How late can I arrive for BB F! seating?

[adalsolica]

I've read that you can (or should??) line up for BB F! package seating about 30 minutes prior to the show. I've also read that all BB seating has a good view of the show. We're planning to see F! on Sunday, Sept. 20th and I'm trying to figure out if the dining package is worth it for our family of 5 (including 3 kids aged 3, 6, and 9). Could we arrive 10-15 minutes before the show, with a BB package, and have guaranteed excellent seats? I'm trying to limit how long we'll have to wait with 3 tired kids as much as possible, while still having an unobstructed view? Is that expecting too much? Should we just be there at the 30 minute mark? Thanks for you help!

-Lisa

 

[SMD]

It is expecting a lot to show up 15 minutes before a show and get a spot big enough for 5 people and that other adults and taller kids won't be in front of you. You should have one parent take all 5 seat cushions and save spots, then bring the other kids over. I'd estimate 20-25 minutes before the show is when all 5 should be seated, but I haven't done the BB seating and it would also depend how crowded it will be.

 

[CassieF]

It's been a couple of weeks since I've seen the show, and I haven't seen it from the blue Bayou section, but they haven't been bringing in the dining package areas Until maybe 15 minutes before the show, if that, but I'm sure they already have the line of people outside the area. Areas do not typically fill up, although as it gets busier I'm sure it will start to.

Perhaps somebody who is been more recently can comment on it...

 

[adalsolica]

Thank you for your replies, SMD and CassieF! Now, I just have to sell the husband on springing for the $200 package....yikes!

 

[Mousequake]

I just did the Blue Bayou package last Saturday on a moderately crowded day. We arrived 30 minutes early, and got one of the last 'up against the rail' front spots with an unobstructed view.

 

[Peezle]

I've seen multiple reports on these boards of people who purchased F! packages at BB and RBT showing up 15, 10 or even 5 min before it was time to enter the reserved area without any problems. The RBT and BB package people all gather together and are led by CMs to the designated reserved areas shortly before the show begins. The CMs will make sure you get to the right place. I've read in the same reports that the reserved areas have not been that crowded and you are able to spread out some. Whether the participants have been on the rail or even 10 or 15 ft back from the rail, everyone has commented that the view was great and unobstructed. With smaller children, I think you'll be fine showing up 10 or 15 min before your FP return time.

 

[ddwlms]

I've done BB twice, Feb and then April. Our first experience was wonderful. We showed up 20 minutes before the show, were let right in to the seating area, and we were one family back from the rail.

The second time was end of April, so crowds should not have been much worse. We showed up 30 minutes early. Had to wait in line for 20 minutes. By the time we filed in (waiting for the people that were in line before us), we were seated about 2 minutes before the show started. My family of 5 was at the very back of the viewing area, somewhat separated, and extremely crammed into a little space. I was highly disappointed to pay $75 a person (tax, tip, AP discount) and be subjected to such a stressful operation ending with mediocre seats.

 

[707MickeyGirl]

The second time was end of April, so crowds should not have been much worse. We showed up 30 minutes early. Had to wait in line for 20 minutes. By the time we filed in (waiting for the people that were in line before us), we were seated about 2 minutes before the show started. My family of 5 was at the very back of the viewing area, somewhat separated, and extremely crammed into a little space. I was highly disappointed to pay $75 a person (tax, tip, AP discount) and be subjected to such a stressful operation ending with mediocre seats.

This makes me miss the "old" dessert seating. I loved showing up 10 minutes before the show, getting my comfy chair with my dessert box and beverage, and having an excellent view. I never once checked in at the podium early - we just went and took whatever seats were left because even at the back, all the seats had great views.

 

[adalsolica]

Thank you for all the good information! Sounds like it's best to be in the area at least 30 minutes before and get in line if the line start to grow. I'm not concerned with being right up front on the railing (although that would be fun!), as long as we can all see clearly.