2024 Candlelight Processional Dining Experiences

[BK2014]

I haven't seen any threads where people can report back on their dining package experiences. We had a 3:40pm reservation at Tutto Italia for the 6:45pm show. We hadn't been to Tutto Italia before, and we weren't sure what would be available on their menu for the dining package. We were able to order any drink or cocktail up to $18. For our meal we were able to order anything off of the Secondi, or Pasta sections of the menu. Finally, for dessert we could order any dessert except for the Limoncello Float.

The cost was $75 per person. Based on the menu prices, DW and I got $152 worth of food and drink. I had the Mare e Monti ($52), Torta di Genovese ($14), and the Italian Martini ($18). DW had the Espresso Martini ($18), Pesca Spada ($36), and the Tiramisu ($14). So beyond the fixed price, it doesn't seem like there is any upcharge built in to account for the reserved seat at the show. We were surprised that we were able to get cocktails up to $18, as I thought it had been a beer or wine in years past.

Overall, we really enjoyed Tutto Italia. The food was really good. I was initially bummed that they removed the appetizer this year from the dinner package, but it ended up being plenty of food.

As for the show, I feel like there is more time between the first and second shows than in this past. This allowed us to get in line plenty early, but without having to hear any of the first show. They also seemed to let the dining package line earlier than I recall in the past. We were in our seats by 5:20pm for the 5:45. Finally, where I thought in the past they had reserved half of the theater for dining package and the other half for the standby line, we were able to pick seats on either side of the theater. This gave us our best seats that we have had.

 

[gottalovepluto]

... Finally, where I thought in the past they had reserved half of the theater for dining package and the other half for the standby line, we were able to pick seats on either side of the theater. This gave us our best seats that we have had.

No, it wasn’t half and half- at least last year. I distinctly remember sitting on the opposite side of the theater from the dining entry for my package last year.

 

[PoppyJ]

I haven't seen any threads where people can report back on their dining package experiences. We had a 3:40pm reservation at Tutto Italia for the 6:45pm show. We hadn't been to Tutto Italia before, and we weren't sure what would be available on their menu for the dining package. We were able to order any drink or cocktail up to $18. For our meal we were able to order anything off of the Secondi, or Pasta sections of the menu. Finally, for dessert we could order any dessert except for the Limoncello Float.

The cost was $75 per person. Based on the menu prices, DW and I got $152 worth of food and drink. I had the Mare e Monti ($52), Torta di Genovese ($14), and the Italian Martini ($18). DW had the Espresso Martini ($18), Pesca Spada ($36), and the Tiramisu ($14). So beyond the fixed price, it doesn't seem like there is any upcharge built in to account for the reserved seat at the show. We were surprised that we were able to get cocktails up to $18, as I thought it had been a beer or wine in years past.

Overall, we really enjoyed Tutto Italia. The food was really good. I was initially bummed that they removed the appetizer this year from the dinner package, but it ended up being plenty of food.

As for the show, I feel like there is more time between the first and second shows than in this past. This allowed us to get in line plenty early, but without having to hear any of the first show. They also seemed to let the dining package line earlier than I recall in the past. We were in our seats by 5:20pm for the 5:45. Finally, where I thought in the past they had reserved half of the theater for dining package and the other half for the standby line, we were able to pick seats on either side of the theater. This gave us our best seats that we have had.

What time did you get in line for the show?

 

[kdka421]

Not as much to report for Biergarten but I'll throw our #s here:
Normal lunch price $49 adult/$28 child
Adults (21+) could get 1/2 liter of beer ($12-12.75) or a glass of wine ($12-19)

Candlelight processional package was $71 per adult, so a $3-10 surcharge for the package depending on what you get to drink. [And to state the obvious, a $22 surcharge for those ages 10-20 or those 21+ who choose not to drink]
$10 surcharge for kids 3-9, which equates to the same surcharge as an adult who gets a beer or cheaper wine.

Hated having to pay $71 for my picky eating 10yo but was worth it for the guarantee to see Josh Gad. Hubby and I both thought the food offerings were fantastic and left stuffed!
The whole family loved the entertainment at Biergarten, fun show for all!

 

[Memorymakerfor4]

We had a great experience at Le Cellier for one of the Josh Gad performances, and would do it again in a heartbeat. I'd read it is one of the worst values for the CP package, but it's where we wanted to eat. My husband and I shared the ribeye for 2, I don't remember what the kids ate, but it was all good and honestly one of the best meals of the trip. Totally worth it on a busy weekend to get a guaranteed seat.

