WOC -arriving at pref. dining section late where to stand?

[jasy]

We are off to DL tomorrow. But we aren't going to see WOC until Friday. I have booked us at Ariel's at 5:10 so we can see the first show.

My question is this, we are travelling with my son who is 11 months and I cannot see him wanting to stay in the same place for 2 hours, if we are lucky he'll nap but he is so active I highly doubt it. Also he will not be in a stroller but in a carrier I don't want to have to deal with crowds and a child in a stroller.

So what is the latest that we can "check in" and still have a decent place in the preferred dining section to stand and be able to see?

I should add that both my DH and I are tall (he is 6'7" and I am 5'11", we don't *need* to be front and centre with the best view ever but would like a good view. Can anyone point out where the best place would be to stand if we arrive late or where to avoid standing? Or what would be the latest time you would suggest arriving at?

TIA

 

[Disneyland 1951]

The Dining Fastpass will show a return time of EDIT: Showtimes on Friday are 8:00 and 9:00.A crowd forms about Edit 6:15. You can wait until they begin to let people in at Edit: 6:45 before heading to the entrance, and go the the Preferred Dining section. Most people rush to get to the lower section rail, however there are only a few spots available and many fighting to get there. You can just make a left on the upper section and usually there will be no one there? It is the best spot unless you are a major VIP and know DLR Sr. Management.

It is labeled BEST on the chart below.

Do not stand at the spot labeled B = Bad as it is behind several items and alot of people on the same level in the center. Alternative: The upper steps are not too bad, but not nearly as good as the spot labeled BEST.

 

[Jenna319]

We saw WOC last night and also had a 5pm dinner reservation at Ariels. Our fast pass said to arrive at the preferred dining section between 8 and 830pm and that they wouldn't accomodate arrivals earlier than that. We are not people that enjoy waiting long for shows, hence why I booked the dining package. We arrived at 815pm for the 9pm show and sat on the second level of the preferred dining section just behind the wet section and it was great!! Just sat on the ground and waited til the show began and it went by fast because the pre-show started about 830 and I think it kept people entertained. There was always more room for late arrivals to sneak closer. It was not at all jam packed and there were cast members walking through selling pop and glow-in-the-dark cotton candy. Definitely the best show I have seen at a Disney park and a must-see for sure!!

 

[joeysmommy]

This might be a silly question, but if a picnic meal is purchased is that considered preferred dining seating for later?

 

[2canadianfans]

This might be a silly question, but if a picnic meal is purchased is that considered preferred dining seating for later?

We are also wondering ?

 

[jasy]

Thanks so much for the picture and the tip I think we will take your advice and go "left" I will update when we return and let everyone know how it works.

 

[Disneyland 1951]

This might be a silly question, but if a picnic meal is purchased is that considered preferred dining seating for later?

NO.....

Preferred Dining = $40 meal at Ariels or Wine Country.

Picnic = $15 box lunch that gets you a Blue or Yellow section Fastpass without waiting in Fastpass line..

.............All Fastpasses are for standing only.