Candlelight Processional

[pouncingpluto]

This is going to make the difference as to whether or not we get DDP. If we can use a TS voucher for a package that is normally $45.00, that's a great deal! And it's only a three night trip, so I think it makes it worth it for the whole trip.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

OK, my curiosity got the better of me so I called to see what info I could get.

The gentleman I spoke to said he got a memo a couple of days ago saying that the packages would be released mid August and that you absolutely could NOT convert an existing ADR to a CP package. I suggested making an ADR now, calling when the packages are released and trying to get a package ADR and then cancel my existing ADR. He seemed confused by that logic and said just because I cancel my existing ADR does not mean that a CP ADR would automatically open up. He must have thought I meant cancel my current ADR first then book CP when I actually meant book CP then cancel my existing ADR....

Anyway, I am not entirely sure I believe him because this was the same man who was adament that I could not book my LTT ADR the day I bought my MVMCP tix last month since I was more than 180 days out. Of course when I simply hung up and called back that day, I got a different CM who was willing to try the special events drop down (Thanks BeattyFamily for the tip on that one!! ) and was able to get my LTT ADR at the time I wanted.

Sorry for more added confusion!!!!!!!!

 

[Terk-1]

Got a very nice cm. Told her I was interested in booking a CP dinner package for the 6:45pm show and dinner afterwards at the Rose & Crown. She put me on hold to check and just came back to say that they were waiting to confirm the speakers and won't have that confirmation until August. She also said they will not be releasing the dinner packages until the speakers have been confirmed. When I asked her about converting an adr made at the 180 window to the CP package she put me on hold again to check to make sure she gave the correct information. She said that converting an adr to a CP package was not an option.

 

[gssmks]

This is all so disappointing to me. Considering the fact that Disney pays such close attention to every small detail and makes everything else about a Disney vacation so magical, you would think that they would be able to advise the CM who are answering the phones to answer our questions a little better. Even if they do not want to tell us when the packages are being released, every CM should be giving the exact information to every caller. This is one area where disney really needs to spend some time assessing their performance and making much needed changes. Not that anyone would listen to me, but I would like to express my opinions to someone at Disney. Where do you guys go to find the e-mail address to contact Disney?

 

[EEyorelover22]

I called today and was told mid July...go figure.

I agree about Disney needing to improve the info that CRO gives out. In my email I sent on Sunday I made a reference to a letter I wrote last spring to the director of transportation about the "no character bus" situation which was completely not true. The guy called me and I talked with him at length and he assured me that there were character busses running. I told him the CMs that answer the phone are giving out wrong info. One year later, they are still giving out that wrong info.

I guess I don't hold out much help for the future!

wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

 

[rainy~daze]

Shamelessly bumping this up to see if anyone has tried their luck today for any definite answers.

 

[gssmks]

Shamelessly bumping this up to see if anyone has tried their luck today for any definite answers.

Yep! I got the same answer, or maybe I should say one of the same answers, I've been getting. Was told by this guy, mid-august, and the ADR could be converted. I told him all the different responses we've been getting and he said truthfully they haven't received any specific instructions on CP yet. He was just giving me the information based on what they did last year. He put me on hold and when he came back he said his supervisor said it will be the same this year.

How would you like to have these CM's job? How frustrating would this be if you were on their end of the line?

 

[01Sweetpea]

Was told by this guy, mid-august, and the ADR could be converted.

I wish there was a definite answer on the conversion of an ADR to the CP. I currently have an ADR for 11/24 at 8:30pm at Le Cellier. I REALLY want a 4pm ADR for the CP at Le Cellier.

If I thought the ADR could be converted I would call on 5/28 (the 180 day mark for 11/24) and try and get a time closer to 4pm. If it can't be converted there is no sense in me calling on 5/28, I'll just switch the time when I call for the CP.

I guess better to be safe than sorry....I'll be up early on Sunday to make the call.

 

[beattyfamily]

I'm not surprised that they are all saying mid-August because I can understand why they can't start selling the package without confirming the speakers.

Last year was the earliest we ever knew the tentative speakers; the beginning of August. It was great to know who they were before the packages went on sale. (that was a first)

Then the packages went on sale August 15 which was also the earliest they had ever gone on sale.

I'm quite sure there is no way possible to convert a regular ADR to any package whether it is CP or Fantasmic, but if it makes you feel more secure booking an ADR now, go ahead. Then when the package goes on sale, you can ask, then book the package, then you can cancel your original ADR.

 

[ImagineEar]

Subscribing - It will be the first time doing the CP and it would help to have the latest info!

 

[LoveRafiki]

Give me some basics please...

