Candlelight Processional Package worth it?

[javamom]

I want my family to get to see this while we are there this Christmas.

Is it worth the money to get the reserved seating?

Is it reserved seating or is it reserved section, like the Fantasmic package?

Can you opt to use TS credits on the dining plan for it, or is that not an option?

If you don't have the package, how difficult is it to get into the American Theatre to see it without the package?


Man, so many questions... and only about 5 months to figure it all out before I must start making those crucial ressies... I am so glad that I found this forum and all you dear, patient folks to hep the n00b

Thanks,

 

[Wendaeh]

Hi!

We used in the first week in December, and thought it was well worth it.

We used the dining plan for it -- 1TS credit for Le Cellier (wonderful food, and using the dining plan, an awesome deal).

It is not assigned seating. From what I remeber, people with the package got in line (and it was a LONG line -- I think we were still 2 countries over when we got in line near the start time). Then they open it up for seating, and the line moves quickly. The closest seat were reserved (though not for the CP) Once everyone from the package is admitted, people without the package can come in - though it is an outdoor theatre, and you could see and hear it without sitting.

I think it was about 45 minutes long -- the singing was amazing.

If you are doing the dining plan, I think it's a no-brainer.

Have a great time planning!
Wendy

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

We do the CP package every year, so yes, we think it's worth it. There's not really a reserved "section" per se, but there are 2 different lines going into the theater. The one on the left is for people with the package, the one on the right is for people without it. Everyone on the left gets let in first, while those on the right may or may not get in, depending on how many packages were sold that night. Since I have a small child (dd, age 6), I just don't want to take the chance of standing in line all that time and then not getting into the show, plus it allows us to do other things while everyone without the package is standing in line. Just my opinion of course, there are people here who don't think it's worth the extra money. And, as of last year, yes, you can use a TS credit for your dinner. Welcome to the DIS, and happy planning!

 

[AladdinsPrincess]

Yes Yes Yes! We do it every year also and it is always the highlight of our year. I love eating a 3-course a meal at one of the wonderful Epcot restaurants and then strolling into the theatre without worry to watch the Processional. If you are really concerned about getting a front and center seat, then you will still have to stand in line. If you're happy just having a decent seat, then you can wait till about 15 minutes and bring up the rear of the line. We have always done this on a Saturday or Sunday night and always still had a nice seat with a good view. Either way, it is SO worth it!!

 

[Matt]

It was well worth it. We chose Le Cellier and it was great. It also was about the only chance to see the CP without waiting for hours.

 

[Beetle]

Our first visit was this past December and we figured we would just trade off standing in line starting about 1 1/2 hours in advance. WRONG! When we got to the line, the cast member said of those already there, most wouldn't get in for the 1st show and only about 1/2 of the remaining would get in for the next show (he mentioned something about it being press night). Ultimately our group decided not to wait and I was really bummed about not being able to see it. Next time we are definately getting the package.

 

[Skroops]

I'd say it is definately worth it! If you are going to have dinner at WS anyway, you have nothing to lose. Why waste time in line that you can spend elsewhere and just walk right in with great seating. We went to the Teppanyaki dining room and really enjoyed ourselves.
Do it! You'll have a great time.

 

[javamom]

Cool beans, and thanks for the info once more

I wonder if these will come available for booking in August again this year, like it says they were for '05.

I just know that this will be so special

 

[seashoreCM]

I could see most of the CP show standing in the back outside the ropes something like ten feet behind the last row of seats, arriving at the last minute with no package. Of course without the ambience of being closer to the performance.

This was not during the most crowded time.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/dispass.htm

 

[nmudisneyfan]

Yes, it's worth it.
I did it with my parents and my sister a few years ago.
We had a fabulous dinner at Le Cellier. It was so yummy. Come to think of it we went during the 100 Years of Magic celebration.
We had great seats. And didn't have to stand in line for very long. It was an enjoyable family experience.

 

[DisnyMama]

It is so worthit! It was the best thing I did the entire trip.

 

[eeyoreiscool]

We think it is worth it. This way, you don't have to wait in line to see the show and depending on the time of year, that could be critical. Plus you get a nice meal to go along with it and if the selections are picked right, you come out ahead.

 

[TDS373X]

it is soooo worth it. We were ther 12/11/05 had a wonderful dinner at Rose and Crown then onto CP. When we got in line the line was back to Japan however the CM assured me that since I had the badge we were gaurenteed a seat. whereas the folks on the other side in the stand by line were not. If we ever go back at holiday time it is a must do. Eartha Kitt was a WONDERFUL narrator BTW

 

[Cass]

Definately worth it! you can have a nice dinner knowing you will have seats. We went to Alfredos and had a great meal.

Enjoy!

 

[JainaSolo]

Yes, the package is definately the way to go! My H.S. choir was in the show and I went 4 times in 3 years (once on x-mas eve), and my parents got the package every time so that they and whatever other family members where there would actually be able to spot me on the stage. Plus it's always great to be able to go right from there into the restarant and relax and eat.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Dress warmly. I was there 12/26 and nearly froze my buns off! Dropped to 30 degrees later that night, so I would guess it was about 35 when I was there. And THEN I went on an Illuminations cruise!

I highly recommend the package for this. Even the line for the package was incredibly long, although it moved quickly once they opened the area. On busy nights, the only ones getting seated appeared to be DP folks.

 

[Ms.Mouse]

Yes!!! I'ts very much worth it. I think it's something everyone should go to at least once. My family enjoyed it very much. We went on the Dining Plan eating at LeCellier and then going to the Processional.

 

[Otter49]

I wouldn't dispute for a second those who think the package is the way to go. So this is just a different viewpoint for those who can't or who choose not to buy the package.

We're huge fans of the CP. We've never done the package. We've never failed to get into the show we wanted.

For example - one of the four shows we went to this past season was Jim Caviezel on 12/23 - very busy. We queued at just before 7pm for the 8:15 show, meaning we were seated in slightly under an hour, center seats, a very good view.

According to a couple of CM friends, these dates right before Christmas are the most heavily requested ones. WDW sold 900 packages per show for an 1800 seat theater. There's always a lot of seating for standby, unless you arrive very late for the last show.