Candelight Processional dinner pkg...yay or nay?

[Jennasis]

Having never gone in December and therefore never done the CP, was wondering if it is worth it or necessary to book the CP dining pkg for the first weekend in December. We're planning on eating at Le Cellier. Will it be so crowded that we'll need those special seats? Are the special seats worth it? The Fantasmic seating for the dinner pkg is pretty blech...I'd rather queue up a bit earlier and get better ones (for Fantasmic).

What time does the CP start? I know there are supposed to be more than one show per night right?

 

[ChelleinNC]

Having never gone in December and therefore never done the CP, was wondering if it is worth it or necessary to book the CP dining pkg for the first weekend in December. We're planning on eating at Le Cellier. Will it be so crowded that we'll need those special seats? Are the special seats worth it? The Fantasmic seating for the dinner pkg is pretty blech...I'd rather queue up a bit earlier and get better ones (for Fantasmic).

What time does the CP start? I know there are supposed to be more than one show per night right?

I would say it is absolutely worth it (especially since you want to eat at LeCellier). We went Dec 16th last year, before the crowds got bad. We'll be going the first week of Dec this year and I'll definitely be booking the package again.

You don't get "special seats", what you do get is guaranteed seats. Last year the shows were at 5pm, 6:45 & 8pm. When you book the package you pick which show you want, then you'll be given a choice of dining times. There are blocks of dining times for each show. You will eat before the show and your server will give you your pass (sticker) for the show. Then you get in the line for those with the package (we got in line about 45 minutes before the 8pm show and we were standing in Morocco) There is a seperate standby line. When they open the theater all of the package line is seated and then if there is room they start letting the stand by line in.

HTH

 

[danielle782001]

You will love that you did it....We did not have to wait on the REALLY LONG LINE to get seats and the seats were very good....It was such a lovely night...The food at Le Cellier was great and the show itself was beautiful....We were able to relax knowing we had seats waiting for us....We did the early show (5:00) and it was great!

 

[Stacy's a freak]

I actually say nay. I DEFINITELY think that the Candlelight Processional is a DO NOT MISS but I haven't found it necessary to book the package just to get a seat ... especially in early December. With that said, I have always attended a mid-week show and I have been just 1 or 2 people who can squeeze in anywhere - and I don't mind sitting with a slightly obstructed view.

Frankly, if it means having a VERY early dinner seating (read "lunch") and waiting on a 1.5 hour line (yes, this is the "package holder" line), I would much rather sit at a table outside of the American Adventure eating fries and listening to the music (since that is the main draw for me). Time is much too valuable to me on vacation.

But whatever you decide, this is a wonderful show and it is not to be missed

 

[knfries]

We were at CP this past year on 12/22, and I doubt we would have gotten seated without the package. The line for those with package tickets stretched forever. We were nowhere near the end of the line, and got seats near the top (the back) of the amphitheater. There were tons of people standing outside the ropes during the concert - people from the standby line who couldn't get in.
You can hear, and see much of the performance standing outside, but it's a very long show.
It's such a special and moving show; I definitely think it's worth it to get the package.

 

[goofy4tink]

Generally speaking, I go to WDW every Dec, sometime in the first two weeks. I always book one CP dinner package. I have seen lines for the standby entrance snake around for a huge distance. Sure, I have to wait in the package line for up to 45 mins but at least I know I'm going to get a seat. I guess it may make a difference as to the show you are going to, and who the narrator is. But, still, you have to eat anyway, you may as well book the package and be assured a seat.
Then, I try to catch one or two more shows, but I just stop and listen as I pass by. I seldom stay for the entire show. Just stand along the WS walkway, at the back of the theater area, and enjoy. But, again...that's after doing the package once that trip.

 

[Jennasis]

Thanks! We're hoping that there will be a Saturday or Sunday show (Dec 6 or 7). Looks like we'll be booking the pkg. I'm glad that the seats are not in a special section, just guaranteed. Wish Fantasmic would do the same!

 

[Golf4food]

Yes, if you are planning on attending CP, get the package. We had the package in early Dec 06 and even with it the package people line stretched all the way to China - literally! The stand by line stretched on the other side all the way past Germany - and it started before 5:00 and got longer.

 

[Tinkerdreams]

This will be our first time during the holidays and we're also going to book the package for the 8 p.m. show.

Does anyone know when the packages begin to be offered? I'm coming to my 180 day mark for my ADR's.