Candle Light Processional

[ddave]

I called member services today and they said they are not booking yet for the packages. Do you have to get a package to go to the CP? Or can you just show up and get in line?

If the CP every night?

 

[kdepot]

The CP schedule might not be out yet
there are 3 shows each night and the dinner package get you prefered seating. Afterwards the general public goes in.



Nightly Candlelight Processional at the American Gardens Theatre. Revel in the joy of the season as you listen to an unforgettable retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir.


Candlelight Dining Packages: Savor an extra special treat when you ring in the holiday season with a Candlelight Dining Package. Each package includes dinner at a select Epcot restaurant and reserved general seating at the American Gardens Theater during the Candlelight Processional.



Dates:
November 28, 2008 - December 30, 2008

 

[nicolepdonnelly]

We went last year and it was Andie McDowell for the guest performer. It was a great way to end the day at Epcot. They must of had some trouble booking some one because it wasn't posted anywhere until about a month before. We did a package deal with advanced seating. We ate at Oktoberfest and we still had to wait in a long line. I think there was another line for walk ups but it didn't move until our line was cleared. Even with priority seating we were still kinda far away. I would recommend calling for a package as it gets closer. Hope this helps

 

[lovinthemouse]

We just showed up last year and we got in. The line is long and you do have to get there early, but they do have several shows each evening. It was amazing. My family loved it and can't wait to go again this year. Good luck

 

[ddave]

I wonder if I make a reservation now for a restaurant I want, if they would turn it into a package when the packages come out.

 

[Leanne1977]

I wonder if I make a reservation now for a restaurant I want, if they would turn it into a package when the packages come out.

I don't believe they do. But according to a thread on the dining forum, the packages will be available to book on June 23rd.

 

[Donald is #1]

I don't believe they do. But according to a thread on the dining forum, the packages will be available to book on June 23rd.

That seems a lot earlier than last year. I didn't go to WDW in Dec last year but I knew I was going this year so I read a lot of the Christmas related threads. I thought that the packages weren't opened up until July or August.

 

[wildernessDad]

One was able to book the packages last year on July 2. So June 23 is not a lot earlier, just a little over a week.

No, your dinner reservation will not automatically convert to a package. You will have to book the package and then cancel your previously-made dinner reservation.

 

[djmeen]

When we did the Candlelight Processional (which we loved by the way), we did the dining package. So after a nice meal at the Rose and Crown, we got to walk in and wait in a not so long line for folks who did the package deal.

Now I imagine you could just wait in line and hope for space, but the wife and I didn't want to take the chance on missing out on it. Plus we didn't have to spend hours sitting in a line when we were only going to be in Epcot that one day for the trip.

 

[princessfionasmom]

Anyone have any idea what restaurants might be included in the processional packages? Or at least what restaurants have been included in the past?

Thanks!!

 

[JaxFLBear]

In 2007 they were:
Tier 1:
Biergarten – Germany
Garden Grill - The Land

Tier 2:
San Angel Inn – Mexico
Nine Dragons Restaurant - China
Rose and Crown - UK
Restaurant Marrakesh – Morocco

Tier 3:
Le Cellier Steakhouse - Canada
Chefs de France - France
Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki - Japan
Italian Restaurant - Italy
Coral Reef- The Living Seas

 

[SuzanneSLO]

What exactly does the dining package include (besides the seating for the CP)? Is it a special limited menu as it is at DL or the regular menu? -- Suzanne

 

[Chuck S]

What exactly does the dining package include (besides the seating for the CP)? Is it a special limited menu as it is at DL or the regular menu? -- Suzanne

In the past it has been the regular menu, with your choice of appetizer, entree, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage.

I'm moving this over to the Restaurants Board as this really isn't a DVC specific topic.

 

[kelleigh1]

We went last year and while I'd originally booked regular ADR for the night we planned CP, when the packages were released, I had to cancel my regular ADR and make a CP Dinner Package ADR.

I believe the Dinner Package is worth it because you're almost guaranteed a seat. Without the package, you may not even get in. I'm sure you can see parts of it from the walkway, but it's definitely worth getting in for a seat.

Either way, there is a line. One for those with the CP Dinner Package and one without. We made friends with the people around us so the time went by fairly quickly, but I think we waited in line for maybe an hour.

But it was so worth it! We had Neil Patrick Harris as our narrator and I have to say that I fell in love with him that night.

 

[mickeysgirl17]

What exactly does the dining package include (besides the seating for the CP)? Is it a special limited menu as it is at DL or the regular menu? -- Suzanne

I believe its appetizer, entree and dessert. Same menu.

To the OP, even though you can wait standby, I wouldn't recommend it as the line for standby was 4 countries away.

Even with the package, there is a long line that goes about 2-3 countries away but you have guaranteed seating and you go in before any standby guests.

If you go standby, its unlikely that you will get a seat because it is very very popular and the CP package guests usually take up all the seats on their own.

 

[Chellymouse]

I called MS yesterday to make my dining ressies for Dec. (179 days and counting! ) and was told to call back weekly from next week on. If you are doing the DDP, you can book CP for 1 TS meal and do not have to pay for the dining package.

 

[mickeywho?]

For any of you that have booked the dining/preferred seating package - when did you book? what seating? Restaurant? Pricing? Is this sold out yet for this year?

 

[Donald is #1]

For any of you that have booked the dining/preferred seating package - when did you book? what seating? Restaurant? Pricing? Is this sold out yet for this year?

I ended up booking the first day that the bookings opened. I will be doing the 5 PM show on 12/4 and having lunch at Chefs De France.

 

[vicki_c]

I also booked on the 1st day - it was 6/22 or 6/23. Tutto Italia dinner for the final show of the evening on 12/22, I think.

I'm sure some nights are sold out, but you won't know until you call.

You can get in without the package, subject to seating availability and you'll be in the back behind all those who purchased the package to get reserved seating. You will also have to wait in a much longer line than the package holders because they will be let in first.

 

[PoohHappens]

We just booked 3 weeks ago for 11/28 the first night, first show. I think that is 5 or 5:30pm. We are going to Biergarten for lunch. That was our first choice of restaurant. We now have a problem though, my niece is coming with us and our ressie is for 5 not 6. not sure what to do, I guess I will call back and see, but I do not want to lose the ressie we have. By the way she is 21 so another adult.