Candlelight Processional with Dining Package for Beginners

[DisneyandBeerLover]

We're going to WDW during the holidays for the first time this upcoming December and we're looking to go to the Candlelight Processional with a dining package. I've looked into it on wdwinfo and other places but I still have a few questions:

• Are reservations released traditionally with other classic ADRs or is it someone you need to call to make an ADR?
• Does it fall under the 180 day or 180+10 day rule?
• How quickly do these reservations fill up?
• Any speculation on the new space-themed restaurant being included, assuming it's open by then. Is there a precedent with other newly opened restaurants opening and being a part of the CP the same year?
• There are 3 shows each night, correct? Is there one that's more ideal? Less ideal? One that has a longer wait, more than others? We're only going to have one Epcot day that we'd like to utilize the day as most as possible.
• How long does it last?
• I know you're not guaranteed a spot, but when should we plan to get in line with the CP?

Thanks

 

[Shelleyfs]

They didn't come out until July last year.

I have no idea if the space restaurant will be included, but that would be cool if it was.

I'm not sure how fast it fills. I booked our package as soon as I found out they were up (same day). We did Biergarten and really enjoyed it. I know some were trying to get Bon Voyage breakfast or PPO Garden Grill packages and had issues getting them. It all depends on what you are looking for.

There are 3 shows - 5 pm, 6:45 pm and 8:15 pm. We did the 5 pm last year with Helen Hunt and I wish we had done the 6:45 pm. I don't think there is that much difference between the times. It is more of a personal preference.

It lasted about 40-45 mins. We got in line about 4:15 for the 5 pm show and we were pretty close up.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I prefer the latest show - full darkness. Will be a new show this year, but historically Illuminations has been pushed to 9:30 or 10 (can’t remember) to allow those at the last Candlelight showing to find a spot.

Popularity depends on date (e.g. Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas etc.) and narrator. We always do the dining package to have a guaranteed seat. I’ve seen people queuing up at noon for Neil Patrick Harris and I’m not sure how many stand bys get in.

 

[ErinsMommy]

When does NPH generally do it in last years??

 

[DisneyandBeerLover]

NPH is who I'm hoping for!
When does the first schedule of narrators usually come out? We don't really have wiggle room anyway on when we can go but we have a little bit.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

When does NPH generally do it in last years??

It was early Dec last year.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

NPH is who I'm hoping for!
When does the first schedule of narrators usually come out? We don't really have wiggle room anyway on when we can go but we have a little bit.

I think usually ~July. But who knows.

 

[Laura's Dad]

After you book your package can you change the time over the phone. We are considering doing an Ale and Compass breakfast with a planned family photo shoot at the Beach Club but would want to see the second show.

 

[DisneyandBeerLover]

After you book your package can you change the time over the phone. We are considering doing an Ale and Compass breakfast with a planned family photo shoot at the Beach Club but would want to see the second show.

Thanks, that's good to know! I think we're going to aim for the last show so we can try to do everything else we want to do before we go.

 

[tinkgrumpy]

We are also hoping to do the Ale and Compass breakfast with the later show option as will be OOP. Has anyone done the breakfast there? Going to "snack around the holiday festival world" for dinner.

 

[DisneyandBeerLover]

We are also hoping to do the Ale and Compass breakfast with the later show option as will be OOP. Has anyone done the breakfast there? Going to "snack around the holiday festival world" for dinner.

I'm interested to see replies to this because this is one of the restaurants we're looking at. We're thinking about breakfast as our best option as well so we too can eat around the festival the rest of the day.

 

[disneygolfer1985]

The last few years the packages have opened up before a full list or narrators. Also, note that the narrators can change as well. We usually go on Christmas Eve and have had some great narrators. I would try to book as soon as you can. The packages usually open up last week of June to first week of July. No one really knows. I also prefer either the 6:15 or 8 show for full darkness. Also, with those you will have the chance of having a later meal.