FWIW...for all who are interested in not doing the dinner package. We went this past Sunday. Crowds were relatively low I would guess since it's January. I just could not justify paying adult prices for my 10 year old twins who eat like birds to guarantee the reserved dining section. We pulled passes late in the day and got the yellow section second show. I think there were still FP available at showtime but they were the green back section. We were told currently blue or yellow are best. It did require some time but we got what I thought were great seats. We arrived about 10 min prior to the hour before the show. They wouldn't let you line up but we just sat on a bench and waited. As soon as they started letting people in(1 hr pre-show) we headed straight to the center as far as CM would let you go and sat. We didn't run or push and shove and we ended up 3rd row back right next to the line for reserved seating and had a great view. My kids didn't complain about not being able to see at all. I don't regret my decision at all not to do the dinner, in fact very glad I did not.
I know others will debate whether it's "worth it" or not, but for my family who in this instance had more time (we had 4 park days) than money, it was not. My trip was only me and three kids who couldn't care less about fancy meals so the hour lost sitting was no more painful than the hour would have been at a restaurant. We spent the time eating a snack and looking over pics from our day. Just be sure to stand up and get a good stretch before the show![/QUOTE
I also have 11 year old twins that also eat like birds and we are trying to decide if it is worth it too. We do have a reservation at BB, but can still cancel. We are going on Presidents' Day, so it will be quite crowded I know so I'm thinking it will be harder to get a good spot without the dining. I also thought about switching to RBT, but my kids like the look of BB and love gumbo. I wish it wasn't so pricy or wish they would be counted as children. We are going to decide as we get closer. I'm glad it worked out for you.