3rd & 4th December 2016 - advice?

[vault19dweller]

Hello!!!!

I, like a few others, am super excited for PtN to be retuning over the holidays.
We're from Australia and due to family stuff we were unable to make any of the 60th celebrations - so this will be our first & probably last chance to see it.

The schedule for the weekend of the 3rd and 4th if December has just been released, it looks like for both days we'll have:
- Christmas parade: 1pm & 3.15pm
- Holiday fireworks: 8.45pm
- Paint the night: 10.45pm

Though their event schedule is unavailable, I've heard this weekend might also be the weekend for the candlelight procesional?
I'm not 100% though because I can't see it on the official schedule yet.
Guess it could explain why PtN is running only once, and so late.

I can't see BB reservations for PtN yet, but would this be needed for such a late showing?
Would it be better to see it on the Saturday (with Sunday as a backup, in case something crops up on Sat?) or the Sunday? (I'm guessing more people wouldnt want a late night with work / school on Monday?)
Should I just try to keep that time on both nights free, given this is our only ever chance to catch it and I'm super keen on it?

Having the candlelight processional, 2 x christmas parade, fireworks, and PtN all on the same night (two nights in a row) sounds like a logistical nightmare for them, but I guess they must have a way to make it work somehow! I sure don't envy those back stage (in fact I'm super appreciatve for all the hard work that will be going in to make this all happen)

Tbh I picked the first week of December because that's the only month we have this year for travel, and heard that was the lowest crowd option for that month, but with all these events I'm assuming instead it will probably be huge crowds.

Also, I get the idea of the candlelight processional, but have never seen it either.
I'm probably 50/50 on it, like it'd be cool to see, but if it's over-the-top / sardines-in-a-can crowded, or needs to have hours or waiting to get a good spot I'd probably pass... though if I did pass not sure how to avoid that (hop to DCA during candlelight, then back for PtN, or that might be more trouble than what it's worth?)
Is there any way to get a reserved type area for candlelight (like dining packages)?
Is there more than one of these per night?

Sorry for so many questions!

 

[cinder-ellah]

Hello!!!!

I, like a few others, am super excited for PtN to be retuning over the holidays.
We're from Australia and due to family stuff we were unable to make any of the 60th celebrations - so this will be our first & probably last chance to see it.

The schedule for the weekend of the 3rd and 4th if December has just been released, it looks like for both days we'll have:
- Christmas parade: 1pm & 3.15pm
- Holiday fireworks: 8.45pm
- Paint the night: 10.45pm

Though their event schedule is unavailable, I've heard this weekend might also be the weekend for the candlelight procesional?
I'm not 100% though because I can't see it on the official schedule yet.
Guess it could explain why PtN is running only once, and so late.

I can't see BB reservations for PtN yet, but would this be needed for such a late showing?
Would it be better to see it on the Saturday (with Sunday as a backup, in case something crops up on Sat?) or the Sunday? (I'm guessing more people wouldnt want a late night with work / school on Monday?)
Should I just try to keep that time on both nights free, given this is our only ever chance to catch it and I'm super keen on it?

Having the candlelight processional, 2 x christmas parade, fireworks, and PtN all on the same night (two nights in a row) sounds like a logistical nightmare for them, but I guess they must have a way to make it work somehow! I sure don't envy those back stage (in fact I'm super appreciatve for all the hard work that will be going in to make this all happen)

Tbh I picked the first week of December because that's the only month we have this year for travel, and heard that was the lowest crowd option for that month, but with all these events I'm assuming instead it will probably be huge crowds.

Also, I get the idea of the candlelight processional, but have never seen it either.
I'm probably 50/50 on it, like it'd be cool to see, but if it's over-the-top / sardines-in-a-can crowded, or needs to have hours or waiting to get a good spot I'd probably pass... though if I did pass not sure how to avoid that (hop to DCA during candlelight, then back for PtN, or that might be more trouble than what it's worth?)
Is there any way to get a reserved type area for candlelight (like dining packages)?
Is there more than one of these per night?

Sorry for so many questions!

