Candlelight Processional--dinner package or not?

[Fargoman2]

I'm trying to evaluate the merits of purchasing a dinner package for CP. I'm not thrilled about the prospects of dropping $200 on a meal for family of five just to get "preferred" seating for CP. How vital/valuable is the dinner package? Will we end up in the "cheap seats" with a poor view if we don't do this? (Our dates are Nov. 23- Dec. 2)

Thanks for any counsel you can provide.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

We didn't do the dinner package when we went. I honestly believe that the seats are "all created equal". The only difference in my opinions is that our friends who did the dinner didn't have to stand in line as long. If I go again, (I pray I do), I would not do the dinner package. Hope this helps!

 

[Cindypooh]

We have done the CP dinner package 3 times. You get a really nice meal and they seat the package people first-so they get the best seats. One time it started raining-we were under cover-when show was over totally empty behind us. We think it is worth it. Have fun! Cindy

 

[mamacatnv]

We went to the CP on 12/30/05 - it was the very last performance of the season so that may have weighed in on how the crowd was structured.

We purchased the plan and were so glad we did. No one from the standby line got in that we could see, the entire theatre filled up with preferred pass people.

We chose Garden Grill as it was the least expensive option. We enjoyed the dinner but the CP was one of the highlights of our trip, it was awesome, I still get goosebumps sitting here typing about it. Unfortunately it will be over when we return next January.

If you have a lot of options to be able to see it and don't mind waiting in the standby line, I don't know if it matters but as it gets later into the season, I wonder how much standby space is actually available?

 

[TAKitty]

When we were there Dec. 8/9 ish. I forgot which day we saw the program, no one from the standby line got in. I would never just "hope" we saw the program; I think the dinner is a must.

 

[DebbieB]

If you go during the week (week after Thanksgiving), chances are you will be able to get in standby. I've had standby seats that were better than the reserved seats.

 

[3for Me]

Mind you we went on Christmas Day, but I assure you no one that was in the standby line got in to the 5:00 PM performance...maybe they got in to the later ones. Also, we got in line at 4:15...I noticed that the stand-by line was already outrageously loooong.

I would not want to waste chunks of my time waiting in this line to possibly get a seat.

If you are on the DDP the CP dinner package was part of the plan last year, if this helps.

 

[disnut8]

We did the Processional as a family of five without a dining package on December 27th two years ago. No problem getting good seats - about five rows behind the dinner package people. We didn't even stand in line but waited at the Liberty Inn outdoor seating area until the stand by line was let in. Gary Sinise was the narrator and the show did get filled up. We had a dinner package arranged but then my son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter decided to join us. We cancelled the package and still had a great time. We went to IHOP after! We did do the earliest performance. I would imagine the later shows get more filled up.

 

[byoung]

We do the dinner package.

 

[Stacy's a freak]

If you go during the week (week after Thanksgiving), chances are you will be able to get in standby. I've had standby seats that were better than the reserved seats.

Ditto - I watched it last Nov. 30th (Wednesday night 8:00 p.m. showing) and I had no problems getting a seat. Actually, as the show was just beginning, I just wandered in through the standby entrance and found a seat easily. Many other people wandered in after me and were also able to sit. I certainly wouldn't pay the extra for the 5 of you if you are going to WDW during this slow week after Thanksgiving (IMO the best time to go). But I would also suggest to go to a mid-week showing to take advantage of even smaller crowds.

BUT DON'T MISS IT! This was one of my favorite "unexpected" pleasures of that trip. I had heard of this but I thought it would be VERY religious. It wasn't that religious to me. And I still have to say that those fanfare trumpets were awesome! I even bought the CD before I left for home.

 

[momoftwodisneykids]

We did the Candlelight Processional dinner package last December during a one night stay on the way back from our Disney cruise. We felt it was totally worth the cost and will probably do it again this year. The celebrity narrator was Haley Joel Osmont. He was awesome. The lines were unbelievable. We just walked up 15 minutes prior to the show and had seats in the first section. We were in the last row, but were close enough to see everything. We did our dinner after the Processional at Coral Reef Restaurant at the Living Seas. We definitely got our money's worth with the appetizer, entree and dessert. We didn't hold back with ordering the more expensive items on the menu. (I think th eonly reestricion was no surf & turf) We also had great seats on the first level facing the aquarium. I will probably we calling WDW today to find out when they will be opening reservations for it this year. If you are planning to eat at Epcot anyway (especially at one of the upscale restaurants), this is the way to go.

Joanne