I'm assuming you're talking about the dessert, we checked in about 6:30, you put your name in and tell them how many are in your party, they tell you where you will be seated. We did the 10:30 one, so we came back right after the fireworks, about 10ish. I think they open the seating about half an hour before, so you can sit and relax and get your drinks. We LOVED it, so worth it! If you are staying at an onsite hotel, ask at the front desk if they can print out the tickets for you, otherwise you have to go get the tix, I think it's in California Adventure at the info desk.