candlelight procession

[mar68pat47]

Would like to know if anyone has seen the Candlelight Procession? If so, is it worth seeing? Do you need to stand in lines to get in? Will making dinner reservations for reserved seats be a wise choice? Thanks

 

[BCV23]

It is so worth it!!!! It is beautiful and so moving.

We've only done it twice and both times have used the dinner package. I do think that the dinner package is the way to go.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

It is absolutely wonderful! I am still trying to figure out a way to make it down to see it this year. We like to go to the 6:45 show and then have dinner with the package afterwards. A good PS time is 8:15.

 

[erikthewise]

I agree with BCV23 about the show itself.

Whether you do the dinner package or not, you will likely have to stand in a line. The difference is that the dinner package guests (line to the left) are assured a good seat, while the general admission folks (line to the right) are not assured a seat at all. The seating is about half and half (or was a couple years ago), but the show is very popular so you need to get in line early for general admission.

Making CP dinner package reservations is a safe choice. Depending on the restaurant you choose, the make-up of your party, and your dining habits, you may pay a hefty premium for your guaranteed seats.

A party of adults with expensive dining habits may actually save money on the package. But a family with children over age 10 may pay $10-$20 more per person than they would ordinarily have paid at that same restaurant.

 

[BCV23]

You know, Erik, we didn't stand in line either time.

The first time we cut it too close and barely made it within the time frame for reserved seats. We had dinner at San Angel Inn and had to cut through the crowds standing for the parade around WS that used to run. What was that called?

After that we learned that for us it was best to do the early show and then have dinner. And as I type I remember we've done it three times total. The last two times were on Christmas Day and we had dinner after the show at R&C. Anyway, again we didn't stand in line for those shows either. Of course, we were seated at the back of the reserved section but that is fine with us. Perhaps that wouldn't work for the later shows or maybe we were just lucky.

Good analysis on price. But we found it cost effective with teens as well. But you probably meant adult prices which of course we paid for them.

 

[WDW*3]

We did the candlelight processional last year for the first time and loved it. It was really beautiful. We are going again this year. I'll definately go with the dinner package if you are going during peak time. We went just before Christmas.

 

[Humphrey53209]

CP is a wonderful performance - absolutely worth seeing. As to the dinner pkg., that's a matter of opinion. I believe a nice dinner at an Epcot restaurant adds to the CP experience and makes it more convenient getting in to the performance.

Regards,
Humphrey53209

 

[Kaycee]

We've been to CP the last two years and did the dinner package both times. CP is absolutely beautiful and well worth doing. I also think the dinner package is worth it.

The first time, we went to San Angel Inn. While it was good, it wasn't great, and not really worth the cost IMO, so we decided to try another restaurant last year. We went to Biergarten and loved it! It was a fun meal, and we found plenty of food we liked on the buffet.

I'm doing a solo budget trip this December, so I won't getting the dining package. I still hope to see CP, but I won't mind too much if I miss it this time since I've seen it twice. If I were going on a family vacation though, I would definitely get the package.

 

[erikthewise]

You know, Erik, we didn't stand in line either time.

The first time we cut it too close and barely made it within the time frame for reserved seats. We had dinner at San Angel Inn and had to cut through the crowds standing for the parade around WS that used to run. What was that called?

The parade was Tapestry of Dreams (or Tapestry of Nations earlier). We also had trouble getting through our first time and just barely made it to our seats in time!

I don't care to judge whether the dinner package is worth it -- people can work that out for themselves.

Last year we ate at Marrakesh and had a nice dinner for $65 (with 20% DVC discount). If we went there this year for CP, it would cost $138. We may do a dinner package, but I feel like I'm buying $15 tickets for CP.

 

[BCV23]

Thanks, Erik. Tapestry of Nations it was! My DH and DD loved that parade.

That is quite a difference in price for your family. We did get our money's worth each time but I know things change. We won't be there during CP processional this year so I haven't even checked the tiers. Have fun!