ºoº "Epcot's Candlelight Processional 2005 F.A.Q. & Information,let's share our info.

[CAJUNWDWFAN]

Last I checked, the evening EMH at Epcot is Thursday. I would imagine that will make the park more crowded than usual. You may want to shoot for the 14th. Or you can change your MVMCP night too. I read that if you send the tickets back, they'll change to a different date (if available).

I cannot change the date of MVMCP since I'm an AP holder and we purchased discount tickets for the 13th. So I guess we will shoot for Wednesday the 14th for our Candlelight package since there is a good chance for evening EMH to be on Thursday.

I wonder if the EMH will really make a big difference in the crowds during the xmas time?

 

[RaySharpton]

I'm interested to know if anyone else has had difficulty in getting an early seating for the CP dinner (say 4:00 or 4:30'ish) for the 8:15 showing in past years?

I Tinkaroo. I can't speak for this 2005 year's getting an early ADR, but in years past I have.

In the past, WDW seems to block a certain set of Candlelight Processional Package Advanced Dinner Reservation spaces for each show from the various restaurants listed in the three different tiers.

Some resturants open at 4:00 P.M. for dinner. And most serve dinner right up to when Illuminations starts at 9:30 P.M.

But for some reason, WDW doesn't always want to give a very early ADR for a restaruant when you attend a late show of 8:15 P.M..

I don't know why they have done this before.

They have explained in the past that they allow so many ADR spaces for each show, and that they spead them out.

Maybe WDW have their computer program set up to pull up a showtime for the Candlelight Processional Package and it will limit the number ADR times allowed for each show before and after each show.

And maybe each showtime has different hours set up for ADRs.

I do know making a regular ADR is different from making a CP ADR.

This is what I have done in the past when I had a 8:15 P.M. Candlelight Processional.

I would make a Candlelight Processional Package Advanced Dinner Reservation at the time closest to what the Cast Member would allow me to make one to my preference. It may be two or three hours later than I want though.

Then when I was allowed to make a regular Advanced Dining Reservation, I would dial the WDW-DINE number again. I would try to make another ADR for the time that I wanted that day.

For example, if I had a CP show at 8:15 P.M., and I was making an CP ADR for a Tier 3, Le Cellier restaurant time as early as possible, preferable at 4:00 P.M..

But WDW would only give me a CP ADR time for 6:00 P.M. as the earliest possible time based on their computer at the time. I would say O.K.

I would make sure that I got my confirmation numbers.

Then I would call WDW-DINE to make another separate regular ADR for the earliest dinner time.

I know that the particular restaurant usually opens for dinner at 4:00 P.M., so I ask for that time. They give me a ADR confirmation number.

On the day of the Epcot CP, I tell the Le Cellier host my Regular ADR confirmation number. She sees it on the computer at 4:00 P.M. and escorts me to my table.

When the server arrives, I give the server my CP dinner voucher and tell the server that we are here for the CP. They should take the CP dinner voucher without any problems, because it is a CP night and many other CP guests will be their for the 6:00 P.M. show.

I have only done this twice in the past six years.

It is a hassle, but I did it so that I could see the 6:00 P.M. Epcot Christree Lighting Ceremony.

Most of the time now, I eat late lunch, and go to a standby line to watch CP and not buy a CP package.

Although I really wish we didn't have to eat so early, that's the only way I can see fitting in dinner, the tree lighting, CP, and IllumiNations all in one night. Does anyone else have other ideas?

The only two ideas that I have is to do the two things that I listed above.

We'd likely eat at Alfredo's (did LC back in April, and even though I loved it, I think my group is looking for a change of pace).

We had also planned on going on 11/30, but are changing our plans to 12/1, to see Haley Joel instead of Phil Donahue. For those asking, I've seen Haley Joel on talk shows within the last year or so, and he is very well-spoken for his age. I bet he'll do a good job (and I am just NOT a fan of PD).

I think that I will see Haley Joel on Saturday, December 3rd by using the standby line, but I think that I might buy a CP package on my first day WDW on Tuesday, November 29th just to eat at Le Cellier.

