.
6a. Right.
6b. Just add the tickets to your MDE account and any MB that you have connected to that MDE account will work.

 

[tsme]

2. They seat you according to the tier you booked.
4. More crowded than September.
6. I think you just have to add tickets to your account. But you can call to double check that.

 

[Raeven]

2. Seating is assigned based on tier.
3. I think it is, but that's only an opinion. There's a lot of party nights in December though so it might be easier to go to another park.
4. We usually go in September too, and are doing mid december too so I guess we'll all find out! The crowd calender I use doesn't think it'll be too bad which is why I picked the dates I did.
5. I heard they added the food offerings to a lounge type area near maybe Sci Fi? I think the cookie is still available.
6. Yeah if they're linked on MDE.

 

[csjordan]

Writer's Shop still looked open when we walked by a couple of weeks ago!

 

[Boy Mom x3]

Hope so! I heard a rumor it was closing and then I didn't see it on the list of restaurants. Thanks!

Thank you all for the advice!!!

 

[Parker Clan]

Hope so! I heard a rumor it was closing and then I didn't see it on the list of restaurants. Thanks!

Thank you all for the advice!!!

The delicious carrot cake cookie is also at Sweet Spells in HS

 

[cdnjason]

Planning a few trips at once (horray!) and I have some questions. Thanks so much!

1. If we are entering HS on a EMH day and want to do Jedi training, will we be able to sign up right at 8, or do they not start sign ups until the park officially opens at 9? I really don't want to waste that first hour waiting in line, but we are going for a limited time to HS only one day and my kids really want to do this.

2. We have ADR for Hoopty Doo Review. Is seating already arranged or would we get a better seat if we got there earlier? We are doing a park that day and would love to stay until the last second possible.

3. If we are only going to do one late night (little ones that trip), what is the "best" night show? We've done fireworks/light parade at MK and love it... is that the best?

4. What are mid December crowds really like? Any advice (besides getting there at rope drop) to have an easier day?

5. It looks like the Writer's Shop in HS is closed. Is there anywhere else to get the infamous carrot cake cookie?

6. If we buy tickets for one trip (not staying in a Disney resort that trip), we can use them with our "old" magic bands, right? How do we do that?

Again... thanks so much!

1. Yes, you can sign up at 8am. I recommend getting to the gate around 7:30am.

2. Pre-arranged.

3. In my opinion, Fantasmic! is the best. Some will recommend other shows.

4. Disney seems to be crowded year round now. Go to the parks at rope drop, take an afternoon break and return to parks in the evening.

5. No idea. Sorry.

6. Yes, by linking those tickets to your MDE. If your MBs are linked with your MDE account, you are good to go. But, if your MBs are too old, I would get news ones to make sure you ride pics upload to your MM.

 

[Shanti]

Planning a few trips at once (horray!) and I have some questions. Thanks so much!

1. If we are entering HS on a EMH day and want to do Jedi training, will we be able to sign up right at 8, or do they not start sign ups until the park officially opens at 9? I really don't want to waste that first hour waiting in line, but we are going for a limited time to HS only one day and my kids really want to do this.

2. We have ADR for Hoopty Doo Review. Is seating already arranged or would we get a better seat if we got there earlier? We are doing a park that day and would love to stay until the last second possible.

3. If we are only going to do one late night (little ones that trip), what is the "best" night show? We've done fireworks/light parade at MK and love it... is that the best?

4. What are mid December crowds really like? Any advice (besides getting there at rope drop) to have an easier day?

5. It looks like the Writer's Shop in HS is closed. Is there anywhere else to get the infamous carrot cake cookie?

6. If we buy tickets for one trip (not staying in a Disney resort that trip), we can use them with our "old" magic bands, right? How do we do that?

Again... thanks so much!

2. Yes, Hoop Dee Doo Revue seating is pre-arranged. Be on time, but don't bother showing up way early. You can be at the end of the line for entrance & still be seated front & center- it's all about category & when you booked, not when you show up on the day of the show.

3. In my opinion, nothing can beat the Magic Kingdom's Main Street Electrical Parade, Celebrate the Magic, and Wishes evening line-up. This is totally subjective, though.