Candlelight Processional 2016

[nicynot]

A little early, I know! I'v done Disney for Christmas before mid November twice. This year I will get to see Epcot in all its Christmas glory..
Mainly i'd like to discuss CP, but besides that and the story tellers, what other things do I have to look forward to?

What are your tips for not having to waste a lot of time waiting in line to get seating for CP? I know about the dinner/lunch plans.. are they the best thing to do?

 

[LuckyBelle81]

A little early, I know! I'v done Disney for Christmas before mid November twice. This year I will get to see Epcot in all its Christmas glory..
Mainly i'd like to discuss CP, but besides that and the story tellers, what other things do I have to look forward to?

What are your tips for not having to waste a lot of time waiting in line to get seating for CP? I know about the dinner/lunch plans.. are they the best thing to do?

I'm in the SAME boat! Went to WDW last year in mid Nov and got to see a lot of the decs and go to MVMCP but we missed out on Candlelight Processional and Holidays Around the World so I'm keeping eyes open for any details I can get. I have no info to contribute at this point but I'll be watching the thread!

 

[CynBeth]

Yes do the CP dining package. It is the only way to guarantee you get in the show. Take time to visit the resorts for the decorations. The ones not to miss are WL, GF, BC, YC, BW, and AKL. Maybe CR and FW. I don't know if you plan to go to any other area attractions but in case you are SW is great around holiday time as well.

 

[jenmsmith]

Definitely do the CP dining package. The lunch times are usually less expensive. Check the times and prices when they are released, as the restaurants vary in price. It's become so popular that it's about the only way to guarantee a seat. And it's worth it. I'd also make time to visit the Storytellers. They are so entertaining and educational. We enjoyed Christmas festivities at Epcot more than at MK.

 

[jenmsmith]

Ah yes, and visit the resorts, particularly GF, CR, BC, Boardwalk and AKL.

 

[nicynot]

thanks for the advice to do the dinner packages.
As for the resorts, already been ALL OVER them! except for AKL, iv just never been bothered to hop on the bus and head down to see it...

When do they usually announce the host and the packages?

 

[BK2014]

Usually early to mid-July.

 

[Lumiere Lover]

If you do a lunch you will be assigned an earlier time for the show. Definitely do the dining package.

 

[ajbtv2]

Also, there is a lot of talk and surveys went out last year about setting up assigned seating for CP. It will be interesting to see if they proceed, but the surveys were extremely detailed to the point I would expect it.

 

[Mouseless2Long]

Quick question. Can I book a dining reservation for the day/time I would like to go to the CP, and then convert that reservation to the CP package when the CP reservations open?

 

[Ryan2016]

What we did was booked all our regular reservations as usual and waited for the hosts to be confirmed before booking the dining package. Depends when you are going because some hosts are only there for a 3-4 shows but you may have an option to pick from two or three different hosts for your dining package.

When we booked our package we requested specific dining times and which time for the show we wanted to see. If there is space I think they will plan your night as requested if you call in to book.

We ended up doing the Japan pavilion because that wasn't something we would normally pick and our host was sigourney weavers

Neil Patrick Harris was the first week.
He would have been good two

The cp is the hot event at Epcot so the stand by lines sometimes don't even get in for a show or you have to stand in line for one show and get seated for the second show

 

[Baptist]

Our strategy for the CP is to get in line as the first showing is entering. Then, wait one show and enter the 2nd. Note, I have not used this strategy for extreme crowds like NPH.

The dining packages are very expensive, especially if you have kids in the 10-14 age range. We take turns waiting. One holds the spot while others browse World Showcase.

 

[CynBeth]

Quick question. Can I book a dining reservation for the day/time I would like to go to the CP, and then convert that reservation to the CP package when the CP reservations open?

No you can't convert it.

 

[goofy4tink]

Also, even if you have the dinner pkg, you'll wait in line! I don't do standby. Always have the pkg if I want to sit. But, I get to the pkg line about 40-45 mins before the show. Then, I'm usually joining the line way back by Japan! So be prepared to wait.
You can also stand outside the theatre area and watch/listen from there. If there is a popular narrator, there will be a crowd there!

The storytellers are wonderful. Get a schedule so you know what times they are out!

 

[Ryan2016]

Hi cynbeth

You can't convert it but they will offer you three dining times and an option for which show you want to attend. I think it has to be the same day thou.

What We did was double booked the same resturants on two days and then picked our host and resturant and then cancel the same resturant option as the dining package on the other day. Also canceled then other dining reso for that day too and your cp day

 

[Iowamomof4]

Also, even if you have the dinner pkg, you'll wait in line! I don't do standby. Always have the pkg if I want to sit. But, I get to the pkg line about 40-45 mins before the show. Then, I'm usually joining the line way back by Japan! So be prepared to wait.
You can also stand outside the theatre area and watch/listen from there. If there is a popular narrator, there will be a crowd there!

The storytellers are wonderful. Get a schedule so you know what times they are out!

If you watch from outside the theater (and it's not a really popular narrator), can you see and hear okay? I had been planning on a CP package, but I'm not sure we will enjoy the whole thing. I was thinking maybe we could catch parts of it from outside and not be "locked in" that way?

 

[melana]

I'm watching this thread. I am interested in this too. Shooting for Christmas eve..since that is when I will be there. They do it on Christmas Eve.. correct?

 

[siskaren]

I'm watching this thread. I am interested in this too. Shooting for Christmas eve..since that is when I will be there. They do it on Christmas Eve.. correct?

They do it every night from the day after Thanksgiving through December 30.

 

[CaterFamily]

Watching! We will be there Dec 12-17.

 

[melana]

Thank you siskaren!!