We saw it on the 12th October and it was well worth paying for a meal to get a good spot. We loved it, really it is something special. Although we did arieals for an early dinner and did the first show of the night. Which I am glad we did as the line even with the tickets we got from arieals was very crowded. We ended up sending one of us to push through the crowds to save a standing spot and the others followed with their own tickets. It was a case of who ever gets in first gets the best spot even with the meal tickets so make sure you get there early. Also you get a little wet at the front, but it is well worth it for the view so maybe take some ponchos or an extra jacket. Hope that helps you a little.