Candlelight Processional Dinner - Watching & Waiting

[twitch]

Fine. But they're stringing us along. Pick a later date and stick to it. September 1. October 1. I don't care how much time they need to confirm the narrators. But, it's not nice to tell us in June that the CP will be available in "late June." Then, it was "mid-July." Then, "Late July." Meanwhile, folks who really want the tickets have been calling every day -- long-distance calls -- based on the often nice CM reply to "keep trying!" or "try again tomorrow!" or "not today but keep trying!" It's a drag.

Oh... I don't disagree. I think they should have a webpage dedicated to the CP packages, and a statement on that page that gives regular updates. It would save a LOT of phone calls and angst (both on the part of guests and CMs!).

I was responding to the suggestion that they should start booking packages without the narrator schedule confirmed, because we don't really care who the narrator is.

 

[brianheather]

At this point I really don't mind where I eat, I just want to book it. It will be our Honeymoon and our first time in December.... does this always happen or is this unusual?

 

[TDC Nala]

This is happening due to the return of dining reservations to 180 days. There's no way they can finalize the packages and narrator list that soon. Although it does seem to be taking longer this year for everything to be finalized. Since they didn't have to meet a deadline for reservations, maybe they think they can take longer to release them.

The narrators are very important to a lot of guests when determining which day to book.

 

[Nafinegar]

CM I spoke to (Erica, I think) said that they were not available yet....Disney is finalizing details. That sounds very much like the narrator list to me, and consistent with their past actions on the narrator list.

She did say that once the details were ironed out, they would post the RELEASE DATE on the web. I'm not sure that I am buying that one. I suspect what will happen is that they will release the package and then post it on the web.

So, every morning at 6:55am my kiddos hand me my cellphone and remind me to call Disney. It's bad when you 7 year old could do the call "Special Events Dining" "No" "Can you tell me if the dining package for the candlelight processional has opened up?" Maybe I will let him do the call on Monday morning

Does anyone know for sure whether it can open up on a weekend? I am tempted to keep calling this weekend. What's two more days!

 

[poohj80]

FWIW - DW called Dining today and the CM cited the delay is due to Celebrity Reader schedule uncertainty.

Actually believable IMO.

I know they have gone on sale in previous years with some readers still TBD as this happened to us and then we ended up trying to switch dates once we knew who the reader was going to be.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I know they have gone on sale in previous years with some readers still TBD as this happened to us and then we ended up trying to switch dates once we knew who the reader was going to be.

I was told this is the reason they won't sell packages until everyone is firm. While, the narrator is unimportant to me....it is a.very big deal for some. He said they have people get very upset if the lineup changes.

 

[Tricia1972]

I did some research for another thread, but thought I'd cross post it here.

Not that Disney does things the same year to year, but last year the packages first were available to book on August 20th according to this thread.

It looks like June 23rd was the day in 2008 according to this thread

and for 2007 it was July 2nd according to this thread.

 

[LoveBeingSAHM]

Ok - I know that different CM's tell us different things BUT I just finished talking to a really really nice one lovestruc) who told me that this year they are not going to start the reservations until all narrators are confirmed - too many people try to make changes when the list does come out.

Anyway, they have been told that Disney will annouce the start of the reservations by placing a large banner on their home page.

She also said that all narrators are confirmed but one and that should happen anytime. She said that I could check the website a few times today or they welcome our calls.

Good luck everyone!

 

[creativeamanda]

I think they probably won't release until at least 2 weeks after package prices come out for 2011. The reason being is they have to have IT update their own servers to accommodate the changes, and there have been a lot of changes in the past few weeks. The fact that the reservation systems were down yeasterday morning and this morning is a good sign, but I honestly think it will be after the 2011 packages are on the net first before anyone sees anything about CP.

Last year reservations could be made without all of the narrators, but that was also when booking was 45 days out for all reservations.

 

[Kathy Z]

Last year reservations could be made without all of the narrators, but that was also when booking was 45 days out for all reservations.

Last year booking was 90 days out (not 45) and for on site guests it was 90 plus 10. That is how we ended up with our 4th choice restaurant. We wanted it on the 5th day of our stay on a Saturday night.

 

[bobrex]

When will you be able to make Candlelight Processional Dinner Package reservations? I was told the end of July -- no specific date. I called every day this week but was continually told that Disney was still not making package reservations. DH and I already have dinner reservations that we want to convert to a Candlelight Processional Dinner Package. Thanks!

 

[drmommy]

subbing...

 

[Kathy Z]

When will you be able to make Candlelight Processional Dinner Package reservations? I was told the end of July -- no specific date. I called every day this week but was continually told that Disney was still not making package reservations. DH and I already have dinner reservations that we want to convert to a Candlelight Processional Dinner Package. Thanks!

Just read all of this page and you'll see that is the big question that none of us know the answer to. Then go to page 26 of this thread, post #389 which explains that you can not convert an existing ADR into a Candlelight Processional Dinner Package. Sorry, I know that is not the answer you were hoping for.

 

[poohj80]

Just read all of this page and you'll see that is the big question that none of us know the answer to. Then go to page 26 of this thread, post #389 which explains that you can not convert an existing ADR into a Candlelight Processional Dinner Package. Sorry, I know that is not the answer you were hoping for.

I assume when people say "convert" they really mean cancel original reservation when the get the CP package booked.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I assume when people say "convert" they really mean cancel original reservation when the get the CP package booked.

Some might but others might be thinking that if they have a reservation at a certain restaurant then they are all set and just need to add the CP. They could be very disappointed if the CP is all sold out at that location when they call to "convert".

 

[TruBlu]

Yay! I am officially part of the CLP insanity! I've been worried that DH wouldn't want to spend the money on it since we're already doing the Wishes Dessert party. So... I mentioned it to him today, and he said that we should DO IT!!!!! Now I can join you all in the 7 am calls.

 

[buzz for boys]

Im very interested to know when the reservations open and have been directed to this thread from one i sarted over in the Uk boards.
So im subbing so I remeber to keep checking back for more information

Thanks guys x x x

 

[TruBlu]

I couldn't resist.... I called. The CM checked for any updates, but she said that there is no new information. She was very nice.

 

[stephielela]

i called today, the CM told me that originally it was supposed to be this week, but now it's been delayed and the don't know when it will be. oh the insanity!

 

[tomt92]

I look at it this way.. I have to be up to call disney, wich gets me up to go to the gym as well so its a good thing..


anyway dumb question.. I have been calling wdw-dine and doing reservations - no... should I be doing special events??? is there a difference??

to be honest i have been getting the same responses as everyone else.. except rude cm's.. well todays wasn't rude just a little odd.. I told her to have a pleasant day and she said "Talk to you again soon"...

I do have to say i feel sorry for them.. I work Customer service and it does get tiring getting the same question day in and out.. I also know how frustrating it is when people think you are holding back on them and to be honest you really don't know what the heck is going on..

ill be trying this weekend to...