Not sure how far you plan on hiking the first day.... Stopping before Kearsarge Pass? Matlock Lake might be a good first night location.
Over Kearsarge Pass, you might like to visit Charlotte Lake -- and maybe spend a night -- before you drop down into Vidette Meadow.
Almost 20 years ago, my group and I hiked over the pass and all the way to the center basin junction, and I forgot to put my trail snacks into the bear box. Was awakened when the bear grabbed my pack and dragged it away. I got it back, minus the snacks.
Also, we camped overnight at the trailhead in Onion Valley, then at Center Basin junction, and third night at Wallace Creek -- pretty fast hiking. By the third night, I was suffering from AMS (altitude sickness) so much that I couldn't eat anything. I have since found Diamox (you need a prescription), and would take it a day before starting the hike. We camped on the summit the fourth night!
I visited Arctic Lk on one hike, on my up and over Whitney Russell pass. Arctic Lake is well above tree line, no vegetation. I wouldn't take a side trip to see it.
If you have the time, there is an almost non-existent side trail "Lower Whitney Creek" trail, actually shown on the CalTopo map. If you look for it, (maybe using a gps to locate it: 36.55318,-118.35911), you can drop down .8 mile, dropping 200' elevation, to a sweet isolated spot by Whitney Creek to camp. Horse packers used that spot years ago. I once melted my lighter there trying to light some twigs to fry the (small) fish I'd caught in the creek. Twigs and all wood was too wet due to a recent rain storm!
Good luck with your hike! Read up on altitude sickness.