How do the dinner packages work? What is timing? We go each December, but haven't gone to this... I have a daughter 5, 2 and will also have Grandparents (mid 70s) but fairly mobile.

Is it advantageous to do one restaurant location versus another? How hard is it to just go and see it? How far ahead do you need to go to get a seat (if not doing dinner package)?

How long is the show?

I was thinking I'd need to do earliest show b/c of girls -- but can you even do dinner package for 5pm show?

Thanks for any general overviews and suggestions....

 

[beattyfamily]

Give me some basics please...

How do the dinner packages work? What is timing? We go each December, but haven't gone to this... I have a daughter 5, 2 and will also have Grandparents (mid 70s) but fairly mobile.

Is it advantageous to do one restaurant location versus another? How hard is it to just go and see it? How far ahead do you need to go to get a seat (if not doing dinner package)?

How long is the show?

I was thinking I'd need to do earliest show b/c of girls -- but can you even do dinner package for 5pm show?

Thanks for any general overviews and suggestions....

The shows are 5:00p, 6:45p and 8:15p.

With little ones, I usually eat at 4:30p and then go to the 6:45p. Yes, some restaurants are closer to the show then others thus easier/quicker to get to the theater. You could do the 5:00p show and eat after but I'm not sure about eating before because that brings you to around 3:00p - 3:30p which might still be lunch hours.

You can eat before or after a show.

The show is about 40 minutes.

Depending on the speaker it could be that you need to line up at least a hour or more without the package. You still need to line up even with the package as seating is first come first served.

Last year we ate at 4:30p and headed right over to the theater and the line just started moving when we arrived, probably around 6:00p 6:15p.

Hope this helps.

 

[CamColt]

I dont understand why they cant book the packages before announcing the speakers. They have done it before.

 

[gssmks]

Has anyone called this morning? I tried, but I missed the 7:00 a.m. mark, and went I did get through, I was put on hold for forever and ended up just hanging up.

I really expected the package to open today since I believe tomorrow is whent he ADR opens for resort guests who are going on the day of the first package.

 

[apurplebrat]

subscribing - anxiously waiting to make ADR's and know about the CP package

 

[EEyorelover22]

Has anyone called this morning? I tried, but I missed the 7:00 a.m. mark, and went I did get through, I was put on hold for forever and ended up just hanging up.

I really expected the package to open today since I believe tomorrow is whent he ADR opens for resort guests who are going on the day of the first package.

No, but I will call today and post if there's anything new.

 

[apurplebrat]

I just spoke with a CM Mark. He was very nice. He read from the computer screen that indicated mid-late August, when they expect to have the narrators. He did ask about transferring an ADR once CP package opens up - the answer was "if there is availability" but a new dining reservation would be made with the package

 

[LoveRafiki]

The shows are 5:00p, 6:45p and 8:15p.

With little ones, I usually eat at 4:30p and then go to the 6:45p. Yes, some restaurants are closer to the show then others thus easier/quicker to get to the theater. You could do the 5:00p show and eat after but I'm not sure about eating before because that brings you to around 3:00p - 3:30p which might still be lunch hours.

You can eat before or after a show.

The show is about 40 minutes.

Depending on the speaker it could be that you need to line up at least a hour or more without the package. You still need to line up even with the package as seating is first come first served.

Last year we ate at 4:30p and headed right over to the theater and the line just started moving when we arrived, probably around 6:00p 6:15p.

Hope this helps.

THANKS -- Great info.!

How early do people line up if they are getting the dinner package?

Also -- I thought I saw on this site, the speakers for '06?

 

[beattyfamily]

THANKS -- Great info.!

How early do people line up if they are getting the dinner package?

Also -- I thought I saw on this site, the speakers for '06?

With the package, we still got there about 6:15p for the 6:45p and there was a line but right when we got in the line, it started to move; they were seating us.

The narrators are not known yet; maybe you saw last year's list.

 

[Terk-1]

How early do people line up if they are getting the dinner package?

Also -- I thought I saw on this site, the speakers for '06?

Usually you will see people lining up about an hour or so prior to their scheduled performance time. There are people who will line up earlier than that to be at the front of the line to get a seat closer to the stage.

According to the CM I spoke with on Sunday, they have a tentative list of speakers, but will not have confirmation until August. They will not release this list until confirmed. Also, the list of speakers are subject to change without notice, as it has been over the last few years. When I went in 2002 it was supposed to be John Tesh. He missed his flight and Disney got Edward James Olmos to fill in (did a great job). When I went in 2003, the speaker was supposed to be Roy Disney. He hurt his hand and was unable to do it, so they got Andy Garcia to replace him (also did a great job).