Is a Fantasmic dinner package needed in October? This will be our first Oct. trip

[TLHB70]

We typically go to WDW when the crowds are a bit lower -- mid September, early November, or early December. We have never really needed the Fantasmic dinner package. I did book one for one trip, just to have it, but I wasn't thrilled about the seats. Since there was still room left, we actually moved to another, centrally located, seat.
This year we are going with friends, and they can only go in October. This will be our first October trip. We will be there mid October. Will I still be able to get a good seat about 45 minutes before show time? Or should I book the Fantasmic dinner package.

 

[beattyfamily]

We did Fantasmic the end of October without the package and entered about 45 minutes before and although it was more crowded than it was the last time we did the show without the package (end of August & also end of Sept) we still got 4 seats in the center and there were still many seats left especially off to the left and right.

I prefer entering at one hour before but we were running late!

 

[TLHB70]

Honestly, I usually make my family get there about 1 1/2 hours before. I am just a planning, Disney freak, though.
I am just not sure if I can pull that off on this trip since we will be with another family.
There will be seven of us in all. Do you think 45 minutes to an hour will be enough time to go in and get a seat without a package?

Thank you so much for your help!

 

[beattyfamily]

Well, you never know how crowded it will be on any given day but based on my experience with October I say that if you enter at one hour before, you all should be able to find pretty good seats.

 

[MJMcBride]

I like the dinner package myself. Sometime October, during president's week can be busy, so if thats your week, I would probably go ahead and do it. I like the package for the certainty of it.

 

[TLHB70]

Yes, I guess I should book it just in case it is needed. I can always fall back on it if necessary. If we can get there early enough to get better, center seats, that will be even better!
Thanks everyone!