Is the Candlelight Processional Dinner package really worth it?

[amv1605]

I've about decided not to Pay for the Dining Plan for Our trip in December and I don't qualify for Free Dining

So, I'm looking for Opinions from anyone who has booked the Candlelight Dinner package in Epcot :::

I'm not concerned with reviews of the restrauants themselves on the list ...
More over whether or not You really need that guarenteed seating for the Condlelight Processional Show itself. That would be My main purpose in booking the Dinner package to begin with.

I know We were really disappointed last year when We booked The Brown Derby to get "Reserved Seating" for Fantasmic in HS and realized that our seating was off to the side and there were still plenty of places to sit ....

 

[Luv2Roam]

If it is worth it depends on each individual.
It will not be like F! dinner package where you could probably get a seat.
Pure guesswork on part, but I suspect there will be a mob of guests wanting to get into CP, waiting hours, and many will not make it in.
If CP is a must do for you, then go with the dinner package.

 

[fla4fun]

It depends on a couple things.

Have you seen the show before? If not, I recommend the package because you really should see it the first time from a seat in the theater. I have seen the show in the theater many times, so I don't mind either trying to stand outside the ropes at the back of the theater or just getting a bench in the American pavilion and listening to the show without watching.

Do you mind waiting in line several hours? To get a seat from the stand by line, people sometimes line up two, three, or even more hours ahead of time. If you don't get into the first show, you'll be standing in line listening to it while you wait to try again. You'll still want to line up about 45 minutes or so ahead of time for the best pick of seats (there is a line for package guests - it's to the left as you stand facing the theater, and it often stretches all the way back to Japan, sometimes close to Morocco) but you won't have to wait for hours.

So depending on how you answered those questions, you may or may not need the package.

 

[RayJay]

I know We were really disappointed last year when We booked The Brown Derby to get "Reserved Seating" for Fantasmic in HS and realized that our seating was off to the side and there were still plenty of places to sit ....

We booked a package only because we wanted a seat because we will only do this once and DW has been wanting to do CP for years.

That said, just reading stuff in the past, I don't think very many seats (if any) are available without the package. We got free dining so it's free for us although we gave up 2 credits to get it.

We called and booked right at the 90 day window and the last show was only available, the CM said they go within a hour. Your only chance after that is if someone cancels.

I couldn't agree with you more about the Fantasmic package, what a rip. We ate without it and sat right in the middle for the show. I thought the folks getting seated to the right of the stadium would be disappointed especially getting the package.

RayJay

 

[amv1605]

Thanks to Everyone for the much appreciated Tips!
I went ahead and booked the Regular Dining Plan -- even though I'm having to pay for it and I'm hoping to do the CandleLight Procession and eat at LeCellier ---- I'll be sure to call first thing on the 16th! And keep My Fingers crossed!