Candlelight Processional Dinner Package ??

[tyandbash]

Hi,

I'm sure this has been covered, but I my search function will not work, sorry for a repeat question.

We are trying to decide which restaurant to chose for the Candlelight package. However we have two questions.

The first is, does anyone know what the cost includes. Do we get to chose anything off of the regular menu to eat, or do they have a special menu for the package people?? My husband is interested in Le Cellier, and since it is the most expensive choice I just want to make sure what we can eat.

And the second question is, when can we book this??

Thanks so much!!

 

[AllyandJack]

We did Le Cellier in 2001 for CP. We're going to do it again this year. You get a little badge to wear that entitles you to 15% off shopping at Epcot (ask to make sure this is still true!). So, buy all of your Epcot stuff that day! The package includes everything, except alcohol. You can order off the regular menu. I think it even includes tip, but we left extra anyway because our waitress was very nice.

The food was great and, the best part is, the portions weren't ridiculous. If I'm going to sit through a show, the last thing I want is to be stuffed with food. The portions were a perfect size and everything was great. Just make sure to space it out. Le Cellier is quite a hike from the CP, so give yourself plenty of time to get over there, get in line, get a good seat and enjoy the show.

I think you might be able to make the reservations now. Call dining and ask them. I don't think there is a 90 day, 60 day, whatever-day thing.

 

[tyandbash]

THANKS SO MUCH!!!

 

[jonsmom57]

The package is not available yet. Last year they went on sale mid-August. Check again soon.

 

[DebbieB]

We've done the package twice at LeCellier. I noticed most people around us ordered the mushroom stuffed filet, which happened to be the most expensive item on the menu (at that time, not sure if it still is on the menu). Something to consider - having dinner after the show, that way you don't have to hurry. We did it once each way and liked it after better. Plus we had them box our dessert.

 

[AllyandJack]

Wow...I never thought of having the dinner AFTER the show. That's perfect for me. Without getting into too much detail, I have stomach...umm...issues. I really never know when I'll have to leave one event or another. Eating AFTER would be great!

I love these Boards!!!!!

 

[DeeP]

I also recommend having dinner after the show, we have done both and we enjoy having dinner after the show much more. The restaurants tend to get very crowded during CP and even with the package you often have to wait for your table, which then makes you feel rushed, after the show is so much more relaxing.
It is a wonderful show and a great deal with the package, it is definitely a must do! We always go for the highest priced tier restaurant, it is really a much better value with better food. We also always save our Epcot shopping for our CP day, that 15% adds up fast especially if you are doing Christmas shopping! Enjoy!!!

 

[copper0426]

Another vote for dinner after the show. But don't make dinner too late. We did that once and we felt a bit rushed because the restaraunt was getting close to closing. Each person gets to pick an appetizer, main course and dessert. We ate in China Nine Dragons and definately will do it again. We had the Peking Duck for two and it was delicious. Here is a page to look at their menu http://wdwig.com/menu/menu_9dd.htm.

Enjoy yourself whatever you do. The CP is so beautiful.

Diane

 

[ItsMagic99]

We did not get the package although we thought about it. In the end we were glad we didn't. We waited in line for the first show (if you get in line for the later you listen to the first show be performed). There were so many people who filed in with the VIP package that they were not all covered up when it rained...and did it pour!!! i thought the summer was Florida's rain season.

We had our raincoats and umbrellas and stayed dry while many VIPs were upset as they expected better/dryer seats.

Dinner after the show was at the British Pub on Christmas Eve. This was quite appropriate given the history of the holiday. We had seats over looking the water.

If we went earlier in the holiday season and knew the weather would be better we might go for the package. I forgot about the 15% shopping discount.

Just my 5 cents worth.

 

[jbethke]

What about doing dinner after the show at British Pub and then staying there to watch Illuminations! Is that possible?

 

[ItsMagic99]

Great idea. I am not sure what the schedule was for that but its certainly worth looking into.

Doug

 

[merrywether]

ItsMagic, You make a very good point about rain and the VIP seating. DH and I were on our honeymoon last December and we bought the package. It poured rain the entire day and entire night. By the time we got to the theater, all the covered seating was filled. Despite our having the package, we were stuck in uncovered seating with maybe a dozen other people. Everyone else gave up and left. We got only one picture that was able to be viewed - the rain and mist made it impossible to get good pics. James Avery did a delightful job with his reading of the Christmas story and the choir was excellent - I'm glad we stayed. However, it's important to remember that the candlelight processional package guarantees that you will get a seat - but not necessarily a covered one!

Kim

 

[AllyandJack]

I'd like to second the point made by merryweather. I didn't have to sit in the rain, but I did have a tree in my way. This was because we had dinner BEFORE the show. We had to wait about an hour past our PS time - not because the restaurant was behind, but because dining told the restaurant that we were seeing the late show and not the earlier one. So, they filled up with people seeing the early show. We would have been one of them, but they thought we had enough time. We didn't.

We had to run all the way to the theather. TON was going on, so we had to wade through crowds of people. We got there just as they were starting. I had a lousy seat. But, I expected it, since I didn't think I had a reserved seat - just an chance to be inside. This is why I'm going to reserve dinner AFTER the show. That way, I can stand in the line and get a decent seat.

I also saw James Avery when I went two years ago. He really got into it - singing with the choir and everything! He was fantastic. Definitely worth sitting in the rain or behind a tree.

 

[Kaitysmom]

If you go to the early show, is it dark yet?

 

[DebbieB]

It is still light for the 5:00 show. Last year we did the 6:45 show with dinner at LeCellier at 8:00, it worked out great.

 

[Connears]

We ate at 6:15 for the 8:15 show and ate at Le Cellier! It was fabulous. We were there 12/30, the last night and Jody Benson(Ariel) was narrator. Food and service at Le Cellier was the best.
Connears

 

[MamaQuack]

Just got off the phone with a very helpful CM at DisneyDine. Not only did I get every early October PS I requested but I also got all the mid-December ones too!!!!!!!!! I asked her about the Candlelight Proc. Dining Packages - after several searches and clicks she found a message that no package reservations would be released until Sept 1. Hope this helps everyone. I know now I feel a lot better since this will be our first December visit and I was feeling eery and confused about how all this works.

 

[Local_Girl]

Mama Quack,

You mentioned that you got December PS now? What dates in Dec. were available?

Thanks!

 

[jonsmom57]

Mama Quack

I just got off the phone and was unable to make an PS ressies for December 1st. She told me 90 days out. Hmmmmmm I am curious too, which ones did you make.

 

[alexedan]

I too tried to make a December 2nd reservation and was told today that I had to wait until 90 days out even for resort restaurants! FRUSTRATING! Maybe it's location dependant --what places did you get?