How does Candlelight Processional impact crowds?

[disneyfifs]

I'm trying to pick dates for a family reunion type trip to DL. We're thinking of the first weekend in Dec. 2009 (we're planning early). That weekend is the Candlelight Processional, does anyone know if that makes that park attendance go way up? Where are trying to go when the park wont be too crowded, but that date seems to fit most of our schedules. Thank you for any thoughts.

 

[Marciern22]

Every time I have been during the Candlelight thing...It has been CRAZY CROWDED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The processional is cool, neat to watch, you could bypass it and be out in the park while everyone else is watching it. Park clears out quickly once it is over. Just come with a good attitude for a different experience than the usual and you will be fine.

 

[disneyfifs]

Ok, good advice! Thank you for the reply.

 

[lotsofboys]

Where did you find the information about the Candlelight Processional? We were also thinking about going to DL Dec 5 & 6 but we will never again go when the CP is happening! Way too crowded even if you stay clear of it. I also can't remember is it Fri or Sat or both?

Thanks in advance for any answers

Found my answer: Sat & Sun 5:30pm and 8:00pm



.

 

[bumbershoot]

I don't know if it's b/c of the CP, Walt's birthday, conventions, or what, but I can tell you that hotel availability this year is NOT fun! I managed to squeak into AP7 rates for Sat and Sun, but finding something reasonable, or just *something* for the 5th has been difficult. We've got something through hotels.com, but I keep looking for something better, but everything is really high, if there's anything at all.

Since we chose this weekend NOT b/c of CP, I was surprised until I remembered! Turns out it would have been much better for us to go the following weekend, but it's too late now...

 

[lotsofboys]

We just booked a room through Priceline today and got the Doubletree for $65 for the 5th and 6th. We chose Anaheim and 3 1/2 stars. Hope that helps!

 

[Sosai X]

Usually it's just the front of the park that's crowded. You can avoid that by getting on the monorail at the Disneyland Hotel, then ride it round to Tomorrowland.

 

[moikturtle]

Avoid going during the Candlelight Processional at all costs. I accidentally went on one of those evenings once and regret it to this day. I have never seen it that insanely busy in my life (and I've gone to Disneyland a bazillion times). It was wall to wall people. We only got on two rides (Haunted Mansion Holiday and Small World Holiday) only because my friend had never been on them and we forced ourselves to go through the crazy waits -- we didn't feel anything else was worth the crazy lines at the time. It took AT LEAST a half an hour to get from one end of main street to the other because it was so packed. My mom has told me stories about how she went once on New Years Eve when she was in her twenties and how it was just ridiculously packed and she'd never ever do it again...and the story always sounds very similar to my Candlelight Processional story.

 

[disneyfifs]

Thank you all for your expertise!. I will be changing my dates to avoid the CP. I think it's just more enjoyable when you're not feeling like a sardine, even if it is one wearing mickey ears.

 

[pycees312]

what dates is this happening?

 

[jenksdj]

what dates is this happening?

Dec 6 and 7 (next weekend).

 

[Krissy Marissy]

Is there a CP in WDW? Or is this a DL exclusive? And is it always the first weekend in dec? TIA

 

[DLSuperVet]

The congestion is usually isolated to the tree at the beginning of mainstreet. Make sure you're in the park before they start the event and you'll be fine. Go on Space Mountain a few times.

 

[pycees312]

Dec 6 and 7 (next weekend).

awww maybe this is why i had trouble booking on my points for that week... is this also why disneyland is closing at 6pm on mon and tues?

 

[bumbershoot]

Monday and Tuesday are the Cast Member parties, which is why DL closes early and DCA is open late.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

Is there a CP in WDW? Or is this a DL exclusive? And is it always the first weekend in dec? TIA

Epcot always holds a CP, but with many more dates than the two that Disneyland offers. I think it's usually held the first weekend of December at the DLR.