My D23 Candlelight Trip Report

[zscfan]

I never wrote a trip report before, so bear with me!!

DBF and I got to DL around 11AM, only took a few minutes to park. We check in for the D23 event right outside the entrance to DL (next to Guest Services, or Relations, I get the two confused). We got an itinerary of the day, parkhopper tix and 2 fastpasses to the HMH.

I wanted to go pin hunting first, and went to the Little Green Men Store. I didn't see any Candlelight pins out, but asked the lady at the counter and she had some. I don't know if there were ever on display, or if everyone had to ask for them.

We had burgers in Tomorrowland and the went to the HMH, since the fastpasses were going to expire at 1PM.

Hit HMH and Pirates (10 min wait) and walked around a bit. Went to the reserved area for the 3:30PM parade (included in the D23 package). Was disappointed to find out that it wasn't reserved seating, as they had promised, but reserved standing area. So, we still had to jockey for a decent place. I overheard some D23 guests leaving the parade because they couldn't see anything.

Then we headed over to DCA and walked around a bit. Went to Stage 17 around 5:30 to stand in line for dinner. Doors opened at 6PM. We were seated at round tables for 10 and dinner was buffet style. I would say that all of the tables had a good view of the stage.

The buffet dinner included: green salad, cold orzo salad, a cold sweet potato salad, mashed potatoes, turkey and stuffing, ham, bread and butter. Water, coffee and soda was included in the price. The food was pretty good, I wasn't disappointed. Dessert was some various pastry, they were ok, but not great.

Around 6:45 Minnie's Christmas Party show started. Very cute, I had never seen it before. But I was surprised that Donald wasn't in the show.

I don't know how long threads can be, so I am going to split this into 2 parts.

 

[zscfan]

I forgot to mention that Stage 17, where we had dinner, was beautifully decorated for Christmas.

At 7:30, we were escorted to DL, and seated for the show. I really liked my seat, 2nd row from the front, but off to the side. So I got good pics of everything, except Jon Voight. But I loved the show, I had never seen it before and hope to go back next year.

After the show, we went back to Stage 17, where there was coffee, tea and hot chocolate. And cookies! And some characters were out. I ran to Chip n Dale (my favs) and DBF and I got a great pic! The characters were out for about 25 mins and then the panel discussion hosted by Disney entertainment directors started. It was OK; some would have found it boring, but DBF thought it was very interesting.

We left around 10PM, our gift from D23 was a red, glass ball ornament with Mickey, Minnie and the D23 logo on it (as a sticker). I was a little disappointed in it. It looks cheap (and I really wanted a pin!).

To sum it up, we had a great time, but I think D23 needs to work out a few kinks. There was a lot of standing involved, which is OK for me, but the majority of the D23 guests were older people. I think more consideration should have been given to them.

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

I wanted to go pin hunting first, and went to the Little Green Men Store. I didn't see any Candlelight pins out, but asked the lady at the counter and she had some. I don't know if there were ever on display, or if everyone had to ask for them.

I found Candlelight Processional pins at the Emporium on Saturday.

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

We had burgers in Tomorrowland and the went to the HMH, since the fastpasses were going to expire at 1PM.

FYI for next time: FastPasses don't expire. They won't honor them BEFORE the time on the FP, but will honor them ANYTIME after, as long as it's the same day.

BTW thanks for sharing your report.

 

[maberlyne]

Cool! I didn't realize the package came with that other stuff, for some reason I was under the impression it was a hotel stay thing.

Dang it, I wish I would have known there was a pin available! I'll have to try to look for it.

Do you have pictures of the dinner/party? Would love to see them!

 

[zscfan]

I do have pics of the dinner/party.....I'll post them probably later today!!!