When it comes to Fantasmic, I am of the mindset that closer is not better. I have only sat in seats that most would consider "bad", but I was able to see great and didn't get enveloped in smoke or water. It seems like those who sit close also wouldn't see all the water effects.
I can assure you (speaking as one who sits CLOSE) that not only can wer SEE all of the water effects... we FEEL all of the water effects!
We love to sit absolutely dead-center in the very front row (and have done so many times.)
The show is all-encompassing at that position.
We have had to wear our rain ponchos on selected nights due to strong incoming winds that carry the water mist over us in copious amounts... and we love THAT, too (just part of our own little MAGICAL tradition).
Ariel, Belle, Snow White (and their beau's) all dance by right our very noses.
When the fire erupts... we DRY OFF!
When the "Steamboat" comes by at the finale... all the characters wave right at us as they tower over our position.
LOVE it!
So, if you ever wonder who are the "crazy folks" are who choose to sit so darn CLOSE... on many nights, they are US.
And I'm not suggesting that anyone else NEEDS to, or SHOULD, sit down front ('cuz that might mean you'd get "OUR" seats!)
Here are links to my version of Fantasmic! shot from many different camera positions in the theater (from front-and-center, to Next-to-last row on the side.)
Sorry that the quality must be so severely reduced for posting on the web.
Fantasmic!- MGM In 3 Parts:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A0tE3jOjYw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuutOB1hHOE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNy5BuTkyd0
.