Kyle

Agree with avoiding the hokey panning we did in Skagway. I did a search on "real gold panning in Alaska" and got lots of hits including this video:
 

Adding this - beyond BOGO, people report different experiences on different ships.  Read the terms and condition at the bottom in the cruise planner and assume that is how it will work.  Ask and try to deviate and you may be successful.  More often than not people are.  I got into Hibachi on night one even though Hibachi is not supposed to be included.  It never hurts to ask. 

Yeah this is for the Alaska cruise in July. We bought The Key for this trip as well but know we still need to make reservations for shows just didn't know exactly how far out we should look to do it. Thanks!

Hey Kyle! (Great name btw)
I have purchased the Key for my upcoming cruise in April.  Its a 5 night and first cruise in over 10 years (first solo so not Diamond or anything that gets perks).  We ended up deciding it was worth it at $20/day ($100) just from the math.  Voom surf and stream for 1 device is $18/day right now I believe which is $90 already. I was not completely sold on Voom because I kind of want to be disconnected from everything for the week, but seeing how half our group is on another deck it would make it easier to reach people, plus always good to have service just in case you want or need it.  The Chops Grille Lunch is included on embarkation day which goes for $22. I've always wanted to try it, plus no fighting the crowds at WJ.  Just with those two it is $112, so already worth getting it.  For me all the extra perks of priority on/off ship, reserved show seats, etc is all just a big bonus at a very reasonable price to enhance my cruise.  My 3 friends I'm going with, it is their 1st cruise so I want things to be a great as it can be.
If you are not going to use the flowrider/shows or didn't want Voom, obviously the value isn't there.  Or some have stated that price outweighs value over longer cruises like 9 day+ which makes sense too. But for me, as a non suite, non-perk C&A level, $100 for all the extras to enhance the experience was a no brainer.
Hope you have a great time!

Nevermind! I found this post (https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2018/12/04/review-royal-caribbeans-the-key-vip-guest-experience) after I posted this question.