Harry Potter Question

[dramamama611]

(I did a search and all the threads were about selling tix....so, sorry about ANOTHER HP thread!)

 

I noticed on the website, they say to arrive an hour before curtain.   Is that actually necessary?   Seems a bit silly to me.   Also: is that expectation for BOTH parts?   

[ccbway]

I think that a lot of people like to spend time looking at the theater and all of the little updates they have made for the show. There is sort of an inordinate amount of people just milling around the theater, which makes it a little harder to just get to your seat right away, and the entry line tends to be a little long/slow. If that holds no interest to you, then you can probably show up closer to 20-30 minutes before the show and still be fine. Doesn't really apply to the second act, although people do spend a bunch of time at the stores looking at merch, etc. again, the re-entry line does take some time.

[Fosse76]

There's no reason to arrive so early, The security line on 43rd Street, although long, moves quickly (42nd Street moves slower). Even 30 minutes before will give you plenty of time.

[HeatherAV]

The lobby and theater are gorgeous.  If you're a large enough fan to come to the show, you probably want to allow at least 10 minutes to wander around and explore.  (Check out small details like the pattern on the carpet and the carvings inside the theater, in addition to the larger areas like the patronus paintings by coat check.)  That's 10 minutes on top of the normal 30 minutes I like to get to the theater early to use the restroom, get a snack, find my seat, peruse the playbill, etc.  But if you're not interested in looking around the theater and you're really just coming to see the show and leave, you can absolutely arrive at the theater 20 minutes before curtain and be just fine.  There will be a slight line to get in, but it moves quickly. The previous poster is correct - people do seem to arrive a full hour early and mill around the lobby.  That's, in my opinion, a little unnecessary.

[dramamama611]

Thanks, all, very helpful!

[bwayphreak234]

Having seen both parts twice, I agree with the above posters. They also use metal detectors at the entrances which contributes to them asking people to arrive early. I arrived about 30 minutes prior both times (4 times entering the theatre total), and had plenty of time to use the restroom, explore the newly renovated theatre, and grab a drink!

[LxGstv]

If you already know where your seat is located, and you have an aisle seat, you can honestly show up 5 minutes before the scheduled time and you’ll also be fine. There will still be time to use the restroom and have a quick read at the playbill before the show starts.
I like the fact that they open the doors one hour prior, that way the lines never really get that long.