Candlelight Processional survey

[LATJLP]

We attended 4 CPs this year (Sinse, Harris, Morton, Viera) and we got emailed to take a survey 4 times. It appears that Disney is looking at assigning seats next year.....they don't say it but I'm guessing the better the seat the higher the package price.

I find that sad....obviously we like to attend these, and I'm already paying a surcharge to get a seat. It seems the pricing is based on you ordering the highest priced items, but even the buffet has an upcharge. We do the buffet because we DON'T order the highest priced items, we order what we WANT to eat.

I know I'm ranting here, but it is beginning to feel if you don't have a lot of money Disney really doesn't want you around....hotels have more than doubled in price in the last 5 years (whereas we travel for business and pleasure in the outside world and those hotels have gone up, but not doubled over the years)....food is already outrageous priced for what you get and quality and portion size keeps going down....tickets/APs have gone skyhigh as well. We work to save for our trips but the amount we have to save is starting to feel like a second mortgage, lol.

And I guess the Christian side of me is feeling annoyed at taking something like CP and using it to up their profits more.

I'm a stockholder, so yes, I know they're a business and need to keep stockholders happy, but there must be a balance between following Walt's dream that a family can come to his parks and enjoy family time, and that the stockholders want dividends. Many of those families are having to put in overtime just to afford to go...which takes AWAY family time.

Ok, rant over....just sad to see another tradition turned into a profit maker.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

It appears that Disney is looking at assigning seats next year.....they don't say it but I'm guessing the better the seat the higher the package price.

1) That is the rumor we hear.
2) But, people WILL pay
3) WDW puts in anything that generates revenue.

 

[Goofydiane]

I replied to the survey and made it clear that I would not want assigned seats, let's hope enough of us reply that way and they listen. It will change my perspective on attending the Candlelight Processional if I get a seat assigned. I like the wait in line to ensure that I get to sit under the roof and hear the show from there.

 

[Jennasis]

I showed up 15 minutes before showtime and got better seats than we did for the show a few days earlier we shelled out for the dining pkg. If they go to assigned seats or jack the price up then we just won't see it at all other than in passing on the way to a different attraction.

 

[LATJLP]

I showed up 15 minutes before showtime and got better seats than we did for the show a few days earlier we shelled out for the dining pkg. If they go to assigned seats or jack the price up then we just won't see it at all other than in passing on the way to a different attraction.

It depends on who the speaker is how long the standby lines.....the line for Neal Patrick Harris was the longest we saw and many of the people never got in after standing in line hoping for all 3 shows. But a couple days later, for Joe Morton there was barely a line at all and everyone got in (per my friend who happened upon it just before the show started so decided to check it out). I imagine if they start charging for seating there may be more seats available, so maybe people will have more chance to be at the popular speakers.

Our APs expire next November so we won't be there (we'll do a last trip in October for Halloween, so I'll be able to see how things go and decide if it's worth paying more or if we'll just be grateful for the 8 years we've done 2 or 3 shows each visit.

 

[Nancyg56]

I completed the survey as well and expressed my concern about assigned seats. My survey suggested that the first booked the best seats, but who determines the best seats? AS much as that diagram tried to prioritize seating, it was my priority, and not someone elses. I think the package is already pretty pricey, so I am not sure how much more I will be willing to pay, especially since my family only joins me at the show because that makes me happy. I cannot imaging paying much more and they still agree to sit there with me.

 

[Shanti]

I would rather have assigned seats because it's a guarantee of where you'd get to sit. I'm not into showing up hours early, uncertain & angling for getting a good spot, especially after I already paid.

I agree that WDW lodging prices are getting unreasonable, though.

 

[brinkley07]

We did a package this year, but I refused to wait in line. I think we ended up with better seats than if we had waited with the other package guests. If it goes to assigned seats with paying extra I probably won't bite. There are too many other special things to spend money on.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I got the survey but havent answered it yet.

Dont even know if the survey would apply to me

Usually we go in the handicapped no transfer line.

We ate at Rose and Crown and got right on line. We were #15 and the cm told us there are only 18 non transfer handicapped seats.

I do think that next year my strategy is just going to look for the least costly rest. thinking maybe Nine Dragons as its also closer to the venue than R & C

 

[cruisingkat]

I got the survey also. I was very disappointed with the package line this year. I believe that they sold more packages per show than ever before. We got in the package line at about the same time as we had in previous years and the line was much longer this year and we were much further back than previous years where we saw more popular narrators.
Also the package people filled more of the seating area than previous years that had more popular narrators. They also need to take down the trees as they do block views.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

If people will pay more to get the best seats, then it seems fair. A lot of guests do complain that they pay extra for the packages and still have to wait in a line and jockey for seats.

 

[si-am]

I like the idea of assigned seats-- I hate waiting in that line!

 

[PlutoFan10]

Assigned seats on benches without real seats can be quite unpleasant. Imagine if the seat numbers are placed close together. You show up and are expected to fit 2 people in a 20-inch gap between those already seated. Worse yet if those seats are obstructed by one of those poles.