Candlelight Processional -- work around it or avoid it entirely?

[alvernon90]

We are planning a trip for the weekend of Candlelight Processional, but we have no particular interest in seeing the performance. I have done some searching on how to deal with it, but I still have a few questions I'm hoping the experienced folks can answer:

1. Does DCA become notably more crowded on CP nights?

2. Are the lines shorter at DL in the back of the park while the show is going on?

3. Is it possible to skip the bottleneck at Main St. by using the monorail to enter and exit the park during CP evenings?

Thanks!

 

[Beck & the Beast]

Following, as we arrive on the 3rd as well and trying to decide if we'll go into the parks that weekend or just stick to DTD and maybe a San Diego day and head to the parks M-F

 

[rentayenta]

What days are the CP?

 

[julesann]

I was there two years ago for the CP weekend. I can't remember what the lines were like at the backside of DL. I think I am remembering that DCA was more crowded (hopefully someone with a better memory can chime in), but it was still enjoyable and I also remember using the monorail was a great way to avoid the main street area which was quite packed.

 

[alvernon90]

What days are the CP?

The CP this year will be December 3-4, 2016. I am assuming two shows each on Saturday and Sunday.

 

[rentayenta]

The CP this year will be December 3-4, 2016. I am assuming two shows each on Saturday and Sunday.

Thank you! Looks like we will be there on Dec 3. Do they limit park guests to folks attending CP?

 

[minnieralyks]

I think Candlelight nights seem more crowded in and around Main Street because of the reduced space due to the set up. They close down a big chunk of the street on Main Street and have the sidewalks divided for walking (one sidewalk is for coming into the park, the other for leaving). The beginning of Main Street by the train station is completely blocked for seating. We've been there during that time and I believe the rest of the park was fine and had normal wait times.

It's not a date that I would avoid or anything. Just go knowing that the crowd control down Main Street might be a little hectic for a couple of hours on one of your nights, but otherwise should be fine.

 

[minnieralyks]

Thank you! Looks like we will be there on Dec 3. Do they limit park guests to folks attending CP?

They don't limit attendance for regular guests. The only possibility of attendance being limited is if the park hit capacity, which is pretty rare during the first part of December (even during Candlelight).

 

[ashley0139]

Thank you! Looks like we will be there on Dec 3. Do they limit park guests to folks attending CP?

Percentage wise, it is a very small amount of people watching the CP. They do not limit park guests in regards to that.

 

[alvernon90]

I think Candlelight nights seem more crowded in and around Main Street because of the reduced space due to the set up. They close down a big chunk of the street on Main Street and have the sidewalks divided for walking (one sidewalk is for coming into the park, the other for leaving). The beginning of Main Street by the train station is completely blocked for seating. We've been there during that time and I believe the rest of the park was fine and had normal wait times.

It's not a date that I would avoid or anything. Just go knowing that the crowd control down Main Street might be a little hectic for a couple of hours on one of your nights, but otherwise should be fine.

We will be staying at DLH. Ordinarily if we hop from DCA to DL in the evening we walk across the plaza, but I'm wondering if we would be better off going back to the hotel for a break and then entering DL by monorail. I would think getting out in Tomorrowland would avoid the mess at Main St. But I have not been to a CP night since the 1990s, back when anyone could get a seat, so it made sense to attend the show. It's a little sad to have to do a strategy to miss it.

Of course, staying at DCA is an option, but I suspect it will close early.

 

[Flickor]

Main Street had a big stage and a bottleneck last year but no different then during fireworks or parades.

 

[Beck & the Beast]

Are the parades and fireworks still shown on CP nights or is the evening entertainment cancelled?

 

[SMD]

Fireworks would be weather dependent, but they still go off. There typically is no other night time entertainment, and there shouldn't be, now that PTN is ending and F! is still down.

 

[Disney Rose]

We were there two years ago on CP weekend as well and still had a great time. We didn't go on too many rides but took it easy and did lots of people watching. We booked lunch at downtown Disney in advance. It wasn't as crazy busy as I'd expected. I think the Fri before was actually busier! The Thurs and Fri had been super busy. From memory the Sun in particular wasn't too bad.

 

[alvernon90]

It wasn't as crazy busy as I'd expected. I think the Fri before was actually busier! The Thurs and Fri had been super busy. From memory the Sun in particular wasn't too bad.

Boy, fingers crossed that this happens again this year!

 

[DizHanna456]

Very glad I found this thread! I will be in the parks Dec 2-4 and was wondering the same things. Want to experience the holidays and Disneyland but am not awesome with crowds.

 

[cruisehopeful]

Is California Adventure overpacked during this event? I have a visit up there beginning the 4th and based on my horrible experience with this event a few years ago, I have no desire to go to DL during it. I'm wondering if I should plan for DCA or just go up a day later. Hmm, maybe I should just hang out at Trader Sam's.

 

[Niltiac]

Are the parades and fireworks still shown on CP nights or is the evening entertainment cancelled?

Last year PtN still showed. Since we don't know yet which "select nights" will have PtN this year, it's hard to say. I would guess that it won't be that weekend. And I agree with the previous poster who said that, while it is definitely congested, it's not worse than parade/fireworks crowds were during the 60th. There will be one-way walking traffic on the sidewalks that you can use to enter and exit, it just wouldn't be so pleasant to try to hang around in the area during that time. Last year they were really good about keeping people moving in the walkways, so I recall getting in and out of the park was actually pretty quick. So if taking the monorail fits into your plans, go for it, but I wouldn't rearrange my day for it.

 

[Bud Ice]

Candlelight gums up Main Street, but other parts of DL/DCA are ok.

 

[Malcon10t]

Fireworks will still go off. Parades will go off during day, no evening parade.