Dining CM just told me that Candlelight Processional will be 2 dining credits

[Merryweather7]

Redbudlover, its looking like all restaurants, no matter what "tier" they've been on in the past, are going to be 2 TS. From all the reading I've done on this the only way the tiers are going to factor in is if you decide to do OOP for the package.

 

[Bete]

because dining plan credits are the same for all tiers. Obviously, first choice will be tier three for everyone.

My advice if you are going and using your DP credits you should book early under the DP.

 

[ScottishMickeyFan]

because dining plan credits are the same for all tiers. Obviously, first choice will be tier three for everyone.

My advice if you are going and using your DP credits you should book early under the DP.

I went with Marackesh as i had picked this venue months before any talk of 2 dining credits, im happy enough it is tier 2 but this wont bother me too much as its our 1st time dining but will be put out if its a limited set menu.

During our trip we will be visiting Biergarten & Coral reef for the 1st time as well,,

 

[Merryweather7]

OK, I just got this email from my TA - It does NOT show a set menu:

Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort - Candlelight Processional

November 27 – December 30, 2009 at the Epcot Theme Park

Candlelight Processional Lunch & Dinner Packages Now Available

Revel in the joy of the season as you listen to an unforgettable retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir. Performances are at the American Gardens Theatre in the America (USA) Pavilion in the Epcot World Showcase.

Performances take place each evening at 5:00pm, 6:45pm and 8:15pm

Here’s a youtube link you can check out, if you’d like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YimI...D99D1FBE&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=88

2009 Candlelight Processional Narrators:

11/27 - 11/29: Isabella Rossellini
11/30 - 12/02: John O'Hurley
12/03 - 12/05: Steven Curtis Chapman
12/06 - 12/08: Anika Noni Rose
12/09 - 12/11: Andy Garcia
12/12 - 12/14: Vanessa Williams
12/15 - 12/17: Abigail Breslin
12/18 - 12/20: Whoopi Goldberg
12/21 - 12/23: Brian Dennehy
12/24 - 12/26: Edward James Olmos
12/27 - 12/30: Angela Bassett & Courtney B. Vance

NOTE: The schedule of performers is subject to change without notice
This is a much loved holiday event at Disneyworld and the shows nearly always fill to capacity, with people lining up even hours early to get a seat.



TIP: For the shortest wait, plan to see the 5:00PM performance – if you are not booking a Candlelight Processional Lunch or Dinner Package (information below). You will probably need to line up 45 – 60 minutes early for this performance. Later performances will have longer waits.



Candlelight Processional Lunch & Dinner Packages



You can avoid the long wait by booking a Candlelight Processional Dinner Package. The Candlelight Processional Dinner Package allows you to dine at one of several Epcot restaurants prior to the performance and then you’ll receive a voucher allowing you to bypass the long line. The restaurants are grouped into three different price tiers – this does not affect you if you are using the Standard/Plus or Deluxe Disney Dining Plans but may be a consideration if you are paying out of pocket. There are a very limited number of these packages available so you need to book early.



IMPORTANT ~ New policy for 2009: The Candlelight Processional Dining Packages are now considered a Signature Dining Experience and will require 2 Disney Dining Plan table service credits per person age 3 or older.



Tier 1 Restaurants - Candlelight Processional Lunch and Dinner Package:

· Biergarten Restaurant (Germany Pavilion)

· Garden Grill Character Dinner (Land Pavilion - not available for lunch)

Lunch Price (see the 5:00PM performance): $32.99 Age 10 – Adult / $17.99 per child age 3 – 9.
Dinner Price (6:45PM or 8:15PM performance): $44.99 Age 10 – Adult / $22.99 per child age 3 – 9.



Tier 2 Restaurants - Candlelight Processional Lunch and Dinner Package:

· Nine Dragons (China Pavilion)

· Restaurant Marrakesh (Morocco Pavilion )

· Rose & Crown (United Kingdom Pavilion)

· San Angel Inn (Mexico Pavilion)

Lunch Price (see the 5:00PM performance): $38.99 Age 10 – Adult / $12.99 per child age 3 – 9.
Dinner Price (6:45PM or 8:15PM performance): $44.99 Age 10 – Adult / $14.99 per child age 3 – 9.



Tier3 Restaurants - Candlelight Processional Lunch and Dinner Package:

· Coral Reef (The Seas Pavilion)

· LeCellier Steakhouse (Canada Pavilion)

· Chefs de France (France Pavilion)

· Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining (Japan Pavilion)

· Tutto Italia (Italy Pavilion)

Lunch Price (see the 5:00PM performance): $51.99 Age 10 – Adult / $13.99 per child age 3 – 9.
Dinner Price (6:45PM or 8:15PM performance): $60.99 Age 10 – Adult / $15.99 per child age 3 – 9.



Note: Prices exclude tax and gratuity. Lobster entrée is also excluded from this package. I don’t know why the child’s price is so much higher for Tier 1 but I double-checked the information; it may be because the Garden Grill is the only character dining option for this package.



TIP: You can save money by booking a dining package for the 5:00PM performance. You’ll enjoy a late lunch with reservations typically booked between 1:45 & 2:30PM. Please note that the Garden Grill is not open for lunch. The 5:00PM performance is wonderful but please note that this is dusk and not quite dark which might detract from the performance a bit for some people.



