We've done the "before" party several times. We stand at the front rail but frankly I get completely distracted by the people who stand in the walkway right in front of you until the CM chases them off. There is a CM who stands in front of the viewing area and keeps the walkway clear of traffic. I am completely mesmerized by the number of people who stop in the middle of the walkway to watch the fireworks. They just stand there, block traffic until the CM asks them to keep moving. Some of them stand right in front of you along the front rail squeezing against the rail making you step back. We are talking DOZENS of people. I am completely amazed by the cluelessness of these people. People have been standing for hours in the area in front, inside the tapes, and they think the fairy godmother opened up a space just for them in the middle of a walkway? People will argue with the CM too. Unfortunately, not all CM's are as quick and the longer they stay the more likely they are to argue. I find it very distracting. They aren't doing it on purpose or planned but it happens.
I am planning on getting to the viewing area just a few minutes before the fireworks. If you get there early and sit, please do not expect the people not to stand in front of you. If you are seated on the grass you will not see. There simply is not enough room for everyone to sit, so people will be standing in front of you.