which is the better strategy for seeing Osbourne lights at HS?

[saraheli]

We really want to see the Osbourne Family Lights during our stay. That said, which is the better option: Option 1- Go to HS during a non EMH day which hopefully means less crowds. See the lights when they turn on at 6pm and then head back to the hotel for dinner (we are staying at BLT at the Contemporary) or Option 2 - Spend the day at Epcot(on a non EMH day) have an earlyish dinner (like 6pm) and then boat over to HS (which has EMH) and catch the lights then since HS will be open until 10pm. I can't figure out which is the better option. I already purchased park hoppers so that is not a deciding factor. I am trying to avoid dining at HS since it doesn't really appeal to me. TIA!

 

[AmyB2006]

Without a doubt, IMO, go to DHS on an EMH night and stay later. I've done it a few different ways and this is by far the best way. Forget a weekend night, that is a mob, usually.

That's what we do at least, and there are usually no people on the street. Much better pictures too, cause you're not in a mob. Also you don't feel rushed.

 

[TDC Nala]

There will be a huge crowd when the lights first go on that will dwindle as the night progresses. The later you are there, the better your chance of having lower crowds in the area.

 

[ktlm]

We love Osborne on EMH nights. If you wait a while after EMH starts, it is not horribly crowded and you can really see things and enjoy it. One year it was fairly empty by WDW standards when we were there and it was fantastic. We had hot chocolate, DD danced in the street, and we just took it all in.

We have done the Osborne lights right when they turned them on, on a non EMH day once. It was horribly packed. We felt squished like sardines and we did not feel like we could see much because it was just too many people. Also, if you go right at 6:00 with the crowd, that same crowd will often be with you at the transportation area to leave the park, which means it can take quite a while to get places. The year we did the lights at turn on- we were heading back to MK after seeing the lights for a late night, and we did not make it over to MK until around 8:00 or maybe even a little after. We aren't planning on ever doing the lights right at turn on time again.