 

[MinnieMSue]

I’m wondering what Teppan Edo is like as they charge a ridiculous $105 for it. Noticed “only” charging $80 for the festival of arts version of it. My daughter really wanted to eat there but no way was paying nearly double for a meal there so we dropped it and are doing garden grill breakfast which is $71. Not a value by any means but it is NPH so we had to do something and it is a meal we enjoy

 

[BK2014]

What time did you get in line for the show?

We got in line right around 6:00pm.

 

[kboo]

$66/$37 -Candlelight processional price.
We did Chefs de France lunch for the first (very first!) Josh Gad Show. Booking issues aside - it took over an hour for our date to be loaded - it was a great deal and a terrific meal. We had only visited CdF during the pandemic (2021) and this was SO much better. Our server said "Now we have French people in ze kitchen... " And he was right. My 9yo said it was the best bread she's ever had.

We had full choice of all of the entrees (main courses) + desserts and the house wine by the glass

"Adults" got:

Pork ($40) + Profiteroles ($14) + wine ($8) = $62 (plus onion soup, $14)
Steak ($50) + Chocolate Mousse cake ($15) + wine ($8) = $73
Ratatouille ($29) + sorbets ($14) + milk (4.29) = $47 (the teen. D'oh!)

Kid:
Salmon ($14) + strawberry tart ($6.75) + shirley temple ($5?) = $26

We paid an extra $20 (sort of) for the guaranteed seats. Although if the teen had picked any other entree, the deficit would have been all from the kid's meal. Still - the food was terrific, the strawberry tart was full of strawberries, and overall we had a terrific experience. I was expecting we'd be limited to something like their prix fixe ($67) but we could choose any main and any dessert, plus wine.

 

[Disneyhanna]

Salmon ($14) + strawberry tart ($6.75) + shirley temple ($5?) = $26

Uh, can I be a kid for a day? That sounds like a dream meal

 

[elaine amj]

I love chefs de France. The bread is great and I’ve always had the type of servers that make a memorable meal. But consider their desserts ($14-15!) very overpriced for their small size and quality. Bummer for me since I do expect more from them and I love desserts.

 

[Lehuaann]

We dined at Biergarten @ 2 pm for the 5 pm show (Gary Sinise). Food and show were great as usual. We thought the $71 price was fair since it included an alcoholic beverage. A few in our party opted out of the CP and paid the regular price of $49.

By the time we got out, there was a line into Japan. When we finally got in line @ 4:20, it was into Morocco. I’ve never seen anything like it as we’ve done this same setup many times before. But it also looked like there’s more CP tickets than before.

Also, FYI for those needing the accessible line, they closed it prior to 4:20 pm and filled it with 6:45. So wheelchairs were behind us in Morocco.

 

[BK2014]

But it also looked like there’s more CP tickets than before.

That was our impression as well. There seemed to be a lot more dining package guests this year.

 

[NicoleLarson]

We did Via Napoli on Dec. 15 @ 5pm. This was Gary Sinise but more importantly, my daughter was performing in this show, so very proud momma moment. Anyways, we had a 1240 reservation. We could order anything from the menu except the appetizers. I got the branzino (fantastic), my mom got fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp (perfection) and my DH and dad got the Filet. They both raved about it, my dad raises and slaughters his own beef so that was big praise coming from him. We all got a dessert and any drink or glass of wine up to $18. I think we all came out ahead of the $63 price and would do it again if my daughter is lucky enough to perform. Like other posts, we got in the CDP line around 310 and were parallel with the Japan drummers. My friends didn't get in line until 440 ish and were almost in France. Our other friends tired to get the Regal Eagle package right when they opened and were told no CDP that day. So they took turns in standby line starting at 11am. They did make it in! At 330, the standby was in Germany (trains), I don't know how much further it went.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

We did the package at Tutto Italia yesterday. Note that for candlelight dining packages you have to check in at the desk inside, not the podium outside. No big deal but if there's a line, don't waste time outside. We had a great late lunch and our experience largely mirrored OP's @BK2014 . One difference for us was that the limoncello float was an option for dessert (but unfortunately wasn't great and I absolutely adore limoncello). We also had the Mare e Monti ($52) and the lasagna ($29). The latter not so much of a great value but was what I was in the mood for. We had a great server team (one person in training) and the manager also checked in to see how everything was going. Once your bill is paid at the table, you take a receipt back to the desk in the lobby and get your Processional tickets. Side note- if dining in Italy, the storyteller there "La Befana" is really cute and worth a watch if the timing works out. Neil Patrick Harris was the narrator last night. We got in line shortly after 6 for the 6:45pm show and the line was back to ~mid Morocco. Once opened, the line moved quickly, and we got decent seats toward the middle. It did not look like many, if any at all, stand-bys got into the show and the stand-by line was LONG. Unverified but I saw a report somewhere that dining packages were completely sold out yesterday. Weather was perfect and a nice switch from seeing it in the pouring rain last year (still fun). One of my favorite annual holiday events and as a bonus this year I got to take a first-timer with me, which was awesome. Happy Holidays everyone. Hope you have as great a time as we did!!

