Rivers of Light: dining package necessary?

[Delphinidae]

So I tentatively have a RoL dining package meal scheduled, but I was wondering if it is really helpful to do so? Would it be better to try for a FP instead? Or could we do neither and still have a chance for a decent view? We are going in August so I realize the show will be different and that none of this advice may even be valid then, lol.

Also wondering if anyone has any recent reviews of the dessert party?

 

[tinkerbell1991]

Are you on the DDP? If so are you were already considering eating at Tusker House or Tiffins then it's basically free for the "VIP" seating so I'd keep it. But if you'd rather eat somewhere else then I'd just take the chance and get there half an hour before it's due to start to get a seat. Personally, I wouldn't use a FP for it but that's just me.

 

[LSUfan4444]

The previous poster pretty much said all there is to say.

 

[Robo]

Necessary?
No.

 

[westie55]

There should be plenty of seating whenever you show up. Special seating and fp are not necessary. Last time we were there (in July) my toddler started to misbehave and I took him out of our preferred seating. We were going to leave the park altogether but he calmed down and begged to return to see the show. Instead of going toward the front to our preferred seating, we stayed further back in case we needed to make a hasty exit (we didn't). There were lots of seats left and the view was fine even at the last minute.

 

[Kestryl]

I’m also curious about how the new show will change things. We have plans for Tusker House, and I’ve been debating if it’s worth the $8/person extra (I think- ROL package is $60/person according to Disney’s website, no package is $52/person according to Touring Plans).

Right now I’m leaning towards no, since there are two shows that night and we’re ok with showing up early since, ideally, we’ll have gone on everything we really want to by then (we have FPs for FOP and will try for the other Avatar ride at rope drop). Plus there are FPs still available for that night (for both shows), so there doesn’t seem to be a crushing rush to book it.

 

[richmo]

I've had pretty good luck getting a RoL FP as a 4th+ even within an hour of the show. I'm not saying that's always possible, but I don't think you need to book the package just to see RoL, or even tie up one of your 3 prescheduled FP's for it.

 

[rteetz]

I would say not necessary but if you plan eating at either Tiffins or Tusker House its not a bad idea. I have done it twice.

 

[Delphinidae]

Thanks. We are on the dining plan but TH isn't our favorite place and there are other signature places I'd rather do than Tiffin's. We may just show up early to the show, although I'm still considering the dessert party.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Now it wasn't that busy this week when we were there, but there were lots of empty seats.

 

[starry_solo]

If you're planning on eating at either location, yes....especially Tiffin's....yummy!

 

[Wraith1876]

Never had a problem walking into RoL without a VIP or FP for the show, always plenty of space. On the most crowded days I have been there, they have 2 shows making it very manageable. Never been there on a busy day with only one show, but even then I imagine seats can be had in standby. On my last trip I caught the show from one of the seating pavilions behind Flame Tree BBQ, it got moderately crowded right before the show started, but otherwise that was an enjoyable spot and put me closer to Pandora to beat the crowds that head that way after the show.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

We were there during spring break this year and had the Tusker House meal and seating. From what I could see from our seats, it was packed. I liked not having to worry and being able to arrive shortly before the show started instead of getting in line a long time before. We had dining plan that trip, but I think for $8, I would do it again if I was already planning to eat at Tusker House anyway.