Candlelight Processional 3 Showtimes Pros/Cons

[leggoons]

I am planning on doing the dining package for the Candlelight Processional during my solo trip the 2nd week of December. The Celebrity Narrator will be either Leslie Uggams or Marlee Matlin. I'm trying to determine if I should have a preference on which of the 3 shows I attend. Thank you in advance for your comments/suggestions.

 

[fla4fun]

I am planning on doing the dining package for the Candlelight Processional during my solo trip the 2nd week of December. The Celebrity Narrator will be either Leslie Uggams or Marlee Matlin. I'm trying to determine if I should have a preference on which of the 3 shows I attend. Thank you in advance for your comments/suggestions.

There are pros and cons to each.

With the first show, you aren’t waiting and possibly listening to the prior show before you get into the theater. But it also isn’t dark out that early so you miss some of the ambience.

Middle show is dark enough, and you have time to find a good Luminous spot afterwards. However, you will be lined up and waiting during the prior show, and it feels to me like I am rushed both entering the theater and leaving.

Last show it is completely dark. If you don’t plan on staying for Luminous then it is also very relaxed leaving the theater and making your way to the front of the park. Time can be tight if you want to find a good spot for Luminous, especially if you need a restroom break after the show.

My personal preference is middle show. I have seen CP enough that I don’t mind listening to the first show while waiting in line. I like having enough time for a restroom and snack break before finding a spot for Luminous, or to hit an attraction or gift shop on the way out of the park. But none of the showtimes are horrible, in my opinion.

 

[Debbie Jean]

Agree with all the points above.

I personally prefer the first performance since I like it to be the first that I hear. And while it is light at the beginning, I love how dusk is settling over the audience as the performance closes, especially as we all join in singing silent night near the end. Truly magical.

 

[OKW Lover]

I'd prioritize the later shows because the darkness helps the overall experience. There's a reason it's called a candlelight processional.

 

[Coastie]

We prefer the last show for the evening and as mentioned above, relaxed stroll out of the park before luminous starts. Unfortunately, the ADR for the show doesn't open till October 14th, well within our 60 day window for our stay at BRV.

 

[Norton figment]

We prefer the last show for the evening and as mentioned above, relaxed stroll out of the park before luminous starts. Unfortunately, the ADR for the show doesn't open till October 14th, well within our 60 day window for our stay at BRV.

This is so annoying and last year they did the same thing and I believe the site crashed. We are in the same boat. I don’t understand why it’s not like they didn’t know they were doing this. It should’ve just opened for the 60 day window.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I think either second or third show. The dark really does make a difference, in my opinion.

 

[RoyalJayhawk]

We have never been to the Candlelight Processional, but are likely going this year. Are you allow to pick your time?

 

[Disneyhanna]

Your showtime depends on your ADR time, it will tell you what showtime when you make your reservation. Lunch is usually the 5PM show for example.

I prefer the first show. They usually seat it early so I feel like you wait a bit less time in line and more time sitting. The sun sets during the show and is dark when you leave so it still feels magical. If you are under the covering it hardly feels like you're outside anyways, the stage feels very immersive. Also, sometimes I am just tired, and it's always nice being done a bit earlier to either head back to the resort or have the time to do a few rides after if you have the energy!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Your showtime depends on your ADR time, it will tell you what showtime when you make your reservation. Lunch is usually the 5PM show for example.

Not necessarily. I've done lunch for the last show. The timing comes into play with the early show and dinner as they won't schedule your ADR within X amount of time of your show. Lately for these events I recall selecting the show time first and then being given the ADR options.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I enjoy the last show. Plenty of time for dinner, fully dark and I can make my way out of the park as most others are occupied getting spots for the show. I don't line up while the previous show is still going, I usually find someplace to sit in Japan and keep an eye on the package line. The ADR ticket guarantees you a seat to your show (seriously, saw people showing up 10 mins into the NPH show that was filled to capacity, if you have a dining ticket you're getting in) but it doesn't guarantee you a "good" seat. I don't particularly care about my seating location as long as I get a seat.