I gave up a long time ago wanting to see such and such narrator. I mean I like certain narrators like James Avery, but he is not speaking this year.

And one year I waited and bought a CP package for a particular narrator, Mr. Disney, only to have him cancel at the last minute.

Good luck with your planning.

And remember it is a beautiful time of the year at WDW and you will have a wonderful time what ever happens.

Sincerely, Ray

 

[RaySharpton]

I'm just curious of something.

How do you suppose the extra magic hours will effect the CP?
Especially the night time extra magic hours.

I plan on calling for CP package tickets on August 15th. When I call I'll have to determine the exact date for us to see the CP. Hopefully the night I choose will be an extra magic hours night. We're going to try for the 14th or 15th of December to see Lou Diamond Phillips since I just realized that we have MVMCP tickets for the 13th. I can't believe I forgot about that!

What night (so far this year) has been an extra magic hour night at EPCOT?

Hi, CAJUNWDWFAN. I don't know the answer to your question.

But I have been to WDW every December since the 1990's and I can only speak for the first two weeks of December of each year that I have been.

When ever WDW has ever offered any early or late special opening during the year, I have never seen the special "late"offerings offered in the first two weeks of December.

I have seen special media days at certain parks that were open late only for those particular participants.

And I have seen special company nights at Magic Kingdom and MGM where the company pays WDW to have exclusive use of the park with special fireworks after the regular closing of the park.

This especially effected seeing the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights after Fantasmic show one night. A special pin convention event closed the Osborne Lights after the Fantasmic show attendees tried to see them. The WDW cast members lined the street and directed the Fantasmic show attendees that night to the exit instead of seeing the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights that night after the Fantasmic show.

Maybe they didn't offer these special late open times because of the several MVMCP events that were open until midnight.

And if you look in my signature below, you can click on the links for MK times from 2004 and see that MK was open until midnight on Saturdays.

And Epcot was open a half an hour longer and the Illuminations were held at 9:30 P.M.

But maybe things may be different this year.

When I get to WDW this year, I'll try to post the times again.

Sincerely, Ray

 

[RaySharpton]

This will allow us to also watch Illuminations at 9pm since with your CP dinner package you also get preferred viewing for the Illuminations show!

Hi, MAGICX2. The Illuminations fireworks will be at 9:30 P.M. and the Candlelight Processional Package does not offer preferred viewing of the Illuminations.

The Candlelight Processional Package does allow preferred seating to watch the Candlelight Processional Package in the American Garden Theater.

But wouldn't it be nice if they did.

Sincerely, Ray

 

[aubriee]

So now that the list is out on the speakers who will you all be seeing? Were going on the night of the 9th so it's Jim Caviezel. He is the guy that played Jesus in the Passion of the Christ the Mel Gibson movie.

We arrive at WDW the morning of Dec 9th and plan to see Jim Caviezel that night too. Trying to decided between Le Cellier and Coral Reef.

 

[aubriee]

I'm just curious of something.

How do you suppose the extra magic hours will effect the CP?
Especially the night time extra magic hours.

I plan on calling for CP package tickets on August 15th. When I call I'll have to determine the exact date for us to see the CP. Hopefully the night I choose will be an extra magic hours night. We're going to try for the 14th or 15th of December to see Lou Diamond Phillips since I just realized that we have MVMCP tickets for the 13th. I can't believe I forgot about that!

What night (so far this year) has been an extra magic hour night at EPCOT?

We've got tickets for MVMCP on Dec 13th also. I had thought about booking the CP pkg for the 14th or 15th to see Lou Diamond Phillips, but decided to go on our first night to see Jim Caviezel instead on Dec 9th.

 

[wilsonjen]

After reading allears, I'm a bit confused about the process for picking up your ticket. It sounds like you get your CP Package ticket at the park entrance (either entrance, or just the main one?) and then you use the ticket both for the show and for dinner as a voucher? So, no one actually takes your ticket since you need to use it twice, right?

I'm planning to see the 6:45 p.m. show and eat dinner at 8:45 p.m., as allears recommends (Why so late? I'm afraid I'll miss Illuminations.).

