Candlelight Processional (2020) at Disneyland questions

[BigBlueWho]

Good morning all,
I have a few questions about the Candlelight Processional at Disneyland. I have been to the WDW version at Epcot, and from what I understand, this only takes places on two nights with no seating for the general public. Can anyone fill me in on if there is any way to view to event from the sidelines, and if so, from where and when should I line up?
Thank you in advance!

 

[Iceman93]

It's very, very different from the EPCOT one as you already know. People literally start lining up at rope drop--it's crazy. Given how wonderful the EPCOT experience is, with the nice venue, seating, and multiple nights with different narrators, I can't recommend doing the DL version if you have the choice.

 

[BigBlueWho]

That is what we are thinking. We were going to bump up our trip a couple of weeks to see it, but I’m guessing it won’t be the best idea.

 

[SeaDis]

This is an amazing timeline/report and @mre200200 has done similar reports in previous years if you want to dig deeper.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/2...photos-and-video-sunday-5-30-showing.3782645/

 

[BigBlueWho]

This is an amazing timeline/report and @mre200200 has done similar reports in previous years if you want to dig deeper.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/2...photos-and-video-sunday-5-30-showing.3782645/

Wow, that was great, THANK YOU!!!

 

[gelatoni fan]

With guest flow, you kind of have to be aware of the waves when people start saving spots. For candlelight, the front row for non-reserved guests starts filling at rope drop. But unless you go to Disneyland super frequently, a more managable strategy would be to grab a spot for the first parade and have part of your group remain while the rest go play and then switch off. Everybody should watch the second parade together and not move at all after that. I have not personally tested this though since I have only watched candlelight back when they did the Annual Passholder lottery for the reserved section and don't go to Disneyland enough to make the excessive waiting for candlelight worth it to me.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

There are threads and trip reports on CP every year. Do a search on this board for more information. Make sure that you are looking at threads for CP at Disneyland (California) for the most recent CP. For us, CP is a highlight of our Disney year which we wouldn't miss.

 

[DebbieB]

I saw it about 10 years ago, I was standing about 1/2 way down Main Street. Didn’t go early for a spot.

 

[pharmama]

I found it surprisingly painless to do standby for the SECOND performance (they do two performances each night so I'm talking about the later performance of the day) two years ago. It was still a several hour investment but was not horrible by any means and not the all day stakeout mentioned here. I've relayed my experience here several times so I won't rehash again other than to say I thought it was wonderful and far exceeded my expectations. I had been at the DLR on CP weekend several times before and had avoided the town square end of Main Street like the plague. This time I decided to go somewhat on a whim (like I decided to go at like 4pm that day- I was at a nearby hotel for a conference) and wouldn't hesitate to do it again. I felt it was well worth the wait, at least for the second performance. That said, I have not seen the EPCOT version.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

OP: Please keep in mind that given the current situation and concern about public health policies, we can't know what CP will look ike at DL this year. Packing in the standby crowds around Town Square is not looking like reality right now, much less packing in the choirs at the train station... Keep up with this board for news and updates as Holiday Time gets closer.

ETA: Disneyland has cancelled CP for 2020.

 

[BigBlueWho]

OP: Please keep in mind that given the current situation and concern about public health policies, we can't know what CP will look ike at DL this year. Packing in the standby crowds around Town Square is not looking like reality right now, much less packing in the choirs at the train station... Keep up with this board for news and updates as Holiday Time gets closer.

Thank you. I think we are going to stick with our original plan.

 

[Evita_W]

OP: Please keep in mind that given the current situation and concern about public health policies, we can't know what CP will look ike at DL this year. Packing in the standby crowds around Town Square is not looking like reality right now, much less packing in the choirs at the train station... Keep up with this board for news and updates as Holiday Time gets closer.

Quite right, they did do Candlelight Processional a couple of years (many years back now) at the Fantasyland Theater. My guess (and this is an educated guess based on all present information and my personal experiences that I feel about 75% confident in) is that if social distancing is still an issue at the beginning of December (that is up in the air with the vaccine acceleration and treatment options, so its possible it won't be a concern by then, but doubtful), I could see them moving this to the Fantasyland theater and doing tickets distributed at park opening (again, what they did when this was there before, although this time it might be distributed via phone) that limit the number of people and do the every other row seating that they have been testing for shows at Shanghai.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I am sincerely praying that one of the positives to come from this time will indeed be both an extended and more formal (in terms of making it easier for folks to view with a seat) Candlelight Processional. I have never been to WDW so am not familiar with specifics there but tickets or reservations...something that would not only allow more people to view this event but to spread it out longer would be most welcome. I have been Blessed to get to see the CP at DL twice and it is truly a special experience.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I am sincerely praying that one of the positives to come from this time will indeed be both an extended and more formal (in terms of making it easier for folks to view with a seat) Candlelight Processional. I have never been to WDW so am not familiar with specifics there but tickets or reservations...something that would not only allow more people to view this event but to spread it out longer would be most welcome. I have been Blessed to get to see the CP at DL twice and it is truly a special experience.

One of these years, we are going to meet up at CP at DL! It will happen, some way, somehow -- faith, trust, and pixie dust!

 

[gelatoni fan]

Quite right, they did do Candlelight Processional a couple of years (many years back now) at the Fantasyland Theater. My guess (and this is an educated guess based on all present information and my personal experiences that I feel about 75% confident in) is that if social distancing is still an issue at the beginning of December (that is up in the air with the vaccine acceleration and treatment options, so its possible it won't be a concern by then, but doubtful), I could see them moving this to the Fantasyland theater and doing tickets distributed at park opening (again, what they did when this was there before, although this time it might be distributed via phone) that limit the number of people and do the every other row seating that they have been testing for shows at Shanghai.

I can see them moving it into a private space because Disney has been making many things more exclusive these days. A phone distribution at opening seems unlikely though because just look at how crazy Rise of the Resistance goes. Guests today are much more savvy than guests 20 years ago and many more guests today are repeat visitors who will make Candlelight a priority. I think a lottery for CMs and/or Annual Passholders like they did for some years or a very expensive paid package seems more likely.

 

[dina444444]

I am sincerely praying that one of the positives to come from this time will indeed be both an extended and more formal (in terms of making it easier for folks to view with a seat) Candlelight Processional. I have never been to WDW so am not familiar with specifics there but tickets or reservations...something that would not only allow more people to view this event but to spread it out longer would be most welcome. I have been Blessed to get to see the CP at DL twice and it is truly a special experience.

They did an extended CP 2012 and did a lottery for AP holders for seated tickets but because of where they do it, it does turn into a logistical nightmare.