We did this on Monday and had a great time. A few thoughts:
1) Alcohol: As others stated, they did feel the need to tell us about the alcohol policy. One drink at a time, if you're not finished, they'll take the drink and leave your refill. No big deal here IMO. We still managed 6 drinks a person.
2) View: We sat in the lower section as it was warm enough. We had the first table, which gave us a great view though I can see a few tables would be more obstructed. We were near the gate, which a few people used randomly. It was supposed to be blocked off but a few people decided that was the way to the bathroom I guess and we did need to move chairs for them a few times. However, the view was also impacted by #3...
3) Umbrellas: Why they don't just remove them, is beyond me. They did ask to put them down for other guest's viewing; we didn't really have an issue and said sure. We aren't rude. However, once it was down, I couldn't really talk to anyone else at the table. My husband actually had to move seats as he could not see the lagoon anymore at all. We actually mentioned this, "Well now one of us can't see the show at all" and they didn't really have a response. We luckily had empty seats, so he moved, but it's just an awkward situation that would be negated if the umbrellas were removed at 7PM. Josh at EasyWDW mentioned this as well, it really is an issue.
4) Food: The pacing seemed* a bit off for the night, as there was a long wait for the appetizer and a long wait for the entree, but the food was very good and just what we expected. Some other reviews mentioned dessert was served during the show. *We had our dessert after the show. Perhaps they tweaked this a bit. If the longer waits between the food was so we could have dessert at 9:20, then I am all for it, versus rushing through.
5) Service: It was great. We left an extra tip with cash. A few other tables near us did as well. We were asked for new drinks with dessert as a last call, which we thought was a nice touch. We were not rushed out at all and were offered a to-go cup to enjoy that last beverage on the way out of the park. We didn't leave the table until around 9:40, and had a mostly empty park for us to walk through and take photos of the topiaries.
Overall we'd definitely do it again, the experience was very enjoyable and overall a good value for us. We didn't pick our food or drink options based on "value" and I estimate we came out $100 ahead versus a la carte. We'll miss illuminations and the memories we have of it but we are excited for what the future brings.