We enjoyed the event and experienced just about everything we wanted to do.
Did both shows without any line issuess. Did Holidays in Hollywood first. Line opened early and they were sitting folks by time we got over there at 8:10. Probably the best new holiday offering in a few years. Criticism's are that Kermit's voice is off and the sound mix is off. Specifically, instruments are too loud compared to singers so it was difficult to hear singing at times.
After, we went straight to What is This for the 9:30 show. The Cirque comments hit and absolutely track. I thought the actors did a great job with props and that their roles were fun, but because they're silent they can't do anything to really encourage singing so the songs feel a bit flat and we felt weird singing loudly, so we more mouthed everything.
This was the Hyperion line at 9:21 less than 10 minutes from the second show, before they opened doors to let guests in:
Did both parties. Walked up to Brown Derby around 11:43 and they were about to cut off line, so I'd I think 11:45 is the latest they take people. We were immediately seated.
Decorations remained sparse. I thought the music mix was nice. Service was quick because at this time there were very few tables. Sliders were terrible (overcooked and dry), but we were in and out in 20 minutes, and that's pretty perfect to dip in, experience, and dip out.
Experienced the end of Tip Top Club. They play music until about 12:20.
The stage is low and that makes it feel more intimate.
In this "sandwich" with shows early and clubs late, we experienced a good bit in the middle, including: the kuka arm photo, MMRR, TSM, Commissary Lane snacks and music (two music setups and when one took a break the other was there to start playing), Gertie cookies (no line around 12:05).
It worked for us because we spent very little time in line for anything. My longest line was the one kuka arm photo and that was about 10-15 minutes. We did not do any character photos because they looked like time sinks, but it's great that there were many options. I get that it's imperfect to not have Fab 6 together but given the individual lines, one line with all would be an operational nightmare. Possible, but it's choosing +2 hour waits vs multiple 10-20 minute waits.
We were overall happy even with kids 8 and 5. The bones of a great event there to improve upon next season with some of the ideas already shared in this thread, namely a stuff like a dedicated fireworks show, offerings in TSL and GE, some included snacks and drinks. It wouldn't surprise me if they just didn't elect a budget to accommodate for these things. There's even a line in Holidays in Hollywood that Kermit day says something like "it's not in the budget!"
Given the price I'd love to see a 5th hour but demand pretty nonexistent by midnight.
