Candlelight Processional - when to start waiting

[jkh1978]

Trying to plan out how many days we need for our trip, and I'm reading about the candlelight processional. I'm reading that some people start lining up at noon. When would we need to get a spot? Do people line up for the parade and stay in their spot? If we check in at the hotel that day, would we have enough time to get to our room at the hotel at 3 and then get to a good spot?

How does the second show work? Do they clear everyone out of the hub area? Is there a line that people wait in to get to the hub for the second show?

 

[Tiny Little Seed]

My sister and I went to it this past December. We snagged a decent spot about an hour before the show. We stood in a roped-off area in the back right section of the train station hub (sort of near the hat shop by Mr Lincoln). Although we weren't close, it was a nice view, and of course, we could hear the singing and narration just fine. I'm sure we could have gotten closer if we had arrived earlier, but we were happy with our spot. Yes, people do get the very best spots starting early in the day, but it's not necessary in order to see/hear the show. If you're there at that time, it's definitely worth seeing.

 

[cmwade77]

It depends on how close you want to be. If you want to guarantee a seat, look for what kind of package they do this year. Unfortunately last year, it was a very expensive package with a hotel stay, the year before that it was only available to D23 Members, but prior to that they had dinner packages. My guess is that the dinner packages will come back this year, as the others didn't bring in as much money.

The other way to get a guaranteed seat is to get tickets from one of the Disneyland vendors. Remember this event is actually meant as a thank you for them, but they allow guests to sit in on the empty seats and spaces.

 

[Malcon10t]

It depends on how close you want to be. If you want to guarantee a seat, look for what kind of package they do this year. Unfortunately last year, it was a very expensive package with a hotel stay, the year before that it was only available to D23 Members, but prior to that they had dinner packages. My guess is that the dinner packages will come back this year, as the others didn't bring in as much money.

It was my impression that the package last year sold out.

It would be nice if the dinner packages came back, but I have heard they won't. As it is, the majority of all seats at the show we were at were full. (We attended the 530 performance on Sunday.) I will say, it was amazing.

We saw people lining up for the second show before the first show started. I don't know if they cleared the hub or if people just left after the first show. But there was quite a crowd waiting for the second show.

 

[cmwade77]

It was my impression that the package last year sold out.

It would be nice if the dinner packages came back, but I have heard they won't. As it is, the majority of all seats at the show we were at were full. (We attended the 530 performance on Sunday.) I will say, it was amazing.

We saw people lining up for the second show before the first show started. I don't know if they cleared the hub or if people just left after the first show. But there was quite a crowd waiting for the second show.

Interesting, because I have been told by numerous CMs that the packages didn't sell more than a small handful. And that the seats were filled by regular park guests. I do not know what their process was for selecting these guests though.

Which one is correct? I don't know for sure, but I do know that people will be less likely to spend that kind of money this year. There will be a lot of uncertainty, especially considering that this is an election year and no matter who wins, there will be uncertainty about the future of the economy.

As a result, I would definitely expect the packages to be changed massively this year. They might start out trying to use a similar package system to the previous year, but will find that they will not sell and will have to change tactics.

Now, this is based on what I am currently seeing, but could definitely change if there are events that change the economy. But if things continue as they are, this is what I see happening.

I do agree that Candlelight Procesional is always amazing though.

 

[skiingfast]

Some seats came with a package offer.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2836806

Club33 and other VIP I believe got all the rest of the seats.

 

[MrsMears]

What is the candlelight processional for?

 

[skiingfast]

What is the candlelight processional for?

It's a semi religious ceremony. CMs walk with candles down Main Street to Town Square and assemble on the Train Station. They sing Holiday hymns. A guest speaker tells the story of Jesus.

 

[hlbtimes2]

The choirs are not made up of CM's. They are choirs from local schools and other groups. Its typically the first weekend in December.

 

[Malcon10t]

The choirs are not made up of CM's. They are choirs from local schools and other groups. Its typically the first weekend in December.

Yes, it is local schools and churches who try out for the choir. It usually has a large number of CMs, not because they are cast members, but because they belong to the school or church selected. I found it very moving adn hope to go again this year.