It wasn't lined up before opening last year as far as I know but we had extended an extra week after DH and everyone else went home just for the concerts and other girly things like shopping so we weren't at all type A about it and didn't get there at park opening that I remember. We did get there before 10 or 11am though each day.
There was a table set up just outside/in front of the theater. One day it was in front, another it was in front on the other side of the main sidewalk. They didn't write down our names or anything but they did keep a count on their clipboards and gave each person a stamped card with a number written in magic marker and the show time. We could have requested tickets for more than one show on the same day if we'd wanted and there were cards left.
Last year they did not let you sign up a day in advance which I thought very unfair for those who may have booked the preschool package just because of the concerts. I was concerned that a client I had who I knew planned her trip only for the doodlebops might not have gotten in and we'd hear complaints but it didn't happen so I guess all was well after all.
I think we lined up maybe 30 mins before but that was just us. Folks did arrive later and got seats but after a certain time they open entrance to the stand-by line for those folks who didn't get tickets. For serious doodlebops fans, I highly recommend doing it once to get a feel for it, then doing a later show for real enjoyment. DD6 knew what was coming the second time and enjoyed it much more. The first time she was too reserved to dance along or do the hand movements that the kids did. Those in the front row were allowed to get out of their seats and sit or dance on the floor in front of their seats (except maybe when the doodlebops actually walked by in that space high-fiving the kids) so it was coveted place to be.
The show was held in the theater that I think used to house Drew Carey or millionaire maybe? It's the first one on the left from the hat and just beyond the lake. The line for those with tickets was deceptive. Like all wdw attractions there are doors all the way down the side of the theater and that's where you line up but just like honey, I shrunk the audience the stage was the furthest door from the front, yet when the doors opened everyone headed there down the aisles upon entering, despite being told to move straight across all the way to end - you know the speil, and this is one place where you really do need to feel sorry for those not doing it as kids have probably been sent in ahead to save seats for those adults who will then arrive with attitudes and push over you after you've gotten seated. (what is with these parents anyway, don't they realize this is a vacation their kids will likely remember for years to come? geez, people...)
The show was maybe 30-45 minutes long and they had 3-4 (?) shows per day maybe. I think the first was at 10:30 but could be wrong. The sold costumes and wigs outside the door and quite a few kids wore them in. It'd be much cheaper to buy them at home though I bet before your trip. DD6 wanted a pink wig. I think it was $18 but I don't really remember except I wished I'd bought it at home instead.
