Rivers of Light arrival time

[Shellee999]

We will be in Disney during Jersey week, I would like to see ROL when at AK. Any difference in arrival time between Standby, FP+, and dining package? Thanks

 

[CAS239]

I would arrive just a little bit earlier for standby than I would for FP or dining package. Figure arrive around 30-45 min prior to showtime and you should be just fine. Arrive 45+ min ahead if you want the best pick of your seats

 

[Rach3975]

I'm going to be there the same week. Last time I was at WDW they hadn't started showing ROL, so I don't have an arrival time suggestion. But I've read that a lot more seats go to FP and the dining package than to standby. Since my FP window opened I've tried about 5 times every day to get a FP or dining package for Rivers of Light, and nothing has popped up for 5 people. It's making me nervous about getting to see ROL!

 

[Robo]

I'm going to be there the same week. Last time I was at WDW they hadn't started showing ROL, so I don't have an arrival time suggestion. But I've read that a lot more seats go to FP and the dining package than to standby. Since my FP window opened I've tried about 5 times every day to get a FP or dining package for Rivers of Light, and nothing has popped up for 5 people. It's making me nervous about getting to see ROL!

Unless you are going during an especially busy time, I'd not sweat it.
As @CAS239 suggested, arrive at least 45 min. early, with or without a FP

Here is the seating:

 

[gharter]

As noted, unless you are there at a very busy time, 30 minutes is adequate. If there are 2 shows, the second is almost always less crowded as well.
I haven't seen that there is a huge difference in seats, but if you want to pick your seat, 45 minutes will certainly allow you to do that.

 

[Rach3975]

If we have to do standby, when do they actually let you in to sit? One of my kids has special needs. Forty-five minutes of standing in a line is not going to work for him. At that time of day, even 30 minutes is pushing it. But if some of that time is spent waiting in our seats rather than standing in a line, he'll be fine.

 

[Robo]

Assuming an "average attendance" day, arrive 30 min. before showtime, and simply walk into the theater and sit down.

 

[Rach3975]

Assuming an "average attendance" day, arrive 30 min. before showtime, and simply walk into the theater and sit down.

Great, thanks!

 

[Aimeedyan]

We saw it in March, during spring break season. Saw the 2nd show and walked in 15 minutes before showtime and had our choice of seating and plenty of space to spread out in. People wandered it right up until showtime.

Huge sections stayed completely empty the entire show.

 

[Shellee999]

Thanks for all the responses. I know not everyone loves the show, but we definitely want to see it during this trip. Our last trip was November of 2016, and for a while leading up to that trip, I was certain it would open, but as we know now, it did not.

If we decide to stay on the DDP and go to Tiffins, then it's a no-brainer that we'll use the ROL dining package. However, we've been considering trying this trip without DDP for the first time (yes I know, another debate lol).

One last question, if we did ROL standby, and did Festival of the Lion King at 5, would that be enough time to get over there ahead of the 6:30 show?

 

[CAS239]

Thanks for all the responses. I know not everyone loves the show, but we definitely want to see it during this trip. Our last trip was November of 2016, and for a while leading up to that trip, I was certain it would open, but as we know now, it did not.

If we decide to stay on the DDP and go to Tiffins, then it's a no-brainer that we'll use the ROL dining package. However, we've been considering trying this trip without DDP for the first time (yes I know, another debate lol).

One last question, if we did ROL standby, and did Festival of the Lion King at 5, would that be enough time to get over there ahead of the 6:30 show?

Yes you'll have enough time. It's only about a 10 min walk

 

[Shellee999]

Yes you'll have enough time. It's only about a 10 min walk

Thanks!

 

[ErinsMommy]

Going jersey week too and being there’s only one show per day I would get there earlier then later. We had no problem getting FP when our window opened.