Epcot CP with a 2 yo? Is it worth the dining package?

[GentleOceanWind]

We're celebrating my mom's bday next week and have dining package reservations for a 2:15 lunch then heading to the 5 PM Candelight Processional. THe thought of a $45 pp lunch (there are 8 of us!) is crazy enough, but if the show is spectacular and we don't have to wait in big lines to get in, we can swallow that since it's a bday celebration.

My question is, is the show more than just people singing/reading? Is there entertainment that you think might hold the attention of a 2.5 yo? Also, what would you recommend we do after the CP? Best spot for viewing Illuminations? Help!

 

[2002Disneybride]

I have a 22 month old--we made dinner reservations with the CP package. My husband and I went 4 years ago to CP Christmas week-It was great, but I was freezing--we had no kids at the time...I am worried too that my little one won't be able to handle it...I think that if he fidgets we will scoot to the back. It completely depends on your 2.5 year old.

 

[Perditamarie]

The show is absolutely beautiful --a processional, singing, reading, a bit of an orchestra....with loud, LOUD, did I say LOUD horns. It totally infuses you with the meaning of Christmas and the dining package is great to surpass the ginormous lines -- your 2 yo would be crabby from the long line. However, I can't see a 2 yo staying for the whole thing - just the horns can be overwhelming. If you are going to try it, bring special snacks/drinks (and lots of them), crayons/pencil and paper, new little toy. Plan on leaving w/the tot.

We tried it w/kids 3,4 and 5 and 2 out of 3 did okay, but I don't even think we made it 1/2 way. We will definately wait until the children are old enough to appreciate this beautiful show before we try again.

I did see several people standing unobtrusively around the theater to listen to the performance, which is in an outdoor theater, so you may be able to see some of it that way.

HTH.

 

[nessz79]

Absolutely beautiful show, but we didn't have our young boys with us when we went. I would not have done it with our kids. It depends on your child...will they be content to look at lights and listen to singing for 45 minutes? Ours are too antsy.

 

[GentleOceanWind]

Thanks so much for your replies! We are at WDW now and enjoying an AMAZING Thanksgiving vacation!

I decided to cancel the Tepan Edo/CP ressies and switch to a private Wishes fireworks cruise with chocolate bday cake on the boat. They're also going to decorate the boat w/balloons and a big banner - I can't WAIT to see my mom's face! It was about the same cost as the dinner/CP deal, and while we're not getting dinner (which isn't really practical at 2:15 in the afternoon ), it was just TOO special to resist once I found out about it and was able to snag a reservation on one of their five boats. Tomorrow is MVMCP, we spent all day lounging around our private pool/jacuzzi and game room today, what a marvelous trip!

 

[nessz79]

Awesome! Glad you're having such a good time!!