I would do a dining package if possible. I was there the Saturday before Thanksgiving and it looked like they had packed up the FP machines by 5:30pm when I was walking by there. I don't know what time they actually closed though. My plan was also to be in the park by 3pm but I ended up not getting there until 4:30. I'm glad I ended up doing the Grab and Go dinner at Aladdin's Oasis. You get a FP with your meal, but it wasn't for a reserved section. They were letting everyone choose which show they wanted too, so even though I was expecting to get the late show, I was pleasantly surprised that I could get the early show instead. I was in the blue section, got there about 30min early and got a spot along the fence! It was great! The food was ho-hum, but for $20 the convenience factor was totally worth it!