Okay I just stumbled upon the fact that one of favorite bands, Everclear, will be playing a show the day I am at Epcot. I have never done any of the concerts there, so some quick questions. Do the concerts get very busy? Do I need to line up very early? There are 3 different shows, so I was thinking the first show at 5:30 might be the best one for us. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
I think it all depends on the popularity of the band as to how ridiculous the crowds get, but I do believe that the early show is the busiest (at least generally).
I can recall seeing people lined up a few hours early to get in last year - can't recall who the band was though.
If
you have a Disney Visa, you can go to their special reception building and they will give you a bracelet earlier in the day
I went to two concerts last October. I didn't wait in line and still got good seats for both. They let the people standing in line first and after most people were in they drop the ropes in the back of the theater. The people in line went for the first four or five rows by the stage. After those rows there is a walkway and then more rows of seats.
For the first show I went to (Night Ranger), I sat in the first row after the walkway. The second show (Smash Mouth), I was in the first or second row after the walkway.
Hey, where'd my post go from yesterday??? 
Anyway, to summarize what I said yesterday..
- The last show usually has the shortest lines..
- Do bring food and drink with you to watch the show.
- Standing room only viewing outside the theatre is almost as good as sitting in the open air theatre.
- Book the special dining package that will include special seating and your own private line to wait in. Also, you will be first let into the seating area before general admission.
- DON'T Wait 2 hours in line to get a seat... Unless you just have to be in the front row.. 
BTW, I'll be there a few days later, watching Hanson, Sister Hazel, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.. 
Hey, where'd my post go from yesterday???
Never saw a post from you here yesterday Mike. Maybe you hit preview instead of save.
Likewise I never saw one either.
Hey, where'd my post go from yesterday???Anyway, to summarize what I said yesterday..
- The last show usually has the shortest lines..
- Do bring food and drink with you to watch the show.
- Standing room only viewing outside the theatre is almost as good as sitting in the open air theatre.
- Book the special dining package that will include special seating and your own private line to wait in. Also, you will be first let into the seating area before general admission.
- DON'T Wait 2 hours in line to get a seat... Unless you just have to be in the front row..
BTW, I'll be there a few days later, watching Hanson, Sister Hazel, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy..
Color me jealous! I would love to see Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
*Proud Disney Nut*
We just stood outside for the concerts last year and it was great. The great thing about a concert vs. something like Candlelight Processional is that you can still hear perfectly fine while walking past the venue. Maybe try to get a seat since they're your favorite, but in general, I would say that it's probably not worth spending time in line.
Be good at something. It makes you valuable. Have something to bring to the table because that will make you more welcome. --Randy Pausch
Trip Reports:
December 2013: 10th Anniversary, 1st DVC Stay | April 2014: Birthday on the Boardwalk | May 2014: Star Wars Weekend, Navigating WDW with a wheelchair | August 2014: Villains Unleashed | September/October 2014: MNSSHP, F&W, Tower of Terror 10-miler | March/April 2015: Disneyland and California Coastal Cruise | November 2015: Wine & Dine Half, Food & Wine, 1st Disney Cruise | February 2016: Presidential Classic Gymnastics Meet | March 2016: "Work" Trip, Tours, F&G Festival | April 2016: Conference at Disneyland | Fall 2016: Festive Fall Fun | January 2017: Festival of the Arts | May 2017: AbD Backstage Magic | July 2017: AbD San Francisco | Sorry I had to give up doing trip reports. Too many time commitments right now.
I waited about 45 minutes for smash mouth and billy Ocean. For Billy Ocean I met a fab family who are locals and they got front row seats and asked me to join them. For smash mouth again I was in the 2nd row.
It appears not everyone rushes for the exact front. And I thought the layout of the seats was good enough that there really is not a bad seat Anywhere.
I personally enjoyed the time out to grab a drink and chill out while chatting to people and did not find the waiting unbearable.
