seating for shows?

[renee123]

How is it handled? First come first sat? Is seating assigned? Should except any seating privledges with concierge?

 

[extechie rbd/wdt]

No concierge privileges unfortunately, first come, first seated unless you have someone with mobility challenges.

Boxes on the Dream may be the exception though?

Ex Techie

 

[tinkmom2]

It is first come first serve on the Dream also but the theater is much bigger and we didn't have a problem getting good seats. They say you aren't supposed to save seats but I still saw that being done. We didn't rush this time and were seated about 10 minutes before show time.

 

[mmouse37]

The box seats on the Dream may look cool but we sat in them and the view of the stage is blocked somewhat due to the angle (can't see the entire width of the stage). We much preferred our seats in the center of the theatre.

If you have early dinner you will attend the show after....if you have late dining your show will be before dinner. Shows last about 50 mins.


From the DCL site....

Question
When is dinner?
Answer
Each night, there is a Main Seating and a Second Seating for dinner.

On the Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic, the Main Seating is at 5:45 p.m.; the Second seating is at 8:15 p.m.

On the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy, the Main Seating is at 6:00 p.m.; the Second seating is at 8:30 p.m.

When you book your vacation, please request either the Main or Second Seating. If your seating preference is not available, an alternate seating will be assigned. Regretfully, requests for a specific dining time cannot be guaranteed. For your assigned time and restaurant rotation, please check your dining tickets located in your stateroom upon arrival. Remember, other dining options may include Pinocchio's Pizzeria, Pluto's Dog House, Topsider Buffet (Disney Magic), Beach Blanket Buffet (Disney Wonder) and Cabanas (Disney Dream). You can also enjoy the benefits of room service in your stateroom.

 

[kcashner]

The "no saving seats" rule is announced and printed in the Navigator...and enforced about as much as the "no kids in adult areas" rule.

Seating is come early if you want front and center!

 

[dgundry]

Seating is come early if you want front and center!

What's your recommendation for "come early"? How early is too early? Or, more importantly, how early is "just right"?

Thanks in advance!

 

[over50visits]

The "no saving seats" rule is announced and printed in the Navigator...and enforced about as much as the "no kids in adult areas" rule.

Seating is come early if you want front and center!

Not well enforced, and not well respected by a lot of guests. Sad.

We have never arrived at any show, even hugely popular ones, earlier than 10 minutes before, and have always had wonderful seats. Get there when they open the doors if you want to be in the front (and PLEASE honor DCLs no-saving rule), but you can get almost as close about 20 minutes early, and great seats 10 minutes early.

And, you can get a seat a couple of minutes before showtime, and really all seats are good enough (we haven't had a bad seat yet, even on the sides or in the back).

 

[kcashner]

Arrival time really depends on how picky you are about seats. If you have a child who wants to be in the center section and the first 3 or 4 rows, be there 20 minutes or more early. There really aren't "bad" seats on the Magic or Wonder, and you can get seats easily 10 minutes before show time.

They do ask people in wheelchairs who wish to transfer to regular seats in the front area to arrive at least 15 minutes early. This is on a "space available basis, so anyone planning on this will need to arrive before the area fills up. There is also wheelchair and scooter seating at the rear along with seats for family members.

 

[mmouse37]

There are no really bad seats in the theatre....we have sat left, right and center.....far back, middle and close.....makes no real difference to us. The far ends of the row on either on the left or the right may make it hard to see the whole stage but overall all seats are pretty good.

MJ

 

[WeLoveDisneyAlways]

I'm just curious about "no saving seats" rule. Does this mean don't leave something behind to save the seats, or does it mean DD and I can't be seated saving a seat for DH to arrive?

 

[over50visits]

I'm just curious about "no saving seats" rule. Does this mean don't leave something behind to save the seats, or does it mean DD and I can't be seated saving a seat for DH to arrive?

No saving seats (printed in the Personal Navigator every day) means that "saving a seat for DH" is saving a seat. Seems pretty straightforward to me.

You'll find a number of people who ignore the rule. I guess saving one seat is only ignoring it a little bit, and one person arriving early and holding 4 seats for a later arrival is ignoring it a lot?? Everyone will have to decide for themselves....we have no problem whatsoever; we arrive at the same time and choose our seats. If it happens that some in our party arrive later, they choose other seats, and we may move to be with them. No saving seats is pretty clear, but again you'll find a lot of help in rationalizing doing so. Disney seems to just be asking for common courtesy in a lot of their policies, and they seem to work for most people.

Trying not to get OT, though, the OP just asked about assigned seating. There is none. Come to the show, find seats, and have a great time! Don't worry about others, trust me they aren't worrying about you!

 

[kcashner]

I guess you have to decide what constitutes saving a seat. Personal opinion--if DH has been IN the seat and exits to obtain a beverage or use the restroom, I don't really have a problem with it. If a 10 year old is sent to "save" an entire row of seats for a large family group, I have a big problem with that. I've seen both of these extremes and many in between situations.

On my last cruise, I was told that I couldn't sit in a given seat because it was for the wife. I sat 2 rows back--the seat went empty for the entire performance. Frankly, I'm not usually a nice person about this. If someone is saving a whole block or row of seats, I'll sit in one; if they say anything, I'll point out that the policy is no saving seats in the theater and suggest that they discuss it with a CM. If someone says one seat is saved...I'll move on.

When people have asked me if an empty seat next to me is "saved," I'll usually reply that there is no saving of seats in the WD theater. My DD will be joining me shortly, but I can't save a seat for her.

 

[WeLoveDisneyAlways]

I guess you have to decide what constitutes saving a seat. Personal opinion--if DH has been IN the seat and exits to obtain a beverage or use the restroom, I don't really have a problem with it.

