Candlelight Processional Package Necessary?

[SnoWhiteRabbit]

We plan to go to the Candlelight Processional the first week in December. I am wondering if it is a good idea or really necessary to get one of those dinner packages for reserved seating or if we should just show up for the show. We would probably go to an earlier showing during the beginning of December. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I did the CP 3 times this past December, once on package, twice without. To see the CP, it probably isn't necesary to do the package. Most people would probably have just as good seats without it. I'm glad I did the package for 2 reasons: 1. Have a musician DS and was able to take some great pictures of the instruments and conductor with package seating, 2. Gave me the opportunity to eat at Rose and Crown for the first time-great Illuminations viewing and great salmon.

 

[MinnieFan4ever]

The main reason for getting a package is you don't have to wait in the very long stand by line. You may not make in the show you want to see, although there is a lot of seating. The way I look at it, you have to eat dinner anyway, why not make it a nice meal and know you will get a seat for the time you want.

 

[puffkin]

I would do the package unless you are extremely light eaters. Also, it isn't dark outside during the earliest showing (the best chance for walk up seating) which in my opinion takes away from the show. We ate at Le Cellier and it was wonderful. Because I already paid for the package, we didn't have to worry about the costs. We each got the cheddar cheese soup (yum) when we normally would share one serving. I also ordered the mushroom filet which was excellent. I normally do not eat a lot of red meat, so I never could justify ordering the filet before. Also, the desserts were very good and tip and soda's are included in the cost. I would definitely recommend the package and not worry about trying to get seats.

 

[bru_ellman]

If you're going to the CP early in December, especially if it's during the week, you probably won't need the CP dinner package. However, if you wanted to try one of the upper tier restaurants anyway it's a great opportunity at a reasonable fixed price.

Last December we also went to the CP three times and used the dinner package once (Le Cellier, which we didn't care for all that much and prefered the year before's selection Alfredo's de Roma).

 

[mickeysaver]

Originally posted by MinnieFan4ever
The main reason for getting a package is you don't have to wait in the very long stand by line. You may not make in the show you want to see, although there is a lot of seating. The way I look at it, you have to eat dinner anyway, why not make it a nice meal and know you will get a seat for the time you want.

We did the CP dinner package last year and the line to enter the stadium was longer for the CP package holders than it was for the regular guests. We liked CP, but after seeing it, it was not a must do sort of event. We found that we enjoyed the music from sitting outside the theater as much as inside.

Our dinner experience was lacking a bit also. We dined at Le Cellier. The waitress was HORRIBLE. If you search back through the posts about CP from last year, there were lots of posts about people getting less than stellar service with the CP package. I think the prepaid tip had something to do with it.

Anyway, I would not do the CP Package again. I would do CP, but I would not go out of my way to see it again. JMHO Maggie

 

[bru_ellman]

Originally posted by mickeysaver
We did the CP dinner package last year and the line to enter the stadium was longer for the CP package holders than it was for the regular guests. We liked CP, but after seeing it, it was not a must do sort of event. We found that we enjoyed the music from sitting outside the theater as much as inside.

Our dinner experience was lacking a bit also. We dined at Le Cellier. The waitress was HORRIBLE. If you search back through the posts about CP from last year, there were lots of posts about people getting less than stellar service with the CP package. I think the prepaid tip had something to do with it.

Anyway, I would not do the CP Package again. I would do CP, but I would not go out of my way to see it again. JMHO Maggie

Just to clarify a few things, CP dinner package holders are admitted to the CP seating first and then the general admission (regular folks ) are let in. The line for the CP package holders can be longer, but they get first choice of the best seats.

However, I would agree with you that unlike the year before, last year's CP sound was better further away from the stage. The concert trumpets overpowered the sound for those sitting nearer to the stage-they really should have the orchestra in a pit and move the vocal performers downstage towards the audience. Then they'd be able to have a softer mix for those close-up and use their current heavy reinforcement for the outer reaches. (Can you tell that I do theatre sound design for a living? )

We had a similar experience at Le Cellier last year and the food was not great either. However, the year before we had an outstanding meal with great service at Alfredo's. The CP is a "must do" for us and we love the opportunity to try upper tier restaurants at a prix fixe--though we'll probably return to Alfredo's this year.

 

[Jordan's MOM]

WE did enjoy the package, but to do it over, I don't think we will. We ate in Mexico and when they found out we were on the CP, we were rushed though like a heard of cows. They took our order for desert with our dinner order and our desert choices were very limited. Food was good and our waiter was very kind, but the whole rushed think was too much. We were there early December and too found the package line as long as stand by. Everone got in. The show however is a not to be missed and if I could only see it by doing the package I would, but I think we are going to try without it next time.


Jordans' mom

 

[goofy4tink]

We also did the dinner package last Dec. (mid month). We will do it again. We are going for Thanksgiving and leaving on the 2nd. We ate at the Garden Grill and it was wonderful. It was a bit of a hike tho. We thought we had plenty of time but when we got to the Pavillion, the line was really long. It was about 1 hr. before the show started. The previous show was just ending! But we loved our seats....middle of the theater and about 2/3 of the way back. The sound was wonderful.

 

[KFISCHER]

Do the package.
Being able to just walk in and grab a good seat is very, very nice.
We've never had bad service at any of the CP dinners, and we've done Alfredo's, The French Bistro, and San Angel Inn.

The word's out on the Processional.
The lines of people who don't get the package are VERY, VERY LONG.
I wouldn't want to take a chance in them.

You'll get varying opinions on this, but I say get the package, have a nice dinner, then just walk right in for a nice performance.

Or you could stand in line, and wait, and wait, and wait, when you could be doing something else.

(Actually, it's a no-brainer)

 

[mrsltg]

I would definitely, absolutely, without a doubt do the package! My mom and I went last 12/12 (a Friday evening) and had a wonderful time. We went to the second showing, were close to first in line (stopped first for glasses of champagne in France!) and had fantastic seats. After the show (which was incredible), we went to our PS at Le Cellier and had a wonderful meal. Our server couldn't have been nicer and more attentive. The mushroom filet was outstanding, and I highly recommend the restaurant.

Erin

 

[leebee]

In early Dec. '02, we watched the last 30mins. of CP from the sidewalk between the event site and the American Pavillion. We could hear everything very well, and the other standees were very accomodating about letting the kids stand to the front so they could see. The stand-by line was VERY long, and some said they had been in line for 2 hrs. waiting to get in. While we could see a bit and hear very well from our standing spots, the CP is so wonderful that I want to get the package and do the dinner, really make a night of it, next time we travel during the holiday season! I know, it's pricey, but I can't see standing in line for 2 hours, and the presentation is absolutely worth seeing!

 

[sherry8253]

We were ther the first week of Dec last year. We did not do the package and I wish we would have. The stand by line was very long - we stood in line for at least 45 mintues. They tell you up front you might wait and then not get in. We did get in but it was well after the show started. If you want guaranteed seats, do the package.