Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages

[ChiSoxKeith]

Ok, we are now officially within 180 days (or probably have been for a while) of the Candlelight Processional dates, yet they haven't announced the dinner packages.

I really don't care who is narrating while I'm down there, but I really would like to go and see it since this is our first trip to the world at Christmas.

Do you think I should call tomorrow when my 180 day window opens and just book a dinner at an EPCOT table service restaurant, then switch it to a dinner package when they announce they are available? I would rather have the gaurenteed seating then have to wait in line forever.

Is Disney Dining holding back reservations for those dinner packages now?

 

[Mickey527]

they don't hold back seating for the package so if there is a particular place you want to eat I would book it now and try to switch later. I know LeCellier is always the first to go so if that is your choice grab now.
Check last years schedule to see how they work the package, I seem to remember that if you go to the first show you can have lunch but if you go to the other two shows you have to eat dinner before the show. don't book your meal too late.
I have seen the Candelight processional every time I go to WDW during the holidays and have only used the package once. I generally wait in line about an hour before the show and get in that way. I am sure the week before Christmas it will be really crowded so it might be harder.
I do love the show and sometimes will go and catch it 3 or 4 times during a week long stay and have never had to stand.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Thanks. I'll book a dinner then tomorrow AM. I think I'd rather see one of the second show.

I know I *could* wait in line, but DD3 might get a bit antsy waiting that long in line and I don't want to spoil it.

Last year, from the threads I saw, the dinner packages opened up right around the 90day booking window (which people say what the dining window was last year). Now that we're at 180 days, I had assumed they would open up now.

Probably will grab either tuto Italia or Le Cellier.

 

[nolanboys]

OK - feel stupid - but I've never been to Disney for Christmas - what is the candlelight processional? Is it only done before Christmas? The reason I ask is because we plan to go Dec 28, 2011 and stay a week for my 40th birthday. Can't wait for my first Disney New Years!

 

[bobbiwoz]

OK - feel stupid - but I've never been to Disney for Christmas - what is the candlelight processional? Is it only done before Christmas? The reason I ask is because we plan to go Dec 28, 2011 and stay a week for my 40th birthday. Can't wait for my first Disney New Years!

http://www.wdwinfo.com/holidays/candlelight_processional.htm

That's the link to the Disboard's description of the Candlelight Processional. They state that it will go on until December 30th. Two years ago, we went to the December 30th performance, and then we took the monorail over to the MK and we were there in time to see the December 30th showing of the NYE fireworks, it was a great! We intend to do the same this year!

We've seen the CP at least once every year since we learned that Disney does something of a religious nature for Christmas. For us, it's an inspiring presentation.

Bobbi

 

[jekjones1558]

Thanks. I'll book a dinner then tomorrow AM. I think I'd rather see one of the second show.

I know I *could* wait in line, but DD3 might get a bit antsy waiting that long in line and I don't want to spoil it.

Last year, from the threads I saw, the dinner packages opened up right around the 90day booking window (which people say what the dining window was last year). Now that we're at 180 days, I had assumed they would open up now.

Probably will grab either tuto Italia or Le Cellier.

To the best of my knowledge you can not book a regular dinner ADR and then just change it to a CP package. If you are interested in the package so you don't have to wait in line for the show (I also do not want to wait in line) then you will need to wait for the packages to become available. I am waiting also, so I understand your concern.

 

[Disneypirate85]

CP is GREAT! We got to see Kirk Cameron narrate it, was amazing. Enjoy.. Shawn

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Called WDW-DINE this morning and talked to the person in reservations. They are holding back ADRs for the dinner packages.

This must be true, because when I called this morning (and I just got in the 180 day window), there were NO reservations available in EPCOT for dinner between 5 and 6 (which is when the dinner packages are available for the normal 8 show) at any of the places for our entire trip.

I was able to get a breakfast reservation at Princess Storybook so that should be fun....

 

[dcamdad]

Called WDW-DINE this morning and talked to the person in reservations. They are holding back ADRs for the dinner packages.

This must be true, because when I called this morning (and I just got in the 180 day window), there were NO reservations available in EPCOT for dinner between 5 and 6 (which is when the dinner packages are available for the normal 8 show) at any of the places for our entire trip.

I was able to get a breakfast reservation at Princess Storybook so that should be fun....

Did they give you any idea of when they might make them available? We are already inside our ADR window and that is really the only one left hanging.

 

[TDC Nala]

As was mentioned, you can't change a regular restaurant reservation to a package reservation because you have to specifically book the package. So unless you want a back up place to eat, it won't give you an advantage to have a regular restaurant reservation.

No idea when Disney will release the packages; keep checking.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

The cast member said to just keep checking.

I imagine that I'll have to just be refreshing WDWinfo.com, allears.net, mousesavers.com and everywhere else so I don't miss out.

 

[CarolMN]

As I recall, the dinner packages are usually available sometime in August.

We've always know ahead of time, so there is no need to "refresh" anything, LOL. Just keep an eye on the boards - Restaurants Board seems to be the best place (especially for details and any changes from previous year), although someone usually posts here, too.

 

[kellyf2626]

Called WDW-DINE this morning and talked to the person in reservations. They are holding back ADRs for the dinner packages.

This must be true, because when I called this morning (and I just got in the 180 day window), there were NO reservations available in EPCOT for dinner between 5 and 6 (which is when the dinner packages are available for the normal 8 show) at any of the places for our entire trip.

I was able to get a breakfast reservation at Princess Storybook so that should be fun....

The limited amount of dinner availability may also have to do with a small glitch in the dining reservation system. I was able to make my ADR's for the first week in December BEFORE the 180 day mark. I just went online, typed in my ressie #, and it allowed me to! I was shocked!!! So, not sure how many other people were/are aware of this glitch, but it may influence ressie availability in conjuction with holding tables for the CP package.

 

[oct2014]

How does the timing work for these? I realize the packages aren't available yet, but I was wondering if they are available for the earlier shows and, if so, what time people typically eat.

Caroline

 

[rwcmath]

How does the timing work for these? I realize the packages aren't available yet, but I was wondering if they are available for the earlier shows and, if so, what time people typically eat.

Caroline

One year if you wanted to see the first show, they booked you lunch. I don't know if that's how it always has been, but we were able to get the package with LeCellier because we took lunch. That worked for us. We usually get the package once and then stand in line another night.

I know I booked the package in June 2 years ago, but that doesn't seem to be what people are indicating will happen this year.

 

[ccigliano]

The limited amount of dinner availability may also have to do with a small glitch in the dining reservation system. I was able to make my ADR's for the first week in December BEFORE the 180 day mark. I just went online, typed in my ressie #, and it allowed me to! I was shocked!!! So, not sure how many other people were/are aware of this glitch, but it may influence ressie availability in conjuction with holding tables for the CP package.

That explains it. I went in at my 180 day mark (never thought to check earlier which is so unlike me) and I couldn't get LC for dinner any night for the next 8 days. And only 1 day had lunch availability. I've been checking every day for cancellations but nothing yet. Now I am just waiting for Candlelight Packages to go on sale and try to book one at LC.

Thanks.

 

[wbl2745]

Any news yet on when CP will be available for reservations?

 

[bobbiwoz]

I asked again earlier this week and was told the end of July.

 

[Sammie]

I have heard the first of August.

 

[motsmom]

The res agent we booked with Sunday said to call back July 28th (for what it's worth).. We want to go Dec 10 to see Whoopi