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I was there and had this same experience, actually. I took one look at the crowd roped off at the side and said, "Nope. Goin' to Trappers." The staff manning the fence at the front of the FestHaus were polite, but not well informed. For example: There was a big sign advertising a buffet-only dinner, implying that Festhaus only had a buffet, which was causing many to turn and leave. That sign was actually referring to a buffet in the Black Forest Picnic Area (which most people don't even know exists). Even the staff member agreed it was confusing, and was unsure why it was right in front of the Festhaus entrace. She kindly pointed me to the crowd on the side to wait to get into the Festhaus. Once there, the rope-line attendant said we might not see the inside until at least 7:00PM (it was about 6:15). I sincerely doubt it was completely full, given the small crowd at the park, but it could be that everyone piled in to see the show. Either way, had I not asked, I would have been in that holding area for a long time with a hungry child. I know better than to risk that.
 
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Capacity issues in Das Festhaus are going to be rampant this year. A metric ton of seats on the front side of the stage are reserved for QuickQueue, various CT tours, etc (including nearly every "superb" seat there is) and probably nearly a half of the back side is reserved for that Tastes of Christmas Town buffet that seems to be getting hardly any business. No matter how full the other areas of Das Festhaus are, all those tables remain maybe 1/4th full. On busy days the only reasonable way (read: not having to stand in an hour+ line) to see Deck the Halls will probably be to pay to get into the place. It's moderately absurd.
 
I was in that line, towards the back of it and they did let us in. She may be under-exaggerating by saying that they only let in 50 people, they let in 150 at least. However she was correct on everything else, once we got in there, there were plenty of empty seats, and the "tastes of Christmastown" tables only had 20 people at them total. The rest were vacant tables right beside the stage, just waiting to be sat at. When we got out, they had taken down the gate and were letting people in the normal way.

I had a very similar experience to hers in 2011 though. The Festhaus is starting to become the most hated place at Christmas Town.:-/
 
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Honestly, this is not about money. It is about terrible crowd control and terrible advertising. I am certain that they could have easily handled the situation better. For example, the Tastes of Christmas Town Buffet should be restricted to just the Festhaus Kaffee. It would save space for people who want to watch the show and you could easily allow more people in. They need to put a limit on reserved seating. Only save the front row of tables, otherwise, tell people you're sorry it is all sold out. What is the point in paying for reserved seating if it just ends up getting further and further back more?

As far as the Festhaus in general is concerned, it is the only large building with heat during Christmas Town. Yes tents are nice, but in the end people want in a building. They are cramming too many things into one building. A show, a buffet, a restaurant, it is all just way too much. Spread out the offerings elsewhere. Why not put some money into building more fully enclosed dining areas. Would it be too hard to replace at least one dining area by the Smokehouse with an actual dining area inside?
 
PROTIP: If you wanna walk into the Festhaus at capacity level crowds, you can walk right through the bathrooms. No need to stand in line off to the side and wait for people to leave. Works best when the Christmas tree show and Deck the Halls are going on at the same time.
 
I would extend a warning for those who try that. I have heard stories of team members guarding the bathrooms. Especially if a huge group of people walk in all at once.
 
Sorry I meant to say it is not ALL about money. Yes there probably is some bit of it that is for money but the fact you have to wait in a line to get into a theater/restaurant is not about money. How are they making money off of you if they are keeping you away from the cash registers inside?
 
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