Is the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package worth doing?

[tdan]

We are going to be in WDW from Dec. 18-23rd. This is going to be our first time visiting at the holidays and we are very excited. At first I wasn't even considering the Candlelight Processional with our DD (3) along for the ride. Not knowing if we'll ever be there at the holidays again, I'm reconsidering.

1. Are we crazy for taking a 3yr old to CP?
2. Is the CP dining package really worth 2 credits? (We're already spending 2 on CG and possibly LC)

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[krb2g]

We booked the CP dining package for the first time this year. I don't know about your DD (I've never actually seen the show)--but you might look at the show on youtube and see what it's like. We decided the package was worth it because even though the dining is expensive, we figure we're paying as much for park time (good seats with less of a wait in line, given that we definitely want to see the show) as for the food. If you're running out of credits, I'd recommend booking somewhere like Biergarten and paying OOP.

 

[GeorgeG]

We did the package for the first time last year and have booked it again for this year (both on Christmas Day). You have to eat, anyhow. The extra money may seem like a lot, but the seating it right down front with no waiting in line for what seems like hours. There's also a special location for viewing Illuminations, but we didn't get to that last year (we prefer to see Illuminations from further back along the prominade).

As for small children, I'm thinking they would enjoy CP more without the long wait of standing in line so the package might be a good idea. I'm not religious, but I do like this show because it's great entertainment. I also usually have a friend or two playing in the orchestra.

 

[cruisingkat]

The first year we saw the Candlelight Processional, we didn't book a dinner package - we really didn't know much about it. We didn't want to wait in line - an hour before the show, the line was horrendous and it was still 2 weeks before Christmas. So, we stood at the back behind the full theater seating - 45 minutes was a long time to be standing even though we did enjoy the performance. After that experience, we only book the dinner package. We do the late show, and there isn't really a lot of time to get to the preferred Illuminations viewing area and when you do get there, it is already crowded from those that were at the first two performances.
If it is crowded on the day and time that you want to see the Candlelight Processional and you don't have a package, you can plan on standing for quite some time - either in the standby line before the performance or in the back during the performance.

 

[tdan]

I still don't know what we'll do. We are traveling with another family and we do not agree on all things. Currently we are already using 2 credits for CG and maybe even Le Cellier. Unfortunately the CP package is only good on Le Cellier at lunch when it is only one credit. We may have to discuss further or maybe split up that evening.

 

[seelyt2]

We did it last year and I loved it - everyone else in the family liked it. With that being said I am religious, love music, and wanted to really get into the Christmas spirit since this was likely to be the only time we'll hit Disney during the holidays (kids (9 and 13 at the time) are in school and it will be a while before they're out). Anyhow - - do know that the trumpets, while superb as they are, might be a little loud for the little one. They're fine, really, but if you do the package just be cognizant where you sit with your 3 year old should you decide to go. Can your 3 year old sit well for about an hour (plus the 20 mins or so before program starts)? Just some things to consider. I know you can youtube it, but there was a auditory podcast version of nearly the entire program on wdwtoday last year. Not sure if it's still there.

We ate at the Garden Grill on cash. Food was good. Hubby didn't think that it was worth $200, but I was a happy girl just the same.

 

[wysteria]

This will be our first time at disney during xmas and we booked the CP for the 24th at Garden Grill. My son has little to no patience with waiting long amounts of times (takes after me! so we figure guarantee seating will be a bonus. My stepmom really wants to go to the CP, so we are doing it this way.

 

[Evi]

I've posted this before I'm sure somewhere. For me I'd say no only because the one year I booked it we were asked to give up our seats for a party that needed to sitdown. Granted I'm quick to give up my seat for someone who needs it but I don't think that you should be asked to give up a seat that you paid for.