Greetings !
I'm going Dec 1 - 4th so I'm watching for scheduling and trying to work it all also. I haven't seen a dining option yet for PTNP. Our family group saw it last Aug with the Aladdin's Oasis/PTNP. Very convenient. I've heard the second showing was easier to find a good viewing space. With it being limited showing, however, my guess is it will be busy and very popular. I'm hoping to see a dining viewing package again.
The Candlelight Processional viewing area can be quite busy. I've seen people race in when the park would open for the day and claim benches. I'm don't know if there's packages for viewing this. Once past the CP area the rest of the park is easier to manage, from my experience. With the PTNP showing on the same nights that might definitely add to the congestion.

PTNP is fabulous !

 

[cinder-ellah]

There is a lot of chat and sharing of info here, that might be helpful for you :
http://www.disboards.com/threads/di...perthread-5-no-2016-info-yet.3358217/page-173

 

[vault19dweller]

Thank you for the advice cinder-ella!
It's great to be able to hear from people who have experienced it before!
Really appreciate it!

And thank you for the link too!
Will post my questions there because it is related to the holiday season.

Mods can you remove this thread please?
I don't want to clutter the boards too much!

 

[cinder-ellah]

Thank you for the advice cinder-ella!
It's great to be able to hear from people who have experienced it before!
Really appreciate it!

And thank you for the link too!
Will post my questions there because it is related to the holiday season.

Mods can you remove this thread please?
I don't want to clutter the boards too much!

You're welcome !
Hope you have lots of fun & enjoy the Magic of Disney at Christmas.

 

[Malcon10t]

Though their event schedule is unavailable, I've heard this weekend might also be the weekend for the candlelight procesional?

Candlelight doesn't usually appear on the calendar, as it is generally considered a private event available to all in the park (yes, that sounds weird...) It will be the 3rd and 4th. First showing is at 530, second is at 8pm.

Is there any way to get a reserved type area for candlelight (like dining packages)?
Is there more than one of these per night?

Sorry for so many questions!

It used to be there was dining packages, but they usually sold out in under 5 mins. It is a great event, but seating is very limited. There is a lot of standing room, but it is usually full quickly. My suggestion is to try for the second show. They line up on Main St when first show starts. There are a few here who can probably help with when and where the lines are.

Here is a clip from it my daughter did a few years ago with Edward James Olmos. (We love Drew's voice, he is one of the Dapper Dans.)

It is my favorite way to start Christmas month.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

We saw Drew the other day on Main Street and told him that we are really looking forward to Candlelight. His smile just beamed!

 

[Malcon10t]

Candlelight doesn't usually appear on the calendar, as it is generally considered a private event available to all in the park (yes, that sounds weird...) It will be the 3rd and 4th. First showing is at 530, second is at 8pm.

I need to correct myself. Starting last year, they moved the second performance to 745p. This allows them to pull fireworks off at 840p.

 

[Carolynleanne]

I'm going at the same time. December 1-5th. Wondering how much the Processional will affect the schedule.

 

[Malcon10t]

I'm going at the same time. December 1-5th. Wondering how much the Processional will affect the schedule.

There will be no effect on the 1st, 2nd, and 5th (other than some set up going on on Main St.) On the 3rd and 4th, the Christmas parade will go off early, and the PTN parades will be at 1030 or so and only 1 parade. Fireworks will be at 840p.

Main St will be very busy at Town Square from 2-3pm til the end. I've been there when I was trying to get to the turnstile area and it took me 30 mins to get from the Emporium to the Tour Guide area. Mainly because it is very congested with people trying to find last minute standing areas for it.

 

[wongck]

How long is the Candlelight Processional ?

 

[Malcon10t]

How long is the Candlelight Processional ?

About 40 mins.

 

[princess_jamie]

I'm also going to be there on these two days (actually from Dec 3-7) and have been trying to figure out what to do when. Obviously PTN is a huge priority. We only have a half day on Dec 3 (probably get there between 3-5pm and stay until midnight). We were thinking if all we really do is a few rides and see PTN, that is a successful day for us (we got upgrade from a 3 day PH to a 5 day PH for no cost, so being able to go on Dec 3 is a bonus). For the Sunday Dec 4, we are debating if we see PTN again, go to DCA and go to WOC (hoping that PTN will decrease the crowds and we'll get a better viewing spot), or do we save WOC for Monday or Tuesday night (risking that it'll be busier because the only nighttime entertainment at DLR is the fireworks)?

