Unsurprisingly, given this section exists, we can use a Priority Card for shows.

Before we go on, though, I am going to remind you that, unlike with rides and character meets, using a Priority Card at a show allows only for the pass-holder and two additional people who accompany them. Three people in all. This can be hard to remember, and can be a source of disappointment if you’ve been going around as a group for the day and have to split up for a show because of the limitations. As with all things, knowing this allows you to talk about it ahead of time and come up with a plan. Knowing, after all, is half the battle.

So, how do we use a Priority Card at a show?

The advice to show up (pun intended) 30 to 45 minutes before the show starts still applies here.

If you want to get into a show, you have to show up early. There are just no two ways about it. Still, there are benefits (and drawbacks) to using a Priority Card to see a show. Let’s talk about them.

The first, and obvious, benefit of using a pass at a show is that you have access to a shorter line.

This line is also the first of the two lines to enter the theatre when the seating begins, providing you with more options when choosing where might be best to sit to watch the show. Because, as many of you will know, being closer isn’t always better. Shows are bright, loud, and colourful! They have a lot of characters moving around who often (shudder) break out into song! I kid, of course. The music is a main attraction of the shows, and for the half of one show that I’ve seen (more on this later), it was done really well. And, being a musical theatre kid, I often break out into song for no reason. Totally normal behaviour, I’m sure.

Shows are, undeniably, a lot of stimulation all at once.

Shows are, undeniably, a lot of stimulation all at once. And it can be too much for many of us. So, it is amazing that there is the opportunity to get the pick of the litter when it comes to how far away from the stage we need to be, and at what angle to view the cacophony.

But how do we get there? Thankfully, this is a dance we’ve danced before. The process of using a Priority Card at a show is nearly identical to using it at an attraction. In this case, the two lines will both start at the same point, in front of the entrance to the theatre. There will be a Cast Member there, who, in our experience, is a wellspring of patience and knowledge. They will be able to direct you to the proper line.

Cast Members are your friends.

They should also be able to let you know how many guests in wheelchairs are queued up in the line, in case you also need to use a wheelchair. I’ve been told that there are approximately 20 wheelchair spaces per show, so while this capacity may be reached, it is at least a decently high one. If you do use a wheelchair, and you don’t have flexibility in when you see a show, I recommend going even earlier to line up, in order to secure a place for yourself.

I’m not mad, I’m dissapointed.

Now, this is the point in the guide where I have to adjust my glasses, and put on a stern, but resolute, expression.

Because I have to have a small, quiet talk with some of you about your behaviour, as we’ve come to where using the Priority Card is not necessarily the best choice, and only because of your behaviour.

Ok, I know that many of you who are reading this are doing so because you haven’t been to the Parks, so this can’t possibly be about you. And that is all to the good. I just want to let you know about this aspect of using the Priority Card for a show so that you are prepared. But first, we have to talk about the space for Priority Card holders.

When queueing for a show with a Priority Card, you will be able to access a line that is not as rigid and straight as the usual queueing spaces. There is a lot more space to move around in, which is great for those of us who need that movement. There are also benches, to allow those of us who need to sit for whatever reason to do so. But this space’s greatest strengths are also its greatest weaknesses. Because you aren’t the only one who is going to be in that space.

Perhaps because there is never enough time within the Parks to do the things we want to do, or perhaps for another unknown reason, this queue dissolves into a competition to be first. With all the increased space, and people needing to be in different parts of that space, order never existed in order to be broken down. It is uncomfortable, irritating, and stressful to be in this jostling crowd as it pushes to be the first of those who are allowed in, while still being in the group allowed in first.

The saddest part of it all is that it is not at all necessary. There are plenty of seats, and the theatres are well-designed, giving each seat a good viewing angle. Unfortunately, the actions of other guests can drastically increase our sensory input, especially when people are getting into our space bubble! We’re going to talk more about this later, but this was a noticeable element of going to the shows, both when we viewed a show and when I just observed it happening from the outside, so I wanted to mention it here.