Pre-RD ADR & JTA Question

[sproutmd]

It is worth having an 8am breakfast at Hollywood & Vine in order to get in line early for JTA sign-up? Could we get in and out of there in a reasonable amount of time to get in line? Trying to weight the pros and cons of rushing, being tired, etc. How early should we plan to arrive? Thanks!

 

[Mac30188]

No first hand knowledge. My good friend has a little boy and he uses that strategy successfully to get JTA. I can't comment on how early to show up or details on what he does.

 

[sprousehouse]

We showed up at DHS at 8am for the 9am open, were first at the mickey readers and got the show we wanted - we were maybe 5-7 families back in the line. I would think that as long as you got there before 8:20 or so you would be fine. I suppose one parent could always leave breakfast and go sign up for JTA and come back - I'd rather do that than rush.

 

[mshanson3121]

It is worth having an 8am breakfast at Hollywood & Vine in order to get in line early for JTA sign-up? Could we get in and out of there in a reasonable amount of time to get in line? Trying to weight the pros and cons of rushing, being tired, etc. How early should we plan to arrive? Thanks!

I think this really depends on when you're going and what projected crowds will be. If it's during a busy time of year, then I would not risk it. When we went in June, it was 9:00 am opening, we were there at 8:20, and even then, there was a large crowd, and we didn't get in until the 3rd show that morning. Park opened around 8:50. Since you need to allow at least an hour for that meal, you won't make the sign up until 9:00 or after, by which time the park will already have been open for 10-15 minutes, with everyone else in line in front of you. If it's busy, chances are the spots could be gone. BUT, if you're going during a slower time, then my guess is it probably wouldn't be as bad.

 

[mshanson3121]

We showed up at DHS at 8am for the 9am open, were first at the mickey readers and got the show we wanted - we were maybe 5-7 families back in the line. I would think that as long as you got there before 8:20 or so you would be fine. I suppose one parent could always leave breakfast and go sign up for JTA and come back - I'd rather do that than rush.

Unfortunately no, you can't do this. The children have to be present for the sign up.

 

[sprousehouse]

I meant the parent and the interested kid could step out and return.

 

[sproutmd]

We are going next Tuesday. We are a family of four, so half of us could go for the sign-up. I didn't really want to plan on eating breakfast there, but if it will make for a smoother morning and pretty much guaranteed spot for JTA, it might be worth it. Tough call.

 

[mshanson3121]

We are going next Tuesday. We are a family of four, so half of us could go for the sign-up. I didn't really want to plan on eating breakfast there, but if it will make for a smoother morning and pretty much guaranteed spot for JTA, it might be worth it. Tough call.

IMO, if you don't want to eat there, then I wouldn't bother. Why waste your money or your points on a meal you don't want? You're either going to stand in line at the park entrance, or stand in line at the JTA sign up. If you get to HS early enough, you'll still be guarenteed a spot for JTA. Overall crowds are listed at a 5 (compared to 8 when we went), so I think as long as you're at HS by 8:15, 8:20, even probably 8:30, you'll be fine.

 

[Mac30188]

The time factor is a good point. I know one factor in it being successful with my friend is his child has zero interest in the character interaction in the morning H&V. It is just to eat breakfast and get a spot in JTA.