We just did the cancellation line this past Sunday, October 9. I'll detail our experience below for anyone interested in learning more about it.
We (my daughter and I) arrived at the theater at around 5:10am and were first in line. Shortly after we arrived, 4 college students arrived. We all settled ourselves on the stairs. The line begins on the stairs closest to the box office. It was nice to be sitting under the marquis because it ended up raining the entire time we were there. About 45 minutes later, a woman and her son joined us. Then, another woman with her son joined after that. About a hour later (around 7am) 2 more single people joined. By the end of the day, there were probably at least 20 people, if not more, on the line, but I couldn't see that far back. We all took turns going to the Marriott to use the bathroom (FYI- some of the bathrooms are now locked (hotel key card access only) - but apparently there are bathrooms on just about every floor so we either went to the third or fourth floor. The second floor ones were locked.) There is also a Starbucks inside the Marriott if you are looking for a hot beverage. At noon, the new Hamilton pop store opened and one of the moms took the three kids over to take a look. Our line kept getting longer but I could only really keep track of the first 10-12 or so people. We got lunch at the pizza place across the street. At about 2pm, the lottery winners started showing up and were put directly ahead of us on the line. We kept counting to see how many there were so we could get an idea as to how many might be left! At 2:30p they started processing the lottery winners. Then at about 2:35p they called us in! We were directed to the box office window on the far right. The attendant simply told me how much the tickets were and asked for my credit card. At this point, I had no idea what I was buying - only that it was $398. I signed the slip and then she handed me the two tickets. We were in the front row! Orchestra center, first two seats off the aisle. The front row is CC. The next two tickets were also front row, the two seats to the left of us. Then, the two after that were about 10th row orchestra center, first two seats off the aisle. The next two were about 12th row orchestra center, also first two seats off the aisle. Then, the next two were Standing Room. I don't know if anyone else got in after that. I had hoped to see more of our cancellation line people after the show but we did the Stage Door line and then we lost track of everyone else. Overall, it was an amazing experience. Everyone on the line was so incredibly nice and supportive. We all took turns getting coffee, food, bathroom trips, etc. It was a long wait but it didn't feel as long as it sounds and definitely worth it! Sitting that close is very cool - and the actors would, at times, even make eye contact with us!
The Stage Door line was great - we got a good spot and were able to see Michael Luwoye (Hamilton), Lexi Lawson (Eliza), Chris Jackson (Washington), Rory O'Malley (King George), and Seth Stewart (Lafayette/Jefferson). The rest did not come out. My daughter did get a photo of Anthony Ramos on his way in to the theater beforehand.
I hope this helps anyone considering trying out the cancellation line. Please feel free to post questions and I will be happy to answer.
