We (DW, DS(11), DD (8), and myself) saw it last Friday and weren't impressed at all. First off, we purchased the dinner package @ Ariel's. While the meal was ok, it was definitely NOT worth the jacked-up price that was attached too it simply because it was a package. After the meal, we all wished we went to Napa Rose instead! Heck, we could have had a much better meal and probably saved ourselves a few bucks along the way.
As for the show itself, as pp said - it has no story. It's just random clips crammed together. Ironically DS said exactly the same the moment the show ended. It pales in comparison to Fantasmic. The only reason why we stayed is because a) we were crammed in like sardines, and b) had paid nearly $200 to be there.
Plus the whole viewing system/process was a nightmare. DW & I chose to separate. DW & DD went to the front, lowest section of the preferred viewing area because there still was rail space available. Plus DD loves being in the front for everything. Unfortunately, while they did get a rail spot, they ended up all the way on the left near the stairs. This particular corner is set back due to the location of a light pole. While the pole itself didn't obstruct their view, they couldn't see anything because several people, as pp said, along the actual front section had kids on their shoulders. DD was nearly in tears.
DS & I we on the second the tier of the preferred viewing area. I positioned myself there based on hydroguy's recommendation that, being elevated, it was better. Plus I wanted to try to video the show. Initially all went well. We stood behind two EVCs who were along the rail, which initially gave us an excellent view. The only problem with the location - that I didn't realize until the show started - was that the aforementioned pole blocked my view of the projections played on the loop of Cali-Screaming.
About 15 minutes before the show, things went downhill. A CM pushed us to the left to make room for another
ECV, which in itself wasn't a problem. (NOTE: this isn't meant to bash those who need to use them.) However, along with the guy on the EVC came his entire family of about 12 people - including 6 who were much taller than myself. They managed to obstruct a good portion of the entire right half of the show. Start rant now: Why is it that I lost out after paying nearly $200 for a meal package because Disney didn't create a viewing area for the families of handicapped guests? To me, I have no issue with the individuals themselves (and those needed to care for them) receiving accommodations, but why did his entire extended clan get the same treatment? Disney really needs to limit the number of guests that can accompany those who need accommodations, because this family clearly was abusing the system. Ironically, the CM, minutes later, brought another man on an EVC, but, immediately upon arrival, he asked to be returned to where he had been because he couldn't see anything due to the "clan."
Once the show started (as if I weren't already annoyed at this point), the patriarch of the clan stood up rather easily and, not only did he stand for the entire show, his grandson, who appeared to be a little older than DS, stood on the seat to see over his own family, thus adding another head to look around. Then, as if to put icing on the proverbial cake, he walked out of the viewing section after the show without even a limp so he could, as he put it, "stretch his legs," allowing one of his sons drive the EVC. While I can't speak for others, I would never drag my grandmother, who needs to be in a wheelchair and can't ride anything beyond Small World, just to receive preferential treatment. And, if you really don't need it, you should be ashamed.
So, to wrap things up: awful show with no storyline, over-priced dinner packages, a so-called preferred viewing area that actually gains you no advantage of seeing the show unobstructed, and a policy that guarantees abuse. I would rate this as our worst Disney experience EVA, never to be repeated again.