Christmas Party vs. Candlelight Processional

[disneygolfer1985]

My family is going to Disney World over Thanksgiving this year and my gf (who has never been to Disney World) is going with us. The only day to go to the Christmas party is our last night on Sunday. Would it be better to take her to the Candlelight Processional or to the Christmas party? Again, thanks for all the comments in advance!

 

[bc7ate9]

The Candlelight Processional is really beautiful, but lasts less than an hour (and you could potentially spend 4x as long as the show just waiting in line to get seats). The party is an additional cost, but it's a lot of fun and several hours of entertainment.

In case it matters to you, the CP is the traditional Christian music and story. We are not Christian and enjoyed it a great deal anyway, but I can see where other may not.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

It really depends on what she is interested in doing. CP is a show with a choir and a guest narrator who tells the Christmas story. It's free with admission, but you can also purchase a dining package to avoid the standby line.

The party is a much bigger event with a bigger price tag and with a special parade and fireworks, cookies and hot chocolate, snow on Main St. and short standby lines for rides.

Why not show her the choices and see which one is of most interest to her?

 

[MrsTurnerLovesDisney]

is there a night to make Candlelight an option earlier in the trip?

I'd say MVMCP but that's because I'm a big fan of the Christmas-y fun stuff whereas the videos I've seen of Candlelight look awesome but I can get a similar experience at church before Christmas

 

[Loopster]

If it were me I'd pick MVMCP. You should ask her and see what she'd prefer...they are two very different things. One's more serious and traditional Christmas, whereas the other is more young-at-heart-festive & fun with tons to do.

 

[monique5]

My family is going to Disney World over Thanksgiving this year and my gf (who has never been to Disney World) is going with us. The only day to go to the Christmas party is our last night on Sunday. Would it be better to take her to the Candlelight Processional or to the Christmas party? Again, thanks for all the comments in advance!

I recommend MVMCP for the rare characters and costumes (Sandy Claws, 7D, Princesses w/Princes, Scrooge McDuck, Minnie in Peppermint Dress), Treats & Cocoa, Frozen Holiday Wish Castle Show, Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade & Holiday Wishes, & shorter ride wait times, etc. MVMCP it fun!

November 27th??? MVMCP (4pm-Midnight)
CP (1hr plus stand in line 30min-1hr to get in with in Dining Package, longer with no DP; shows @ 5, 6:45 & 8:15, if see later show, & if in vicinity you hear it, so not so much a surprise)--- Nov 25, 26 & 27, Celebrity Narrator is Steven Curtis Chapman; So could do this another night, maybe???

As OP stated a/b CP... It's really beautiful, we loved it, but it's not for everyone, and really can't compare to MVMCP.
---Each night, a celebrity narrator tells the biblical tale of a savior born to a virgin in Bethlehem. Gorgeous choral pieces performed by an orchestra and various choirs are interwoven with the narration, inspiring the audience with songs of hope and joy (Traditional Christmas Songs)

 

[sharonabe]

is there a night to make Candlelight an option earlier in the trip?

Nov 25, 26 & 27, Celebrity Narrator is Steven Curtis Chapman

Nov 25 is the first night of CP, so this is the OP's only option for that show. OP could do both CP and MVMCP. We listened to Steven Curtis Chapman's performance from a table at Liberty Inn across the way. No waiting and no money needed, but you can't really see from there.

 

[monique5]

Nov 25 is the first night of CP, so this is the OP's only option for that show. OP could do both CP and MVMCP. We listened to Steven Curtis Chapman's performance from a table at Liberty Inn across the way. No waiting and no money needed, but you can't really see from there.

Yes, Nov 25th 1st night of CP. Not really sure meaning of your post. I was stating that OP could do both (gave dates), but OP didn't give dates except week of Thanksgiving --- so I had to look up dates, that why I had all of the ????. Letting OP know CP was offered in 25th & 26th too. Also, letting OP know not really a comparison b/t the 2. Then giving visual/auditory aspects of CP timing with few words, and a brief synopsis of the 2 events.

 

[ellie05]

I would pick MVMCP. CP was nice and all but in my opinion not worth the wait. We had the dinner package and still had to wait in a huge line 1 hr prior to opening.

 

[sharonabe]

Not really sure meaning of your post.

Sorry. I was just using your research to let the OP and the other PP know that was their only option if they wanted to do CP.

 

[monique5]

Sorry. I was just using your research to let the OP and the other PP know that was their only option if they wanted to do CP.

Gotcha!

 

[OhhBother]

I love them both, but I would pick Candlelight Processional. The Christmas party is wonderful, but Candlelight Processional is so beautiful and moving. We usually plan a weekend trip during the holidays just to see it. Love it that much.

 

[RafikiTiki21]

Yes, two very different events in style and feel. At a very basic level, it's like choosing between going to Christmas Eve church service or a friend's fun sweater Christmas party. Both very enjoyable, but evokes different emotions and depends on your personality and what will be the most fulfilling event to you. One has a cost, the other does not (it could, if you book a candlelight package...).

For her first time to WDW, the party can feel a little overstimulating, even for Disney fans. EVERY sense is overwhlemed, and there is a lot to accomplish in a relatively short amount of time. Lots of fun, super holiday-festive, and you can get in some rides but the time is best spend with unique characters and taking in the specialty shows.

CP is really a quiet, sit-down, lovely show. Regardless of religion, it's just a wonderful show that is bound to stir SOME sort of holiday emotion and fuzzy feeling. There are also festive treats throughout Epcot that are holiday-specific for purchase nearby in Germany or America to nosh on during the show.

Read up on them both and ask your gf what her best pick is! You can't go wrong, they are both wonderful and hard to make a call without knowing you.

Enjoy!

 

[Nancyg56]

I think that it depends on the length of your stay. I try to steer people away from over planning a first trip and from trying to pack it all in. In your case, I woudl look at how much MK time and how much Epcot time you have scheduled, because the CP is a huge time drain. It will take a few hours if you plan a package, and if you do not you will chance not seeing it at all.

The Party is a blast, and if you need another night in the MK this may fit the bill. It is pricy, but if your GF loves CHistmas decorations, the parade, WIshes, and the characters though out are fun.

With that said, I don't think you need the party or the CP to enjoy your stay if you have a short trip planned. SHe will enjoy it all.

 

[disneygolfer1985]

Thanks for all the feedback. I should have provided more info. I have been to Disney over 20 times and multiple times over the holidays. I have been to both the CP and MVMCP quite a few times. The Christmas party is our last full night at Disney and we will be there for 7 nights. I was interested in opinions from others and thank you for the feedback, but my apologies on not providing enough info. We are currently signed up for the dinner package of CP, but my parents thought of the Christmas party as well. My gf enjoys more of a leisurely pace, and she doesn't like to make decisions, so ultimately, I will be making the decision on what is best. I think my fear is going to the party on the last night will make us rush the next morning to check-out of the resort.