I can answer some of those questions! I believe check-in time depends on the time of the show. Though I can say the same thing happened when I went in September of this year, the app said 8, but the cast member had told me 7 and when I checked in at 8, almost everyone else had already checked in. They had a seating chart when we checked in for which table we were assigned to. I don’t think it’s first come first serve, but perhaps if you’re there first you can ask to have them switch you with another party of the same size? When I went everyone stayed seated throughout the show at their tables. We were in the back row of tables and had no issues seeing over the people in front of us.
Not really conflicting, read on.
8:00 is the official party start time, however the party usually begins about 15 minutes early at 7:45, which is why the previous posted "almost everyone else had already checked in". They were correct, check in is usually completed by 8:00.
That's also correct, they're alluding to when the checking in process begins for anyone that wants to check in early.
Tables are preassigned so there's no advantage checking in much before 7:40. Your table and food will be there no matter when you arrive.
