Best places to sit for theater shows - Dream

[hurleysweety]

Leaving on the Dream next week! I know we should arrive early and that we should expect a mad rush when the doors open, but besides the obvious, where are some other great places to view the shows? I tend to like these places better than the ones everyone runs for, the obvious front row and center seats. I'm talking in comparison to theaters at the WDW theme parks, fireworks and parade viewing - I've loved all the tips and spot suggestions from the boards, "over to the right look for...up on the left side towards the aisle you'll see...etc". We'd actually rather not be front and center! Also, are we better off in the balcony if we cannot arrive early for whatever reason?

It will be just me and my DH, no mobility issues or anything. We'll be attending the early show as we have late dining. Is one show typically more crowded than the other?

Thanks!

 

[Tinkerbell 99 Mom]

We have on our several cruises on the Dream, sat in the Back left (looking at stage) directly behind the railing. It is great for viewing the shows and does not fill up as quickly as seats down front. It is also good, because many of the show have dancers in the aisles and it make for a front row seat.

I will also say that I have never had a bad seat at any of the shows. Disney did a great job with layout. Several friends have also had good luck with balcony.

 

[tinkmom2]

The Dream theater is really big. We have had second dinner seating and prefer to sit in the aisle seats just in case we need to leave. We sat behind the railing for the second section also. I also like when the performers come running down the aisles and sometimes interact with the children. To sit close you do have to come early. People aren't supposed to save seats but they do. They also have waiters and drink service before the show. There really isn't a bad seat in the house.

 

[hurleysweety]

We have on our several cruises on the Dream, sat in the Back left (looking at stage) directly behind the railing. It is great for viewing the shows and does not fill up as quickly as seats down front. It is also good, because many of the show have dancers in the aisles and it make for a front row seat.

I will also say that I have never had a bad seat at any of the shows. Disney did a great job with layout. Several friends have also had good luck with balcony.

Thanks for the tip about the back left! That is just what I was looking for. Balcony sounds great for us since we don't have little kids that "neeeeeed" to be in the front!

The Dream theater is really big. We have had second dinner seating and prefer to sit in the aisle seats just in case we need to leave. We sat behind the railing for the second section also. I also like when the performers come running down the aisles and sometimes interact with the children. To sit close you do have to come early. People aren't supposed to save seats but they do. They also have waiters and drink service before the show. There really isn't a bad seat in the house.

Good to know! And thanks for the tip about aisle seats in case you need to leave early. Also didn't know about waiters having drink service before the show begins - that is great!



Kinda unrelated eparate question - how long are the shows, typically? Is it like WDW where the show is always 40 mins, rain or shine, day or night? Or is it kinda up to how the production starts and moves along (like a local theater, perhaps)? I do know they need to get everyone out of there for the second performance, so I imagine it is similar to the park shows.

 

[jlemieu1]

Balcony on the the rail.

 

[Bear3412]

Shows are 45min.- 1 hour. If you like show stuff falling on you sit in orchestra section, front lower center section.

 

[chemnerd09]

Thanks for the advice on seating. I have a few issues and usually try to find a seat in the back and on the aisle. How do you get the balcony seats? Are they reserved in any way?

 

[kay1864]

Shows are 45min.- 1 hour. If you like show stuff falling on you sit in orchestra section, front lower center section.

Seriously, is this a good or bad thing? ie does it add to the experience, like getting misted with water or pixie dust, as in It's a Bug's Life (at Animal Kingdom)? or is just confetti galore that you later have to get off of your clothes?

 

[outahere]

Thanks for the advice on seating. I have a few issues and usually try to find a seat in the back and on the aisle. How do you get the balcony seats? Are they reserved in any way?

The balcony seats are not reserved and are accessed through the doors on deck 4 forward. We found that the balcony seats seemed to be a bit smaller and more packed in than the seats on deck 3. We also tried the seats on the side balcony (same access point) and thought the view was not that good. We prefer aisle seats near the rear of the theater on the main floor.

 

[Bear3412]

Seriously, is this a good or bad thing?

It all good as long as you are OK with stuff in you drinks and hair.
Yes it's part of the show.

 

[chateau]

not in your cabin, though it's broadcast there.... had to do this when the kids were babies and napping.

 

[Hope2cruise]

After sitting upstairs for the first couple of shows, we found that we liked the seats in the back of the first level right behind the pit where they control the show lighting, etc. They are center seats and no one can sit or stand in front of you to block your view.