 

[jo-jo]

We did Via Napoli on Dec. 15 @ 5pm. This was Gary Sinise but more importantly, my daughter was performing in this show, so very proud momma moment. Anyways, we had a 1240 reservation. We could order anything from the menu except the appetizers. I got the branzino (fantastic), my mom got fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp (perfection) and my DH and dad got the Filet. They both raved about it, my dad raises and slaughters his own beef so that was big praise coming from him. We all got a dessert and any drink or glass of wine up to $18. I think we all came out ahead of the $63 price and would do it again if my daughter is lucky enough to perform. Like other posts, we got in the CDP line around 310 and were parallel with the Japan drummers. My friends didn't get in line until 440 ish and were almost in France. Our other friends tired to get the Regal Eagle package right when they opened and were told no CDP that day. So they took turns in standby line starting at 11am. They did make it in! At 330, the standby was in Germany (trains), I don't know how much further it went.

We had watch the 6:45 show from the ropes. Leaving, the line for the 8:15 was to France. The next night, (saw it again, same time) Disney had put in some switchbacks to shorted the length of the line. I think people were blocking the food stands and hurting sales.

 

[elaine amj]

We did Via Napoli on Dec. 15 @ 5pm. This was Gary Sinise but more importantly, my daughter was performing in this show, so very proud momma moment. Anyways, we had a 1240 reservation. We could order anything from the menu except the appetizers. I got the branzino (fantastic), my mom got fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp (perfection) and my DH and dad got the Filet. They both raved about it, my dad raises and slaughters his own beef so that was big praise coming from him. We all got a dessert and any drink or glass of wine up to $18. I think we all came out ahead of the $63 price and would do it again if my daughter is lucky enough to perform. Like other posts, we got in the CDP line around 310 and were parallel with the Japan drummers. My friends didn't get in line until 440 ish and were almost in France. Our other friends tired to get the Regal Eagle package right when they opened and were told no CDP that day. So they took turns in standby line starting at 11am. They did make it in! At 330, the standby was in Germany (trains), I don't know how much further it went.

Wow - I did not expect CDP to sell out completely for Regal Eagle. So glad I booked Biergarten instead of counting on a same day DP.

 

[NicoleLarson]

From what she said, they didn't offer it at ALL that day. Because they were the first people in the restaurant. So just a PSA for anyone with that plan, it might be a day where they don't offer it. Has anyone heard of anyone being able to get Regal Eagle?

Wow - I did not expect CDP to sell out completely for Regal Eagle. So glad I booked Biergarten instead of counting on a same day DP

 

[elaine amj]

From what she said, they didn't offer it at ALL that day. Because they were the first people in the restaurant. So just a PSA for anyone with that plan, it might be a day where they don't offer it. Has anyone heard of anyone being able to get Regal Eagle?

Very useful to know as this is the first report I have heard of it not being available at all.

 

[Pixie Dust Believer]

From what she said, they didn't offer it at ALL that day. Because they were the first people in the restaurant. So just a PSA for anyone with that plan, it might be a day where they don't offer it. Has anyone heard of anyone being able to get Regal Eagle?

Yes, for Chrissy Metz and one of the Josh Gad days the 815 show was available.

I spoke to a CM last year and she said same day dining packages (now only at Regal Eagle, before also at Spice Road table) are not guaranteed. Basically before park open, someone looks to see all the dining package reservations that did not sell and sends the tickets that would have been associated with them over to Regal Eagle.

 

[CarolynFH]

Yes, for Chrissy Metz and one of the Josh Gad days the 815 show was available.

I spoke to a CM last year and she said same day dining packages (now only at Regal Eagle, before also at Spice Road table) are not guaranteed. Basically before park open, someone looks to see all the dining package reservations that did not sell and sends the tickets that would have been associated with them over to Regal Eagle.

Thanks - it's good to know how that works. My takeaway from that is, if the narrator is likely to be very, very popular, don't count on Regal Eagle for your dining package tickets!