My problem is this: we'll use the International Gateway Entrance since we're coming from the Dolphin. I'd like to avoid a hike all the way to the main entrance if I can!

If anyone knows the answer to this, please share. Thanks!

 

[RachelTori]

Jen, the *ticket packet* you receive will contain the voucher which the wait-staff needs plus the "pass" you will wear to get into the CP show. I believe there are several places within Epcot where you can pick up your packet, Guest Services at International Gateway being one of them.

I agree the 6:45 pm show with an 8:45 eating time seems out of line. When you actually call for your package, the CM will give you suggested ADR times for the CP show you want.

 

[RaySharpton]

After reading allears, I'm a bit confused about the process for picking up your ticket.

Hi, wilsonjen. I can't answer most of your questions officially, but just from my experiences.

I just love Deb Wills' www.AllEarsNet.com website. It was the very first Disney site that I ever saw and answered all of my WDW questions. I have also met Deb Wills several times at Mousefest events at WDW and she is the sweetest, kindest person that you would ever want to meet.

AllEarsNet.com can only post what Walt Disney World publishes officially.

And officially, Walt Disney World has printed on their Candlelight Processional website, "Pick them up at the Main entrance."

If you look on the first post, I posted the same thing because that is what WDW said.

Not very much information for WDW to give is it?

But since this is a discussion board we can share our past experiences over the years as guests.

It sounds like you get your CP Package ticket at the park entrance (either entrance, or just the main one?)

WDW only posted, "...Main entrance...". I am not sure what the "...either entrance, or just the main one..." means exactly.

If you mean by other entrance, the Epcot parking ticket entrance, the answer is no.

I think that when you say "main entrance" you mean Epcot's main front entrance, the anwer is yes and no. There is a Guest Services at the far right side of all of the turnstyles of the Epcot main entrance. This is where I have picked up my CP ticket. This is also where I have renewed my annual pass. I have never tried picking up my CP ticket at the numerous other free standing ticket booths at the main entrance before. Maybe someone else can answer that question. When I have seen other people try that before they were sent to the above Guest Services.

...and then you use the ticket both for the show and for dinner as a voucher?

You receive a ticket, a dinner voucher, and a receipt.

So, no one actually takes your ticket since you need to use it twice, right?

No. You give the server your dinner voucher. You keep your CP ticket and receipt.

I'm planning to see the 6:45 p.m. show and eat dinner at 8:45 p.m., as allears recommends (Why so late? I'm afraid I'll miss Illuminations.).

This is a suggested time based on where you are eating in relation to the American Garden Theater. If you were eating at the Germany Biergarden, then you would have a short walking distance. But if you were eating at the Future World Coral restaurant you would have to walk the completely from one side of Epcot to the other side of Epcot.
And Illuminations is at 9:30 P.M. You might miss Illuminations with your plan. But you will be able to take your time to dine. Maybe you could ask for a early time to dine. Or change the time to watch the CP show.

My problem is this: we'll use the International Gateway Entrance since we're coming from the Dolphin. I'd like to avoid a hike all the way to the main entrance if I can!

If anyone knows the answer to this, please share. Thanks!

Here is the FAQ from the first page that may help you. It is information that I have exerienced over the years.

ºoº Where do I pick up my Candlelight Processional "package" ticket? ºoº

ºoº Walt Disney World says, "Pick them up at the Main Entrance."

ºoº I have heard that people were able to pick up their Candlelight Processional "package" ticket at other places. Where were these places? ºoº

ºoº There were several places, but WDW didn't not offer this information unless you asked:
Epcot's Guest Services outside the park, located to the far right of all the turnstiles, where you renew annual passes.
Epcot's Guest Services inside the park, located in a building to the immediate left of the Spaceship Earth attraction.
Epcots Ticket booth outside the park at the International Gateway for guests at the Boardwalk resort, Beach and Yacht Club resorts, Swan and Dolphin resorts, and all those coming from the MGM park via the WDW boat launches. You can also renew you annual passes here, too.
Epcot's special Candlelight Processional "package" tent booth, located outside the American Pavilion, against the far right wall, near the Santa area.
Walt Disney World Resort's Guest Services if requested. Some Cast Members may be aware, and other may not be aware of how to print the tickets.

