We love the CP and have done it both ways - With dinner and without. As far as without dinner go's - We like the 2 later shows best because it is dark. The open air seats in the back of the theater has rows of trees behind them that has twinkle lights on them and you just don't get the same magical effect when it is still daylight. Also as far as I know there is no wrist bands like another poster said. They have 2 lines one for each. If you are facing the theater, people who had dinner lines up on the left. If you have the dinner package you get a badge to pin to your shirt with the date and show time on it, that is what gets you into that line. Everyone else gets into the line for general admission on the right. You don't need a wrist band or badge to get into this line, it is simply first come, first served. I would suggest lining up about an hour before, everyone around us was holding a spot in line as the rest of their party, some went to the bathroom or such. It seemed quite common. I will say once the line starts moving it really moves...as in Disney style, they can move a lot of people in a short period of time. We have seen CP several times, loved everyone just as much as the first......enjoy!
-Kim