That's what I'm getting at why shouldn't I grab 3 good seats if he's a minute behind us that doesn't even make sense

 

[kcashner]

That's what I'm getting at why shouldn't I grab 3 good seats if he's a minute behind us that doesn't even make sense

Well, if he's one minute behind you, why not wait and enjoy the stroll to the theater together?

Why shouldn't I take my children thru the adult only areas--after all, MY children aren't bothering anyone? Oh, really?

Why shouldn't I put alcohol in my checked luggage--after all, I pack it carefully?

Why shouldn't I grab 3 lounge chairs on the pool deck--I'm going to swim in a few hours and I want a place to get sun?

The list goes on...what is really being asked is "Why shouldn't I do what I want, as the relatively few rules that DCL sets are irrelevant to ME?"

The reason you shouldn't "grab 3 good seats" for 2 people is that you've been asked to not do this.

 

[jcemom]

It doesn't bother me even a little if I see two or three people sitting together, saving one seat. I figure that one family member/friend had to stop at the bathroom, go for refreshments, or whatever. It does annoy me when I see one person saving four seats. If only one member of your party is ready, he/she should wait for everyone else, I think.

 

[inhousemouse]

We have two small children. If I go into the theater with my DD and DH has to deal with DS before he comes in and I hold one seat for him that should not be a problem. BUT if I go in and save a seat for my DH and our other 10 friends who are also on the cruise with us and might come to a show then that is an issue.

So my view is that if there is a reason someone is saving a seat for one person that's fine.. but if people think that they need to hold a block of seats then that is a problem.

 

[WeLoveDisneyAlways]

Well, if he's one minute behind you, why not wait and enjoy the stroll to the theater together?

Why shouldn't I take my children thru the adult only areas--after all, MY children aren't bothering anyone? Oh, really?

Why shouldn't I put alcohol in my checked luggage--after all, I pack it carefully?

Why shouldn't I grab 3 lounge chairs on the pool deck--I'm going to swim in a few hours and I want a place to get sun?

The list goes on...what is really being asked is "Why shouldn't I do what I want, as the relatively few rules that DCL sets are irrelevant to ME?"

The reason you shouldn't "grab 3 good seats" for 2 people is that you've been asked to not do this.

Wow your a bit harsh, the reason I may not wait for DH even a minute behind me, I'll have a young child 3 hours past her bed time who spent all day on her feet it just doesn't seem right to make her wait to sit cause daddy taking a few minutes. I didn't say I wouldn't follow the rule, but who says the rule means every member of the party must be present at all times, how do we know it doesn't mean like PPs said one person can't hold a row of seats for late comers. So we all sit down and DH goes to the washroom or get a drink we all have to go together?

 

[extechie rbd/wdt]

Wow your a bit harsh, the reason I may not wait for DH even a minute behind me, I'll have a young child 3 hours past her bed time who spent all day on her feet it just doesn't seem right to make her wait to sit cause daddy taking a few minutes. I didn't say I wouldn't follow the rule, but who says the rule means every member of the party must be present at all times, how do we know it doesn't mean like PPs said one person can't hold a row of seats for late comers. So we all sit down and DH goes to the washroom or get a drink we all have to go together?

To break your post down WeLoveDisneyAlways,

To be fair,
"how do we know it doesn't mean like PPs said one person can't hold a row of seats for late comers"
A certain amount of common sense is required, but some feel that entitles them to stretch the rules.
No one has said everyone has to be present at all times, but holding a seat for you husband for say 10 minutes until he arrives is against the request. If he is 1 or 2 minutes behind you then anyone who asks if the seat is available will see that you were indeed genuinely holding it for someone, not on the off chance they might show up.

If a minute or two of waiting to your overtired daughter is going to cause her distress or discomfort, then sitting through a 45-55 minute show quietly as to not disturb others, is likely the wrong place for her to be. Maybe a nap during the day would help?

kcashner was just bringing up other examples of rules and request's that are quite plain to see and adhear to, but some chose not to.

Ex Techie

 

[MouseLovinMom]

There may be circumstances where being a minute or two (or maybe even 5) behind is reasonable. As an example, I have a permanent injury that makes going down the steps in the theatre a challenge. For safety's sake, I need to wait until the crowd has thinned before I walk down. For the same reason I am more comfortable and feel more secure taking a seat on the aisle, so we wait in line to ensure that we get "good" seats for us. We all wait in line together, then before the line starts to move I step out and wait until I can safely navigate the stairs. It may be 2 or so minutes before I join my husband and son. I'm comfortable with this choice and feel like we honor the "no saving seats" policy. Our way seems a better choice than perhaps taking very limited handicapped seating away from those who need it more than I do.

 

[kcashner]

There may be circumstances where being a minute or two (or maybe even 5) behind is reasonable. As an example, I have a permanent injury that makes going down the steps in the theatre a challenge. For safety's sake, I need to wait until the crowd has thinned before I walk down. For the same reason I am more comfortable and feel more secure taking a seat on the aisle, so we wait in line to ensure that we get "good" seats for us. We all wait in line together, then before the line starts to move I step out and wait until I can safely navigate the stairs. It may be 2 or so minutes before I join my husband and son. I'm comfortable with this choice and feel like we honor the "no saving seats" policy. Our way seems a better choice than perhaps taking very limited handicapped seating away from those who need it more than I do.

Are you aware that if you have mobility issues, you can meet the CM at the door to the theater? They will then escort you thru some normally restricted hallways and allow you to enter the theater on the third floor level. They will reverse the process at the end. I don't know if this is a better option for you (not in regard to the seat saving policy--I'm thinking of your safety, minimizing stairs, etc.) Just wanted you to know it was available to those who need it.