ºoº Why don't they announce that we can pick up our Candlelight Processional "PACKAGE" tickets at our resorts? ºoº

ºoº Possibly because people forget to bring them to Epcot on the night of the Candlelight Processional.

ºoº What does the Candlelight Processional "package" ticket look like? ºoº

ºoº The Candlelight Processional "PACKAGE" tickets are about twice the size of a credit card, but is only made of very thin paper. Much like printer paper. The ticket is blank except for some color and decoration until printed from the computer with your information of dates and times.

ºoº Do we give our restaurant server this ticket? ºoº

ºoº No. You will also receive a small restaurant voucher made of the same paper to hand to your server a proof of purhasing a dinner with the proper "tier" level and restaurant name.

ºoº I thought that we got some kind of pin to put the ticket in, what is everything that we are supposed to receive when we pick up our Candlelight Processional "package" tickets? ºoº

ºoº You will receive a printed ticket with all of the information printed on it.
You will receive a clear, convention-type pin to slide your Candlelight Processional "package" ticket into so that you can wear it on your shirt for identification.

You will receive a similar piece of thin paper with printed information to be used to give to your server called a "dinner voucher" with all of the proper information printed on it.
You will also receive a receipt made of the same piece of thin paper.

Sincerely, Ray

 

[Tinkaroo]

This is what I have done in the past when I had a 8:15 P.M. Candlelight Processional.

I would make a Candlelight Processional Package Advanced Dinner Reservation at the time closest to what the Cast Member would allow me to make one to my preference. It may be two or three hours later than I want though.

Then when I was allowed to make a regular Advanced Dining Reservation, I would dial the WDW-DINE number again. I would try to make another ADR for the time that I wanted that day.

For example, if I had a CP show at 8:15 P.M., and I was making an CP ADR for a Tier 3, Le Cellier restaurant time as early as possible, preferable at 4:00 P.M..

But WDW would only give me a CP ADR time for 6:00 P.M. as the earliest possible time based on their computer at the time. I would say O.K.

I would make sure that I got my confirmation numbers.

Then I would call WDW-DINE to make another separate regular ADR for the earliest dinner time.

I know that the particular restaurant usually opens for dinner at 4:00 P.M., so I ask for that time. They give me a ADR confirmation number.

On the day of the Epcot CP, I tell the Le Cellier host my Regular ADR confirmation number. She sees it on the computer at 4:00 P.M. and escorts me to my table.

When the server arrives, I give the server my CP dinner voucher and tell the server that we are here for the CP. They should take the CP dinner voucher without any problems, because it is a CP night and many other CP guests will be their for the 6:00 P.M. show.

I have only done this twice in the past six years.

It is a hassle, but I did it so that I could see the 6:00 P.M. Epcot Christree Lighting Ceremony.

Most of the time now, I eat late lunch, and go to a standby line to watch CP and not buy a CP package.



The only two ideas that I have is to do the two things that I listed above.



I think that I will see Haley Joel on Saturday, December 3rd by using the standby line, but I think that I might buy a CP package on my first day WDW on Tuesday, November 29th just to eat at Le Cellier.

I gave up a long time ago wanting to see such and such narrator. I mean I like certain narrators like James Avery, but he is not speaking this year.

And one year I waited and bought a CP package for a particular narrator, Mr. Disney, only to have him cancel at the last minute.

Good luck with your planning.

And remember it is a beautiful time of the year at WDW and you will have a wonderful time what ever happens.

Sincerely, Ray

Hi, Ray,

Thanks so much for your comments and suggestions. I think I follow you. I guess the only glitch I can see is, would there be any time that the server might check to see if you're on the CP or not, and even though you have the voucher, they won't honor it because you're sitting at an earlier time? Additionally, do you need to worry about not showing up for the supposed CP package AR you made at the same restaurant?