 

[Debbie Jean]

Whichever show you prefer just make sure that when you make your dining reservation, it is for the performance you want. They cannot alter showtimes at the restaurant.

 

[Coastie]

To confirm, 0600, 14 October is when the window opens?

 

[Narcoossee11]

I'm the odd man out.... I prefer the first show. You can see better/more when there is still alittle light.
I also like that it gets dark during show.
I'm local so can go multiple times and just sit/stand in the American land area.
Do what works for your plans.

 

[teach22180]

To confirm, 0600, 14 October is when the window opens?

I've heard it's 10 am, but I've also heard it's a rolling opening. I'll be trying to do it while I'm substitute teaching, so I'm planning on just checking as often as I can.

 

[Sydnerella]

I've heard it's 10 am, but I've also heard it's a rolling opening. I'll be trying to do it while I'm substitute teaching, so I'm planning on just checking as often as I can.

If I don’t have my tix or resort reservation yet, can I reserve on this date?
Also - if I had both, would I have to be w/in 60days to reserve?

 

[PolyRob]

If I don’t have my tix or resort reservation yet, can I reserve on this date?
Also - if I had both, would I have to be w/in 60days to reserve?

No ticket is required to book the reservation. The ticket is only required to enter the park for the actual dining experience and CP.

You can only reserve on the day packages open if your trip is 60 days and under without a resort reservation. If you have a resort reservation linked you can book 60+ based on the number of nights in your stay. The opening date for reservations does not circumvent the 60 day rule.

 

[Sydnerella]

No ticket is required to book the reservation. The ticket is only required to enter the park for the actual dining experience and CP.

You can only reserve on the day packages open if your trip is 60 days and under without a resort reservation. If you have a resort reservation linked you can book 60+ based on the number of nights in your stay. The opening date for reservations does not circumvent the 60 day rule.

Thanks! Does a reservation at the Dolphin count for the 60-day period?

That’s a bummer for people arriving dates after December 14th. Before folks are generally on same playing field but after it’s more like typical dining reservations that you’re competing with people who’s trips begin before yours.

 

[PolyRob]

Thanks! Does a reservation at the Dolphin count for the 60-day period?

That’s a bummer for people arriving dates after December 14th. Before folks are generally on same playing field but after it’s more like typical dining reservations that you’re competing with people who’s trips begin before yours.

Yes, the 60+ dining window works at Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve. However, if you didn't already book it I would try to do it ASAP if your dining window is about to open. Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve reservations can take up to 72 hours to register with WDW and link via MDE. Even after 72 hours it has been reported there can be delays and WDW IT needs to get involved and manually link it for you.

Yes, same thing happened with Beak and Barrel this summer and even the Behind the Seeds tour for the Glimmering Greenhouse overlay this holiday season. It's a struggle being a loyal Disney fan at times

 

[Sydnerella]

Yes, the 60+ dining window works at Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve. However, if you didn't already book it I would try to do it ASAP if your dining window is about to open. Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve reservations can take up to 72 hours to register with WDW and link via MDE. Even after 72 hours it has been reported there can be delays and WDW IT needs to get involved and manually link it for you.

Yes, same thing happened with Beak and Barrel this summer and even the Behind the Seeds tour for the Glimmering Greenhouse overlay this holiday season. It's a struggle being a loyal Disney fan at times

Thanks for the late night scoop!

Do you know if the 60 day + trip days valid for the Disney partners resorts who get EE - such as the Signia Hilton?

My date will open 12/19… for CP 12/21 - as we are doing mvmcp 12/19, JN 12/20 and hopefully CP 12/21… but not sure I will get a ressie based on 5 day lag from the reservation opening!
Sorry for multiple off topic ? I’m rushing on this “Last-minute” planning for new quick holiday trip to make up for a conflict with our late spring trip. Making hotel reservations in AM.

Beak and Barrel - do you know if we could get a reservation for pre-party (using resort res) without having a park ticket on 1219? Or is the party ticket not enough?