TIP: If you want to enjoy IllumiNations (fireworks) that same night, you’ll probably want a 5:00 or 6:45PM seating. The 8:15PM performance will make it difficult to find a spot for the fireworks.



Reservations can (and should be) booked up to 90 days prior to arrival. If you are not on a Disney Dining Plan, you will have to pay for the meal with a credit card at the time of booking but this is refundable up to 72 hours prior to the reservation. If you are on a Disney Dining Package, a credit card number will be required to confirm the reservation; nothing will be charged to the credit card unless you are a “no show”.

I guess it is what it is. Good luck folks.

 

[Bete]

Please note your prices do not include tax.

At least we know what the deal is now.

 

[lugnut33]

Maybe this is just the eventual change to quick service being 1 dining credit, all table service plans being 2 credits, and signature dining being available on the deluxe plan only?

 

[skier_pete]

Hey, I got all the prices right! (page 6) Now to decide what to do! Anyone know where the illuminations reserved viewing is? (At least where it usually is.)

SkierPete

 

[Bete]

Hey, I got all the prices right! (page 6) Now to decide what to do! Anyone know where the illuminations reserved viewing is? (At least where it usually is.)

SkierPete

but it may be a different viewing area for Illuminations for each CP show held.

Some feel you will get the best Illuminations viewing area if you are tier 3, then tier 2 and followed by tier 1 having the least desirable viewing area, but still a private area.

 

[HappyHappy]

Can you book this online? I'm trying to follow all info, but I missed this.

 

[NOLA_Tink]

Hey, I got all the prices right! (page 6) Now to decide what to do! Anyone know where the illuminations reserved viewing is? (At least where it usually is.)

SkierPete

I'm struggling with what to do also! Should we do Biergarten at lunch OOP or dinner at Le Cellier & use 2 credits to get cheese soup with our dinner? I just can't decide. (I'm also a little nervous about Le Cellier's timing- we were seated almost 1 hr after our July ADR time.) Choices, choices!

 

[ShellyLynn3630]

Maybe this is just the eventual change to quick service being 1 dining credit, all table service plans being 2 credits, and signature dining being available on the deluxe plan only?

I never put anything past Disney. It could happen.

 

[Twende]

How will the reserved viewing areas for Illuminations affect those who do not see the CP?

Where are they going to put all those people in one area?


I wrote a letter to Disney but I have not heard back yet. I did get the we got your email response but that is it.

 

[Bete]

How will the reserved viewing areas for Illuminations affect those who do not see the CP?

Where are they going to put all those people in one area?


I wrote a letter to Disney but I have not heard back yet. I did get the we got your email response but that is it.

that each show will have a separate Illuminations viewing area. Some believe you will have a better viewing area for Illuminations if you are on a higher tier restaurant; because, it costs more you get a better view. Most of these areas are private viewing places; so, it doesn't affect anyone else. These are the roped off areas that you see all the time.

 

[Merryweather7]

I was wondering, now that the shock of having 2 TS or a whopping $60 bucks for the top tier restaurant has subsided a bit, will they section off the seating at the CP based on tiers? Another poster has speculated that the Illuminations preferred viewing areas may be done by tiers. It almost makes sense (if any of this does) that the seating would be the same. Now I have absolutely no reason to think this...not one soul has said a word about it, but wouldn't it make sense? Thoughts/opinions?

 

[Bete]

has always been on a first come, first serve basis. The way it is set logistically, it really can't be any other way. Also, this seems to be the fairest way.

If the fireworks have different viewing areas based on which tier restaurant you have done, it will still be on a first come, first serve basis, too. Those who come early will have better views in each area. The fireworks area is still speculation, but it only makes sense; because, three shows can't fit in any one area for Illuminations too easily; that would be a nightmare.

 

[DHester917]

Coming out of lurkdom.
I called WDW Dining a while ago and got the most "I couldn't care less about your plans" CM in the entire CRO area.
I know....I know....should have hung up and called back; but after being on hold for 18 minutes, I was desperate.

He told me it is definitely 2 TS credits, no matter which DDP you're on (regular, deluxe, etc.) Did NOT include tips, did NOT include appetizers, and he didn't offer one iota of information about the Illuminations special viewing areas.
I said "Hmmm...doesn't seem like a very good deal to me"
...and he said "I wouldn't do it. You can get regular stand-by seating at the CP".
oooookaaaaaaay.
Bye. ::click::

I think we are just going to make our 90 day ADR's and hope for the best.

 

[Doug7856]

Coming out of lurkdom.
I called WDW Dining a while ago and got the most "I couldn't care less about your plans" CM in the entire CRO area.
I know....I know....should have hung up and called back; but after being on hold for 18 minutes, I was desperate.

He told me it is definitely 2 TS credits, no matter which DDP you're on (regular, deluxe, etc.) Did NOT include tips, did NOT include appetizers, and he didn't offer one iota of information about the Illuminations special viewing areas.
I said "Hmmm...doesn't seem like a very good deal to me"
...and he said "I wouldn't do it. You can get regular stand-by seating at the CP".
oooookaaaaaaay.
Bye. ::click::

I think we are just going to make our 90 day ADR's and hope for the best.

If I had gotten this guy, I would have definitely participated in the survey at the end of the call.