From over 10 trips to the HDDR....last being 2 weeks ago, they say to be there 30-45 minutes before seating time.....you don't really have to do that. they want you there that early to take pictures to offer you for sale once you're inside. When you make your reservation for the HDDR, it's secured with a credit card.....you can check in 5 minutes before seating,,,,table are assigned when you book so getting there early isn't going to get you a better location. You pay up front for seating locations by catagories fso we see no need to get there anymore than 5 minutes before hand. It's waiting outside, and if it's wummer quite hot and sweaty to wait. I'd say from the MK to FW 30 minutes at the least but no more than an hour for the wait and ride over.
And as far as I know, it used to be or still is: you secure your reservation with a credit card and if you don't cancel in time or are a not show, they still bill you....never heard of them selling your seat. So if you reserve and can't make it...call and cancel, it's a popular show and tough to get reservations. Best show and dinner on property for us..