I realize you might not know the answers, but as I'm the planner for my group of 5 adults, I don't want to put us in a situation that could be disastrous. However, 3 of the 5 adults (everyone but me and DH) only have 3 nights in the World for this trip, and this would be their only night to experience everything that Epcot has to offer for the holidays. I really want to try to make this work.

I, of course, will try for a 4:00 or 4:30 seating when booking the CP, but do have the suspicion that they won't give it to me for a 8:15 show.

 

[RaySharpton]

I realize you might not know the answers, but as I'm the planner for my group of 5 adults, I don't want to put us in a situation that could be disastrous. However, 3 of the 5 adults (everyone but me and DH) only have 3 nights in the World for this trip, and this would be their only night to experience everything that Epcot has to offer for the holidays. I really want to try to make this work.

Hi, Tinkaroo. Anything is possible. I wouldn't want to be responsible for any disaters either for guests either. But I think that you should be able to do this.

Thanks so much for your comments and suggestions. I think I follow you. I guess the only glitch I can see is, would there be any time that the server might check to see if you're on the CP or not, and even though you have the voucher, they won't honor it because you're sitting at an earlier time?

The restaurant server will definitely look at your dinner voucher because he will see this the same as cash. He will have to verify that it is the correct date, that it says the correct restaurant, and whether it says for adult or for a child.

As far as the time, I don't think that he will care.

The restaurant server is responsible for this ticket because it will pay for your meal and his gratuity. The larger your bill, the larger his gratuity. The larger his table of guests, the multiple tips he will receive.

The only person that might mind is the restaurant host at the front of the restuarant. If you told her/him that your were there for the Candlelight Processional meal, she would ask to see your Candlelight Processional Dinner Voucher and notice the different time. I wouldn't wear your CP tag either to the restaurant.

But if you go in and say you have an Advanced Dining Reservation at 4:00 P.M., she will check her computer and she your ADR for 4:00 P.M. and let you in like the hundreds of other guests that day.

Additionally, do you need to worry about not showing up for the supposed CP package ADR you made at the same restaurant?

If you don't show up for the CP ADR time, the restaurant host will be able to make some other family of five or two couples very happy that night. Many people don't know about ADR's and will be turned away on the day that you are there because the restaurant will be sold out. Some one be be so happy to use that ADR time that you don't use.

I, of course, will try for a 4:00 or 4:30 seating when booking the CP, but do have the suspicion that they won't give it to me for a 8:15 show.

If you are really worried about it, I would just stick with the original CP ADR. for the night. This is just a suggestion for anyone that wants to try it.

It is so frustrating when the CP ADR won't allow a earlier time just because of a computer program when the times are actually available if you make a regular ADR.

Sincerely, Ray

 

[CAJUNWDWFAN]

Alright, I've thought about this.

I think I will schedule our candlelight package for thursday Dec. 15th so we can see Lou Diamond Phillips. Like I mentioned in a previous post Tuesday the 13th we have MVMCP tickets and we will be returning to the MK on Wed. Dec. 14th to hopefully take advantage of extra magic hours in the evening.
That leaves only the 15th to see Lou.

 

[CAJUNWDWFAN]

I just thought of another question for all of you.

Ok there is three scheduled times for the CP.

5pm
6:45pm
8:15pm

How much time is there from the time the 6:45pm show ends to the 8:15pm starts? How long does the CP show take? What is the downtime between performances?

I ask this so I can determine our dining time (at LeCellier) after the 6:45pm show ends?
I would like to schedule it as close to the ending of the 6:45pm performance.
After we dine we plan to watch Illuminations and we would hope to finish dining in a timely manner so that we may get a good spot to view the fireworks.

 

[RaySharpton]

I just thought of another question for all of you.

Ok there is three scheduled times for the CP.

5pm
6:45pm
8:15pm

How much time is there from the time the 6:45pm show ends to the 8:15pm starts?

The show lasts about 40 minutes. So if the show starts at 6:45 P.M., it should end around 7:25 P.M. That should leave about 50 minutes between the end of the 6:45 P.M. show and the start of the 8:15 P.M. show. But there may be other factors that might make it a several minutes shorter.

How long does the CP show take?

About 40 minutes.

