Candlelight Processional Question

[deltadisney]

We are a family of 4, with 2 pre-teen kids and will be at disney a few days before Christams. We will likely have an Epcot day Dec. 20, 21, or 22. We have been a few times before during Christmas, but have never been to Epcot in the evening mainly because our kids enjoy other parks in the evening. We may try the Candlelight Processional and Illuinations. Do we have to have a dinning package for CP? If we didn't, how early would we have to show up to get a seat and which show would be better? If it's an absolute must to do the package, I will go with it, but would rather not if I can avoid it - but I don't want our family to have to arrive more than an hour before the show to wait in line. I am just completely unfamiliar with CP and would appreciate any thoughts, opinions, or help, and also any thoughts or advice on Illuminations.

 

[Stinkerbell1973]

The CP dinner package is not a necessity to see the show. There is a "stand by" line and the length of the line can vary. Depends a lot on who the guest narrator is, how close to the holiday it is, which day of the week, etc.
For the past 2 years, I know they were trying out a Fastpass of sorts for those waiting in standby. I don't have any first hand knowledge of that or how it worked. My family has only ever done the dining package to guarantee our seats. But even with that, you still wait in a line to get in.
CP is our favorite Christmas tradition. We have gone every year since 2011 and will be there this year on Dec 20.

 

[mountdew1]

Usually the standby line will last for the whole evening. So if you are in line for the first show and don't make it in, you can keep waiting for the second or third show. Plenty of people report that they have no problems lining up just outside the seating area and watching from there. And if you mostly want to hear it, you can definitely just kinda hang out in the vicinity by the American Adventure and hear everything.

Doing the dining package should guarantee you a seat as long as you are at the theater by the time they tell you to be, but you will most likely end up having to wait in line either way. Last time we did the dining package we ended up getting there about 20-30 mins before we were supposed to be, and had to get in line all the way down by Morocco. Still got decent seats, but that should give you some idea of the waiting involved.

 

[Bete]

I would go with a dining package. Waiting in the stand by line is a drag. I think it partially takes away from enjoying the show. Also, you will get the leftover seats; because, the dinner package guests get first choice.

Biergarten has one of the cheapest dinner packages and if you are not on a dining plan that's the way I would go. You are very close to the American Gardens Theater, too.

Even if get the CP package if you want front and center seating you still have to get into the preferred line early, too.

 

[deltadisney]

Thank you for the responses.