Stayed at hotel and paid a pretty penny. It was worth it one time. Walked out of hotel right near the gift shop at 6:30pm with daughter. One of the stages was in front of us so we were entertained. A couple hours later my son and nephews came down to meet me but the guards would not allow them to jump the line. My son paid the guy $50 and voila. If you leave soon after the ball drops before everyone rushes it will only take 10 minutes to get on the elevator.