help, help to all you December veterans about Candelight Processional!

[MamaQuack]

The Dec 17 will be our first "December" visit. We always visit in February May & October. So, we are new at the Christmas Festivities. We Have tickets for the Mickey Special Party on the 19th. Want to purchase a dinner package for the EPCOT Candelight Processional.

Would love advice. Ideas on when the dinner packages might have been available last year (CM told me today it was too early).

Any other advice or comments would be greatly appreciated from the Board we all love.

Thanks.

Mama Quack

 

[DisneyCP2002]

I'm doing a wait and see approach. Once the narrators are announced I will make my decision on what day(days) I want to go. The narrators and most likely the dates will be available early next month according to the few CM's I've spoken to most recently. This is at the top of my don't miss list. If you are going to the early show plan on eating later. If you want the middle show your best bet might be to eat afterwards. For the late show it's definetly wise to eat beforehand. Make your PS for at least 2 hours before the show time or 1.5 hours after the show to allow time for either getting to the theater or the show letting out. I hope you really enjoy it. I know I'm looking forward to it myself.

 

[Jon99]

Not a whole lot to add, but this is certainly a don't miss... Last year we did the early show and had a late dinner at La Cellier (sp???), was a truly remarkable evening..

 

[TLinden16]

If memory serves me correctly, the dinner packages became available in mid-August last year. The narrators were announced sometime in October. I waited until the narrators were announced to decide what day we wanted to go. We had no problem booking a package at Le Celliar in October. We went to the early show (around 5:00), and had dinner at 7:30.

If I were to do it again, I would plan an early dinner and a later showing of the Candlelight Processional--it's more magical when it's dark out). Before you call to make the reservations, decide if you want the first, second, or third show, and the CM will be able to tell you what is the closest time you can have dinner to the show.

Packages for the more popular restaurants do seem to sell out, but when I was there last December, I saw people book them at the resort the day before they wanted to go to the CP. If you go that route, you'll have to be very flexible with the times and restaurant you are willing to eat at.

Karen

 

[jimmytammy]

We love being at WDW this time of year. CP is wonderful and definitely not to be missed. If you have time, try to get around to some of the resorts and see the decorations. GF is stunning with its huge tree and lifesize gingerbread house. WL is also beautiful during Christmas.

Try to go to Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party at MK. We went last Dec. and loved it. Word of advice, dont try to do another park that day. Go over to MK around 5pm. Even though the festivities say they dont start until 7, you can still get in earlier than times say.

Have fun!

 

[MamaQuack]

A big thank you for all the advice, comments and information. We can hardly wait.

Thanks again!

 

[swclark]

if you go to wdwig.com, they have info on past CP's and list the different restaurant tiers and prices.

We ate early and saw the 8:30.. loved it! and, I do think it's better when dark out.

 

[ChibiJones]

We did the early show & late dinner at Le Cellier. But, we also went during Christmas week so I was factoring in time to navigate through the holiday crowds and delays at the restaurant. I'm glad we did because they were 20 minutes behind when we went for our PS. We would have had to rush through an excellent meal if we went to the show afterwards.

Dec. 17th will be alot slower than when we went though so you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[Emmyfaye]

Do you receive a ticket or something, once you book? Is there preferred seating? And what is the ballpark price(s) of the various options?

Also, I'd love a description of the event.

Thanks for your help - we've never done this, although December is when we normally visit WDW.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by Emmyfaye
Do you receive a ticket or something, once you book? Is there preferred seating? And what is the ballpark price(s) of the various options?

Also, I'd love a description of the event.

Thanks for your help - we've never done this, although December is when we normally visit WDW.

The CP Dinner Package is a pre-pay event. Your credit card will be charged after you book. (Sometimes it takes a few weeks to show up on your account, though, especially if you book when the packages are first announced). You will receive a confirmation number to use when picking up the CP materials when you arrive.

If you are staying at a Disney resort, you can get your dinner tickets and CP Show badge (which is also your 15% discount shopping card) from the resort's Guest Services Desk or the Front Desk if the GS Desk is closed. Off-site guests (and on-site guests if they so choose) may pick up their CP materials at specially marked booths at the EPCOT main entrance.

The seating for CP Dinner Package guests is in a reserved section. There are not individually reserved seats.

You do not need to buy the dinner package to see the CP show. However, depending on when you go, seating for non-package guests may be very limited. Thus, without the package, you may need to spend up to 90 minutes in line to get a seat. This is true the nearer you get to Christmas and for some of the weekend night shows.

If you are planning to eat a sit down meal at one of the nicer EPCOT restaurants anyway, go for the package. The price is very comparable to a meal (appetizer, entree and dessert) without the package. (Include gratutity in your comparisons). The price you are quoted by the CMs will include a 15% gratutity, but the price actually charged to your credit card will also include tax. Any beverages you order (at non-buffet restaurants) are extra - you pay for them at end of your meal. IMHO, it's well worth it - you will get a seat for the CP without a long wait in line and you will have a shopping discount for the entire day of your show.

For a description of the show and information on last year's pricing, check out these links:

Candlelight Processional FAQ from WDWIG

CP Info from the DIS

Again IMHO, the CP is a don't miss event if you are there while it is offered. We have gone every year since 1998 and book as soon as the packages are announced. We've never had a bad narrator!

HTH.

 

[Jordan's MOM]

We are going to be there for our first christmas trip and this is for sure in our plans. My question is do the children, get an appetizer with their meal, even though there is not a children's appetizer on the menu? I assume they do get the children's desert. We plan to eat at Le Celliar.


Jordan's mom