What is the downtime between performances?

I don't know the exact answer to your question because they always seem to be busy in the American Garden Theater right up to show time, sometimes.

The down time between the end of the 5:00 P.M. show and the start of the 6:45 P.M. should be about 65 minutes.

The down time between the end of the 6:45 P.M. show and the start of the 8:15 P.M. show should be about 50 minutes.

There may be reasons that the downtime may take longer.

If the show is a little late starting for any reason.

The time that it takes the hundreds of children and adults of the stage chorus to exit single file out the far left and far right exits, across the main walkway, to behind the American Pavilion.

The time that it takes the Cast Members to clean up all of the trash from the all of the seating areas after the show like that of drink cups, pop corn on the floor, paper, and trash in general, etc. so that the next group will have a clean theater to enter.

And finally, the time that the cast members allow the CP package guests to enter the theater and to be seated. And the time that it takes to let the standby line in to be seated after the CP package guests are seated.

I ask this so I can determine our dining time (at LeCellier) after the 6:45pm show ends?

Well, if the 6:45 P.M. show ends at about 7:25 P.M., and you don't get caught in the line of the chorus exiting the show, and determining how long it will take you to walk from the American Garden Theater, past the Japan pavilion, past the Morocco pavilion, past the France pavilion, across a long bridge, past the Endland pavilion, and past the front of the Canadian pavilion where the entrance to the Le Cellier entrance is located; and you stop to see any of the street shows, or rest, then I guess you can determine your time to make your ADR for Le Cellier.

It would be different for me because I can't walk long distances very well without resting. You might want to consider this if someone in your party is like this.

And if you have children, they may be charmed by the drummers in Japan and may want to stop and watch them, or the Morocco band, or the French Mimes, or the British Beatles band or the British comedy troupe, or the Canadian singing group, or any of the Santa representatives at each of the countries that you pass. The Canadian Santa is located to the immediate left of the entrance to the Le Cellier.

I would like to schedule it as close to the ending of the 6:45pm performance.
After we dine we plan to watch Illuminations and we would hope to finish dining in a timely manner so that we may get a good spot to view the fireworks.

Have a great time.

Sincerely, Ray

 

[CAJUNWDWFAN]

Thanks Ray for the help with the time.

No kids in our group. Me, my fiance, and my two parents.
We will walk straight to Canada after.

I'll factor in about 15 minutes to exit the show and walk to Canada.

I think I should get a priority seating for 7:45pm to 8pm at the latest. That would give us an hour to hour 1/2 to eat before Illuminations starts.

 

[BBGirl]

bumping back to page 1

 

[daisy_77]

I am planning on attending the CP at 5pm with a dinner package on December 2. I am going to surprise my DH w/a dinner afterwards at Coral Reef, then we will watch Illuminations. I am soooo excited for this trip!

 

[keishashadow]

Help, sure these questions have been asked before:

Do any of the "bleacher seats" have backs on them?

When/where is the tree lighting?

Can I assume that all shows will allow me to see Illuminations?

Need to depart from International Gateway, any suggestions as to a "good spot" to watch Illuminations with a a decent view; then afford us a quick exit?

If I want to eat @ Le Cellier, which show/dinner seating will allow me to see the tree lighting (hopefully, without any running involved)?

Sorry for the number of questions but, I'm getting more confused by the minute. Thanks.

 

[DisZip]

The official Disney CP page at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wd...undTheWorldCandlelightSpecialEventPage&bhcp=1 shows Dec 22-27 as OPEN and not Gary Sinise.

Is this a recent change ?

 

[RachelTori]

The official Disney CP page at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wd...undTheWorldCandlelightSpecialEventPage&bhcp=1 shows Dec 22-27 as OPEN and not Gary Sinise.

Is this a recent change ?

That is very interesting. I know All Ears has listed Gary Sinise (and still does) and I believe they get that info FROM the Disney website. I know Gary's family had made it a *family tradition* to be there over Christmas so, of all the narrators, his having to cancel would surprise me most.

Here I'd insert the shrugging shoulders smiley, but he doesn't appear to be available!!!