CP Package Analysis

[erikthewise]

I'm going to look at the cash cost of the Candlelight Processional Package as compared to actual cost for our family to eat at selected restaurants. People on the dining plan of course will not care in the least about this, but we will not be on the dining plan.

We are a family of four with both children 10 or older. Our youngest was 10 last year and orders childrens meals when given the chance. Our given costs include tax, tip and DDE 20% discount. Costs for the CP package include tax and 18% tip. All figures are approximate; YMMV. In each case it is possible/likely that menu prices will go up before Dec 2007, making the CP package a somewhat better deal.

Tier 1
Last Dec we ate lunch at Garden Grill. The total cost was $89. To eat lunch at Garden Grill for CP this year would cost us $139. Extra cost: $50, or $12.50 each for tickets to CP.

For dinner, it would cost us an additional $7.00 per person, and the package cost would be an additional $5.00 per person, so we'd save $2 each, or $10.50 each for tickets to CP.

Tier 2
Last Dec we ate dinner at Marrakesh. The total cost was $100. (And that's with me ordering the Royal Feast!) To eat dinner at Marrakesh for CP this year would cost us $214. Extra Cost: $114, or $28.50 each for tickets to CP.

Tier 3
In Dec 2005 we ate dinner at Le Cellier. The total cost was $86. But hey, prices have gone up, and maybe this year our youngest will order an adult meal (I doubt it but I'm trying to be generous), so let's say $120. To eat dinner at Le Cellier for CP this year would cost us $239. Extra Cost: $119, or $30 per person for tickets to CP.

Analysis: For people paying cash with a DDE discount available, who don't ordinarily order appetizer, entree and dessert , the CP package is an extremely poor deal in Tiers 2 and 3. The best deal is Garden Grill for dinner, where you are paying $10 per person for CP, which is within reason.

It can be a good deal if you have four adults or teenagers who DO ordinarily order appetizer, entree and dessert.

For people on the dining plan, reserve early, pig out, and enjoy the show!

It really is a wonderful show (with the exception of a badly mangled arrangement of Greensleeves, but I can live with that). And it is worthwhile to get good seats for it. Unfortunately the CP package doesn't do that -- it gives you "next to last" priority. The last time we went (in 2005), there were a very large number of seats up front reserved for "special guests" (I have no idea who), so that most of the seats for the CP package were at least halfway back and not protected from the rain. At least you DO have guaranteed seating (they do not oversell the CP package), but they are not prime seats.

 

[beattyfamily]

Yes, the CP package went WAY up in price last year. Almost not worth it (OOP). But if there was an amazing narrator that I didn't want to miss, I might still do it.

There were some shows last year that the standby folks didn't get in.

 

[bradk]

actually, if you're on the DDP, since it's 1 TS credit, it's really more expensive to not do the package.

of course out of pocket is altogether different.

 

[Lewisc]

CP is nothing like the Fantasmic Dinner Package. Disney sells a lot of CP packages. Guests who don't purchase the package could wind up waiting through more then one show before they get seated.

Technically children 10 or more have to order off the adult menu. It's really not a fair comparison to assume a 10 year old will order off the kids menu if you pay cash but will pay adult pricing if you purchase the CP.

You're basically correct, guests who don't want appetizers and desserts don't do well with a package that includes them.

 

[erikthewise]

CP is nothing like the Fantasmic Dinner Package. Disney sells a lot of CP packages. Guests who don't purchase the package could wind up waiting through more then one show before they get seated.

Technically children 10 or more have to order off the adult menu. It's really not a fair comparison to assume a 10 year old will order off the kids menu if you pay cash but will pay adult pricing if you purchase the CP.

You're basically correct, guests who don't want appetizers and desserts don't do well with a package that includes them.

"Fair" depends on your objective. My objective was to compare our actual dining costs with and without the CP package. Add in another $20 for another adult meal if you wish. It won't change the conclusions; Tiers 2 and 3 are still a lousy deal. I did assume DS10 would order an adult meal at Le Cellier, with the result that it was still the worst deal of the three examined.

My point wasn't just that we weren't saving money -- that admittedly is a no-brainer. My point was that in Tiers 2 and 3 we are actually paying TWICE as much as we would without the CP package!

So why don't we just use the dining plan? Because for the same reasons the CP package is not a good deal for us, the dining plan isn't either!

 

[Simba's Mom]

actually, if you're on the DDP, since it's 1 TS credit, it's really more expensive to not do the package.

of course out of pocket is altogether different.

Is the CP package only 1 TS credit per person? So it doesn't "cost" any more to go to a resturaunt on the DDP and get the reserved seating section for the CP than it would to just eat a meal, then take your chances with CP seating, is that right? Is there any catch? I think I remember that you have to eat before the CP, is there a time window? For example, could I eat my CP package meal at lunch for the 5:15 show? For any show?

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I know you cant use the DDE discount for the CP packages. That is why we always pick a Tier 1 restraunt. I was thinking a Tier 2 but will probably go back to the Garden Grill again. I figure we eat 1 good meal a day anyway, so we will let out 2 teens chow down at Garden Grill and characters to boot which we did last year. I figure I want to see the show so its worth it but you are right about the other Tiers if you are not on the DDP. We did Biergarten, another Tier 1, and they liked the entertainment, but hated the food, so it looks like it will be back to Garden Grill, unless I splurge for Tier 2 Mexico.

 

[bradk]

Is the CP package only 1 TS credit per person? So it doesn't "cost" any more to go to a resturaunt on the DDP and get the reserved seating section for the CP than it would to just eat a meal, then take your chances with CP seating, is that right? Is there any catch? I think I remember that you have to eat before the CP, is there a time window? For example, could I eat my CP package meal at lunch for the 5:15 show? For any show?

judging by last year, yes, you eat before. the 5:15 would be for lunch. you get the pass at the dining location.

and yes, it's 1 TS credit. which means if you have the DDP and you're planning on eating at epcot, it's a no brainer. it also makes the CPP line pretty darn long.

 

[G's mommy]

We are planning on Tier 1 Garden Grill. We are also DDE holders, but the discount won't apply to the package or anywhere on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. I think the Garden Grill is the best bet for the money for us, 2 adults and an 11 year old boy who always wants to eat there anyway. Plus, you get a character meal to boot.

 

[Inkmahm]

What I didn't realize was that even with the CP package, you STILL have to wait in line forever to get a halfway decent seat. We did this in 2005 and I probably won't do it again. I'll take my chances walking up at the last minute to get a seat the next time I want to see it. It was okay, but not worth the long line for seats I think.

 

[DebbieB]

Alot depends on when you want to go. I've gone the beginning of December and never had a problem getting a standby seat during the week. One time we even walked in about 5 minutes before the show and got good seats. It's more of a listening experience than a visual experience so having the perfect seat isn't a big deal. I don't think sitting up front is that great, it's better to be in the middle.

 

[Lewisc]

It wasn't clear if you were using child menu pricing but adult CP prices for your 10 year old. That wouldn't be a fair comparison since your 10 year old is not suppose to pay child pricing for either the CP or for ordering off the menu.

Other then that I agree with your analysis. Guests that don't normally order appetizers and desserts are paying for food they don't really want in order to get a guaranteed seat.

"Fair" depends on your objective. My objective was to compare our actual dining costs with and without the CP package.