Candlelight processional

[Happyinwonerland]

Now that we know LeVar Burton is narrating while we are there, DH is super excited about it. I was able to get reservations at Coral Reef and Garden Grill, but for super inconvenient times (2:30 and 3:30), neither of which are normal meal times for us, so we wouldn't get the full value ($60/ person!) from the meal. We typically do not do 3 courses.

Anyhow, is the dining package worth it to get the good seats, or can we get decent seats without an expensive dining package?

This will be our first time seeing the Candlelight Processional, so it would be nice to get advice from more experienced attendees.

 

[Spunky946]

From what I've read people line up for hours in the standby line, and still not may get in.

I'd take the dining reservation eat strangely for one day. Just eat a late breakfast and then the late lunch and a snack for dinner.

 

[MSSANDRA]

We have done both restaurants, and the Candle Light Procession package and YES, it is worth it. It really is not hard to adjust your eating for that day so you will be hungry for your meal. I would choose Coral Reef over GG unless you have young kids as the character interaction is fantastic there. Portions are not that large at CR so less waste. GG food is good, just not our style. The line for standby is REALLY long and there is no guarantee you will get in. The show is beautiful and one of my favorite things at WDW.

 

[elaine amj]

I debated it for a while and ended up splurging on the package. Got a 2:30 Coral Reef. My alternative was to grab CS and eat while waiting in line.

My original plan was to show up about 3:30 for the 5pm show (heard this is less busy) and then send a runner to buy food for the family. We have used the eating while waiting in line strategy successfully many times - waiting for Fantasmic, fireworks, parades. I find it saves valuable touring time.

I ended up booking the package because I stressed over it being Christmas week for us. Also, we were in the mood to splurge. (and yes, I see it as a splurge - its a LOT of money for lunch!)

 

[Happyinwonerland]

I didn't realize the line to get in was so long. We will be there Dec 8 so I guess I was hoping that early in the Christmas season wouldn't be too crowded. I'm still debating it. It is a lot of money, but I really want to see it, and DH is super excited about it too.

I am leaning towards Garden Grill. The food there sounds more my style, I'm not much on sea food. We have a 2 year old daughter that will be with us. I guess I am more worried about her not being ready to eat mid-afternoon. I'll bring a lunchable or something to tide her over until then. Ugh, I just can't get past roughly $150 after tax and tip for one meal.

 

[elaine amj]

Garden Grill was very yummy. My kids were tickled pink about being in a rotating restaurant. And the character interaction is the very best for any character dining.

I do agree that I am having a hard time choking down the price for one single meal though. I am coping by denial - I am closing my eyes and refusing to comprehend the exact number. I did do lunch though - the dinner was way more than my penny-pinching soul could bear.

That said, we did it because we are in a splurgy mood this trip. I'm haunting MDE for a Le Cellier dinner ressie because my DH really wants to eat there. Too bad it isn't part of CP anymore!

 

[MSSANDRA]

With a toddler, GG is the best choice. The characters there are fantastic. We have gotten some amazing pictures there. You will be pleased.

 

[Best_Vacation_EVER!]

So glad they finally announced the remaining narrators for the Candlelight Processional.

We have a Via Napoli reservation for the Candlelight Processional on Dec 8 which means we have Levar Burton as Narrator. Aside from the obvious amazing performance in Roots, Star Trek stuff, he has a great rapport with kids with his Reading Rainbow work. We're (me, DH and DS8) totally excited that he'll be there for our night.

This was sort of the last unknown we had with out trip and I have to say I'm really excited to see it.

 

[wifeofdisneyfanatic]

When we went last year, we ate at Coral Reef (which was very disappointing) but had the reserved seats for the CP. It was nice to be able to just walk up to the CP entrance and go in for a reserved seat while a long line was already in place - for the NEXT viewing.