Elizabeth:
What you've heard is correct, the VIP seating for the
Fantasmic Dinner Package, although down front, is off-center toward the right of the amphitheater. I wouldn't say that there is a bad seat in the place, but over the years as my family has used this package several times, we've learned to get there about 30 minutes ahead of time--not at the last minute, even though your VIP tickets give you great seats for last-minute entry compared to not getting a seat at all for standby--and work our way up the section from the bottom as folks enter in at the top. As we do this, we move as far over to the center as possible. If you don't get the package, then you'll need to plan on arriving at least an hour before the show to get a "good" seat.
If you want to get the most out of Fantasmic, and don't want to spring for the dining package, I suggest buying your dinner before at a quick-service restaurant and getting in the line to enjoy it either while you wait in the line or while you sit in the amphitheater. This simply passes the time. With VIP passes, this isn't necessary.
The announcement of the new
Glow with the Show Mickey ears at Fantasmic has me excited as I bought these for me--yes me--to get "more" out of the World of Color show at Disneyland last summer. I'm tickled to know that you can now get these and light up with others in the crowd during Fantasmic and other Disney World shows. HINT: Buying just one pair doesn't have the same effect as everyone in your group wearing a pair. The splurge was memory-making.
Wishing y'all a magical vacation!
Whitney