 

[Darkbeer1]

The Christmas Parades are a bit shorter, as it doesn't go around Town Square, instead at the Emporium, it will go left directly to the gate due to the CP set-up.

Same with the seccnd, it will come out the gate and head straight to the main section of Main Street.

One of the two Paint the Night parades will not be offered.

The late parade will go from "iasw" to Main Street (opposite direction than normal).

There will be traffic issues around the Topwn Square area of Main Street all day and night, and might force the closing of the Main Turnstiles for awhile, especially during the actual performances of CP, it depends on the crowd levels and what the Fire Marshall is comfortable with. But I would plan my day to avoid the area during the performances, unless you are going to watch the show. They rope off the area early, and there are only certain sections you can stand and wait in. And the CM's are told to be very aggressive in enforcing the pathways and keep people moving, and they are one way paths, in the past, the east side is going north to the Castle, and the west side is for those exiting the park. And that will be enforced all the way to the Central Hub area,where you can finally switch directions by gettiing to the other pathway. The processional is from the Central Hub (performers enter next to First Aid) to Town Square, and then they fill up the stage on the Train Platform.

So the key is to time your day, and avoid Main Street as much as possible.

I would plan to watch the parades near iasw, or at least Fantasyland near Pixie Hollow, and not even try to get to the Central Hub area.

So those are the main logistical issues for the weekend.

 

[fsjking]

I'm also going to be there on these two days (actually from Dec 3-7) and have been trying to figure out what to do when. Obviously PTN is a huge priority. We only have a half day on Dec 3 (probably get there between 3-5pm and stay until midnight). We were thinking if all we really do is a few rides and see PTN, that is a successful day for us (we got upgrade from a 3 day PH to a 5 day PH for no cost, so being able to go on Dec 3 is a bonus). For the Sunday Dec 4, we are debating if we see PTN again, go to DCA and go to WOC (hoping that PTN will decrease the crowds and we'll get a better viewing spot), or do we save WOC for Monday or Tuesday night (risking that it'll be busier because the only nighttime entertainment at DLR is the fireworks)?

I'm there part of that time period, and I think WOC is going to be busy during the week. The Dessert party is already sold out M-W. There are still openings Sunday. It might be your best bet to hit PTN Saturday, and WOC Sunday. PTN and CP should keep the crowds at DL. You always have the fallback of Sunday for PTN and WOC later if you miss it Saturday.

 

[GeneralTso]

We will be there that weekend as well. I'm not worried about seeing and doing all that we want. It always works out.

A few years ago, we walked into Disneyland while they were seating for Candlelight Processional. We did not have tickets, didn't really care about seeing it. I asked if there was room for walk-ups to stand and watch. They ushered us to seats front and center. It was amazing. I think Gary Sinise was the narrator that night.

I always take the "don't fret" approach and it works for us. Plan as much as you are comfortable and don't worry. We were at WDW last month. Did not get FP to big things like Frozen Ever After, Mine Train, etc. Guess what, we got on and it worked out. No waiting 2 hours or anything nuts like that. Did Frozen as first thing entering Epcot. Didn't stand in line for rope drop, just went directly to Norway after we entered. Mine Train, we waited til end of the night during the Halloween party. No issues, minimal wait.

I see so much hand wringing over NOT getting to do things. Makes me sad, cuz it's vacation and should be fun and worry-free.

 

[princess_jamie]

I'm there part of that time period, and I think WOC is going to be busy during the week. The Dessert party is already sold out M-W. There are still openings Sunday. It might be your best bet to hit PTN Saturday, and WOC Sunday. PTN and CP should keep the crowds at DL. You always have the fallback of Sunday for PTN and WOC later if you miss it Saturday.

Wow! Good to know that the dessert party is sold out! Not that we are doing it, but just for perspective. I think trying to do WOC on Sunday is a good idea as, you're right, it might be busier on Monday/Tuesday, and we'll be able to capitalize on some ride time while everyone else is watching the shows! That definitely helps, so thank you!!

 

[lorijohnhill]

We'll be coming in on Sunday, Dec 4. I've never been at this time of year, so CP has never been on my radar. Do they have any kind of wheelchair section for the standing viewing or am I better off avoiding it all together?

 

[Malcon10t]

I believe the wheel chair viewing is by the Showcase, similar to the parade viewing in that area.

 

[lorijohnhill]

Awesome! Thank you!