Is a dinner package necessary for the CP?

[jacksonsmom]

We are trying to decide if we want to get the dinner package for the Candlelight Processional in early December.

We plan on either going the the Processional on Thursday, Dec.11th (depending how we feel since that is the day we arrive) or we will go either Saturday, Dec 13th or Sunday, Dec 14th.

I guess I am wondering if the package is worth it in early December? Does the processional fill up that much? Is there a better day to go then others?

I looked at the restaurants that were part of the package last year & none really appeal to us too much. I am a vegetarian so when I looked at the menus alot of the foods were off limits too me.

If we don't get the processional what time should we line up for the first show?

 

[webray]

People start lining up hours before the shows...and you may or may not get in, depending on how many packages have been sold for the evening. You can always watch it standing...from the main area instead of going inside the theatre.

 

[Scottwdw]

We got in line last year about 45 minutes before the show.

The advantages to the CP dinner package is you get closer seating so you don't need to wait in line if you don't want but just show up when instructed. Many of the CP package people were in line about 20 minutes before the show. Their line is on the opposite side (towards France) while we waited on the other side (towards Japan).

There really isn't a bad seat and, yes, you can watch it from outside the theater.

 

[peachgirl]

We went on Christmas Day last year and did the package. For us, it was well worth it. We noticed people lining up several hours before the show and by the time they seated the package people, there were very few seats left. This was Christmas Day, but we were there for 2 weeks and noticed several times that they lined up hours in advance of the show.

Since it was really rainy last year, it was nice to be able to get a seat in the covered section of the theatre. That definitely won't happen if you don't have package seating. You can watch it from outside, but you have stand the whole time and it's really crowded.

I wouldn't do it without the package, but I won't stand in a long line for hours either.

I think I've read about being able to call ahead for special menu requests...you might want to check into that if you decide to do the package.

 

[beattyfamily]

I'm very curious about this as well.

December is a great time to go because of CP, MVMCP and then we always do Fantasmic (followed by Osbourne lights I'll miss them) and I have done packages for all three (once) but it can be very tough to plan this and overwhelming too, especially if you are only going a few night; we'll be there 5 nights.

I was wondering, if I want to go on Thurs, 12/4 and there are 3 shows at 5:15p, 645p and 8:15p which would be my best best with NO package? Early, middle, or late show?

I don't want to over package myself again! I am eating before MVMCP and before Fantasmic.

Help!

 

[nasmith]

In the past years, we have always gone in the First week December - and we always get the CP dinner package because 1) We didn't get in one year; and 2) We ended up waiting for 1 1/2 hrs and having to stand outside to watch it.
That being said- We tried to go to the last show, which was the one most people were trying to go to (imagine trying to finish up your touring at other parks then dashing over to Epcot to catch CP). We were told that if we had tried for the first show- then it wouldn't have been a problem (shorter wait) - but then, the first show isn't really "candlelight" because it's still light outside. To me, It's worth it to just buy the peace of mind to buy the CP dinner package, since it's such an important part of our Christmas trip....Jill

 

[CHIPSTER]

If you are going Christmas week I would say get the package. That said, last year we saw the Processional 5 times in one week - we love it! We even did Fantasmic on our last night and walked briskly from MGM to EPCOT to see if we could get seats and we did. Since you are going earlier in the month, I probably would not get the dinner package. The most we waited in line was 30-45 minutes, but it is well worth it.

 

[Magic2000]

We've done the Candlelight Processional three times, and each time, we've done the package. We enjoy eating at one of the World Showcase restaurants anyway, so we just get the package. (We usually go the week AFTER Thanksgiving)

Its kinda hard to say - some nights, the standby line is really long. Other nights, its not that bad. The later shows are usually more packed. For my family, we rather do the package; that way, I know we have seats and we don't have to stand in line that long. We usually do the 8:15 show, and it lets out just in time for Illuminations!!!! What a great night!!!

 

[DebbieB]

The Thursday night you should be able to get in on standby, get in line at least 45 minutes early. I would not try it on Saturday, they are always crowded. We saw it last year on Thursday Dec 12 and got in on standby for the 8:15 show, in line about 45 minutes before. We did the package the previous Sunday, it was pretty crowded.