but when we were there in June (12-22) we did not reserve with a food plan. We went to a show at 9:00 and went to MGM around 7 that night. We rode RnR once and headed over. There was already a good size crowd there, but we managed very easily to get seats four rows up from the lagoon and front and center. Sure, we waited awhile before the show began, but hot dogs and popcorn are a lot cheaper than a meal. The reserved area was on one side towards the top more.
I have heard there are no bad seats for this show. But I personally loved being down lower and in the center. Besides, after a day of constant on the go, it was nice to sit for awhile and watch the kids and people come in a find seats.
Have fun. It is a great show no matter what.