Candlelight Processional and dinner

[Robindianne]

This is our first trip at Christmastime and I'm confused about how the CP meal package works. Do I try for an ADR (at 180 days) at the restaurant of my choice on the day I hope to see the Candlelight Processional, and then get the Processional pkg ticked at 90 days for the date I got the ADR?

Also, how does it mesh with Illuminations? Do only certain processional performances (eg: the last one of the day?) include the viewing spot for Illuminations?

Thanks in advance for all the advice you can give.

 

[purple figment]

No information regarding this year's CP dinner package has been released yet, but this was last year's procedure.

CP dinner packages were completely separate from regular dining reservations. Having a reservation at your restaurant of choice didn't matter because you could not convert it to a CP dining package. When the date for booking CP packages opened you had to call and make the CP package dinner reservation. There was a specific time frame during the day based on which of the three presentations you wanted to attend. Last year they began taking CP dinner package reservations in late Aug. (I think Aug 24).

IllumiNations viewing area was between the 2 stores at the front of WS and was available to anyone with the CP package. IllumiNations began at 9:30 so that people attending the last show had time to (quickly) walk to the viewing area.

Here's a link to some info on last year's CP:

http://allears.net/tp/h_cpfaq.htm

 

[gotrojansgo]

Hey Robin,

The CP is truly one of the best parts of Disney at the holiday season, so it's best to book early! Last I read (can't remember where--a DVC CM may have told it to me), reservations will be released in July, but like the poster above me said, last year the date was August 24, which was super, super late.

There's only a limited amount of CP reservations each day at each dining place per seating, and they can be very hard to get for certain restaurants or certain days, so you have to keep your ears open! For the 5:00 show, you're seats for lunch, but the 6:45 and 8:00 shows get you dinner.

My family and I have done the 8:00 show on Christmas Eve every year for the past six years at various restaurants and it's what my mom looks forward to the most the entire time we're down there (even more than the ice cream cookie sandwiches on Main Street--trust me, that's a tough one to top). The show is about 60-70 minutes long, and all CP packages get you seating at the front of the amphitheater. Even with foot traffic and crowds, you can definitely get a good viewing for Illuminations if you walk quickly and you know where you're going--we always dip out through the International Passageway because my mom likes going to Beaches & Cream after.

If you're truly concerned about making Illuminations, I would suggest getting reservations for the 6:45 show, as you'll be out by 8:00 and have a full hour-90 minutes to find your place and get set. It's all about personal preference!

 

[dzneelvr]

As this is our first Christmas in WDW as well, I've done all I can to background myself for a CP ADRJust called WDW Dining on thursday to confirm, yes, this is where you call and no, there is no set release date for the ADRs so you basically call daily once it gets closer to the date. I have to do the same thing with the WISHES dessert party, but I'm bound and determined to make both happen

 

[7165red]

gotrojansgo, when you made ADR for CP did the offer only early dining ex: 3pm?

 

[RMulieri]

CAndlelight processional pkgs are a separate booking and a regualr adr can NOT be converted to a CP pkg,.LAST Year CP pkgs went on sale 8/26 .

 

[RMulieri]

gotrojansgo, when you made ADR for CP did the offer only early dining ex: 3pm?

YOu tell them what show you want,the restaurant and they give you a range of dining times available.You MUST dine BEFORE you showtime.So for example, the 5pm show is considered a lunch seating.You would need to dine way before 5pm