We went in July of 2015 and got a FP then went again the same day in July 2016 when FP was no longer an option. We sat in the exact same spot both times and had plenty of room to sit on the grass and take everything in. Last summer only a small portion of the Plaza section was roped off for the dessert party and since we liked the back by the railing in 2015 we headed for the same spot in 2016. It actually may have been a little less crowded in 2016 without the FP than it was with the FP. We especially love being in there when the mass exodus hits because most people know there is a railing there so they can't get out. We are kind of protected from the masses and just enjoy a snack/drink until the crush is over.
Anyway, all of that to say if you enjoy watching from that area (and we love it) it was still possible for us to do so.