This depends on various factors. How crowded is your section expected to be (ask your server -- the CMs should be able to find out how many Dining Package reservations were made for that night)? Are the crowds at DCA bad in general that day (then the WOC crowds may be bad that evening)? Are you a large party? More than the people listed in your signature? How tall are the people in your group? Do you want to be up by the water (wet zone) or up by a railing (water view) or further back (big picture view)? If you are very specific about the spot you want, then the more time you invest in waiting, the better. Estimate at least an hour's wait to get exactly the spot you want, especially for a large group. But if you are more flexible and the crowds are lower that evening, then you could show up anywhere from 30-15 minutes before the show and find good viewing. You'll have to play it by ear. With kids, I would invest more time just to be sure that they have good viewing.