If it's in the same place it has been in the past, you can easily sit in the same area (obviously not within the gated area) and not be crowded. Many people like to be directly under the lights and all crammed in. This leaves the outer area, nearby the dessert party area, a lot less crowded.
This is where we like to sit and view the lights. Next to the dessert party area and bathrooms. Being that the area is a lot less crowded, I find the dessert party to be a waste of money. You can sit and relax in the same area, go buy you're own food and save money. The dessert area isn't like that of Star Wars weekend or the like where if you're not doing the roped off area you have to arrive 1-2 hours prior to get the same view.