If this is your first time and you are picture takers, definitely worth it. No poles, centered, and high enough to get some great pics! I am also going in September and the park hours are 9-6, not much time to get everything in, we no way to get everything in. With the reserved seats, you can really get there about 10 mins before showtime and know you have great seats. That way you can enjoy turtle trek before the dolphin show, penguins before clyde and seymour, and Wild Arctic before Shamu. Throw in a thrill ride or two and that's a good day!