How early to get in line for CP w/dinner package?

[Steve Hurley]

DW and I are planning on getting the CP dinner package for Friday night 12/3/04. Planning on seeing the 6:45 CP and eating at R&C at 8:00. How early should we get in line, with the dinner package passes, to ensure a seat? We'd like to catch the archway and tree lighting at 6:00. Will that give us time to get over to the theater and get a seat?


Thanks

 

[mickeysaver]

It's about a 20 minute walk to the line from the tree lighting....which usually lasts for about 20 minutes. You will be at the back of the line most likely. We found the line to be longer for the CP package folks than for the walk up people. The only good thing is that the folks with the package have a seat assured to them and the walk up's don't. Maggie

 

[Steve Hurley]

Originally posted by mickeysaver
It's about a 20 minute walk to the line from the tree lighting....which usually lasts for about 20 minutes. You will be at the back of the line most likely. We found the line to be longer for the CP package folks than for the walk up people. The only good thing is that the folks with the package have a seat assured to them and the walk up's don't. Maggie

Thats what I figured. We may skip the lighting as we saw it last year.

What time do the start letting you into the CP for the shows?

Last year when we tried to see the CP we were stunned by how long the stanby line was. It was our first time at X-Mas and we were totally unprepared. This year we vowed we would do the package so we will get a seat.

Thanks

 

[nisiemouse]

Steve,
Just curious if you got in the stand by line and if you got a seat. We will most likely do the package but was curious because this is a short trip for us before the cruise and were trying to avoid doing a lot of sitdown meals.

Thanks.

 

[DebbieB]

With a dinner package, you are guaranteed a seat. They start seating the package guests about 20 - 30 minutes before. The standbys are about 10 minutes.

 

[Steve Hurley]

Originally posted by nisiemouse
Steve,
Just curious if you got in the stand by line and if you got a seat. We will most likely do the package but was curious because this is a short trip for us before the cruise and were trying to avoid doing a lot of sitdown meals.

Thanks.

No we didn't get in the line once we saw how long and wide it was. It was about 5-6 people across and it wound arnd the wall of the lagoon about 40-50 yards. We figured without the package there was no chance of us getting in. I asked the people towards the front how long they waited and was told they had lined up for the 5:00 show hoping to get in for the 6:45 or even 8:00. That was when I decided we would do the package this year. we did watch some of it standing outside the theater and it was magnificent. I am really excited about seeing this year.

 

[nisiemouse]

Wow! I guess we will do the package. We have seen it a couple of times and were going to miss this time but dh saw that Steven Curtis Chapman is going to be there our dates and really wants to see him. We like the earliest show but I don't want to stand in line that long and it will be a Fri or Sat also.

 

[donmil723]

Has anyone else tried to catch the tree lighting at 6 p.m. and then get to the 6:45 pm CP with the dinner pkg? I don't know if this makes a difference but we are planning on trying to do this on Monday, December 13th, with dinner at 8 pm at Le Cellier. Is the tree/arch lighting really worth seeing? We only plan one night at Epcot.

Thanks!

Donna

 

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by donmil723
Has anyone else tried to catch the tree lighting at 6 p.m. and then get to the 6:45 pm CP with the dinner pkg? I don't know if this makes a difference but we are planning on trying to do this on Monday, December 13th, with dinner at 8 pm at Le Cellier. Is the tree/arch lighting really worth seeing? We only plan one night at Epcot.

Thanks!

Donna

You could do it, you will be guaranteed seats, but it will not be up front. The front section fills really fast and they hold some seats for invited guests. I've got there early and was still in the second section with the pacakge.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Originally posted by Steve Hurley
DW and I are planning on getting the CP dinner package for Friday night 12/3/04. Planning on seeing the 6:45 CP and eating at R&C at 8:00. How early should we get in line, with the dinner package passes, to ensure a seat? We'd like to catch the archway and tree lighting at 6:00. Will that give us time to get over to the theater and get a seat?


Thanks

This is exactly what I did last year-saw the tree lighting from the WS side (otherwise I'd never get through the mobs of people afterwards). Be aware that even though you're guaranteed a seat, I ended up sitting in the very front row when I got there, even though I walked fast (no kids or strollers). Later in the week sitting in the "non-CP Package" section, I got a much better view of the CP. I'd think twice about trying to do both in the same night again.