Our experience was in July (4th of July week) and yes, the areas are pretty big. We chose The Plaza side and we had heard that most people tend to head towards the front so we went towards the back. We sat on the grass towards the back (and ate our ice cream we had gotten before entering the FP area) then we stood up when CTM began. Some of our group moved a little further back and leaned on the railing since that made for the best unobstructed (light posts) pics and videos. It was not crowded at all when we were in the area. We had plenty of space and weren't shoulder to shoulder with anyone besides who was in our group (8 of us). It was a very enjoyable way for us to spend our last night of our trip!!