Opinions on Candlelight Dining Package please!

[Marthasor]

Hi!

I am planning on seeing the Candlelight Processional on either 12/27 or 12/28 (to see TBD, LOL!).

I may be going to the Processional by myself (DS7 will be in the Sandcastle Club) or my DH may be joining us (still not sure if he can take the time off). Though we've been to WDW many, many times, we've never seen the Processional nor have we ever been there between Christmas and New Year's (yes, I know it will be REALLY crowded and that's ok).

My question is, should we do a Candlelight Processional dining package? If it's just me and DS7, I was thinking of doing a lunch around 12/12:30 pm, dropping him off at the Sandcastle Club at 4 pm and then going back in to EP to see the show. If it's just me, I don't really mind standing in line for a regular seat and I guess if I go that route, I will drop him off at 4 pm and then plan to get in line for the 6:45 pm show. If it's DH and me going to the show, he hates lines and will just go to the show to indulge me, so I feel like maybe I should get the package, but spending upwards of $100 for lunch doesn't really appeal to me!

So, what do you think? If we go the stand-by route, what time should we plan on getting in line? Or, did you enjoy the getting the dining package? Thanks so much!

 

[neatokimmo]

Yes, the package is well worth it. I saw people lining up 4 hours before the show started.

 

[magicaldisney]

Especially a "yes do the dining package" during that busy week. We enjoy the later evening show because it is dark outside and feels different to us. If you do a lunch you have to attend the first show in the afternoon. That's just a personal preference though.

 

[MinnieMe_63]

It is definitely worth it. The wait is shorter and you can choose your seat. Without it, there is no guarantee of a seat, as it fills very quickly. We've done the package every time we go during the holidays.

 

[Marthasor]

Thanks everyone! Looks like we'll do the package and thank you for the tip for the later show when it's dark! I think I will make dinner package reservations later and see the last show instead. Thank you again for your thoughts!

 

[Nancyg56]

I love the package! I think that especially i=given your dates, you need the package. I booked TBD too! LOL, but I booked the 6:45 show, I hope it is as nice as the later show. I have only seen the 8:15 so I hope this is okay

 

[sharonabe]

Thanks everyone! Looks like we'll do the package and thank you for the tip for the later show when it's dark! I think I will make dinner package reservations later and see the last show instead. Thank you again for your thoughts!

If you can make your dinner reservations for after you drop off DS, you won't have to pay for his package that he won't be using. I don't think you could make a pkg reservation for just you and DH and then have your DS with you without the package, but maybe someone has done this kind of thing and can chime in on how to do it.

 

[Marthasor]

If you can make your dinner reservations for after you drop off DS, you won't have to pay for his package that he won't be using. I don't think you could make a pkg reservation for just you and DH and then have your DS with you without the package, but maybe someone has done this kind of thing and can chime in on how to do it.

Yes, I think that's what we will do if we do the dinner. The Sandcastle Club opens at 4 pm (and he loves eating dinner there!), so we would have plenty of time to drop him off and get to any reservation in WS at 5 pm or later. I'm still trying to figure out which meal we will book. Though the late Candlelight Processional sounds great, all 3 of us could eat at Via Napoli on the lunch package for less than it would cost just DH and I to do the dinner at any of the restaurants. The lunch package price for a child is basically what I would spend on his lunch there anyway, so I wouldn't care if he didn't use his seat. Could we "gift" that to someone in line if he doesn't see the show with us? I guess I better make a decision soon!

If we did the lunch package, dropped him off at the kids club at 4 pm and walked back into EP, would that be enough time to get a seat for the show using our package tickets? How early do you need to be there if you have purchased the package?

Thanks, everyone, for your help!

 

[sbeets]

If you call in for an ADR, you can pick your CP time, depending on availability. The old rule about dining times assigned to certain show times has been changed for 2015. If you reserve on the web, it just throws a CP time. Also remember the garden grill breakfast option. May be a hit with the 7YO to see characters plus it's the cheapest option, or close to it. So call in, don't use the web.

 

[Nancyg56]

If you call in for an ADR, you can pick your CP time, depending on availability. The old rule about dining times assigned to certain show times has been changed for 2015. If you reserve on the web, it just throws a CP time. Also remember the garden grill breakfast option. May be a hit with the 7YO to see characters plus it's the cheapest option, or close to it. So call in, don't use the web.

I booked online and thought I had to take the 6:45 timeframe. How do I change that so that my family can go to teh 8:15?

 

[Happyinwonerland]

We did the CP package last year during a slower time, and we got in line an hour before the show started. At that time, the line wound all the way back to Morocco. My personal opinion is that the package is not worth it. You pay a ton of money to avoid the line, but still have to stand in line forever to get a seat.

 

[jerseygal]

Thanks everyone! Looks like we'll do the package and thank you for the tip for the later show when it's dark! I think I will make dinner package reservations later and see the last show instead. Thank you again for your thoughts!

We saw the later show last December and did a CP dinner package at Chef de France; EXCELLENT by the way! The CP show was the highlight of our trip and our seats were AMAZING;So close to the front! ENJOY!

 

[sbeets]

I booked online and thought I had to take the 6:45 timeframe. How do I change that so that my family can go to teh 8:15?

Just call in and check availability. I have a 10:15 GG and 8:15 CP. Maybe some time slots are sold out.

 

[Nancyg56]

Thank you! I prefer the 8:15 if at all possible. Now I hope to find out who TBD is for my night! LOL!

 

[Marthasor]

If you call in for an ADR, you can pick your CP time, depending on availability. The old rule about dining times assigned to certain show times has been changed for 2015. If you reserve on the web, it just throws a CP time. Also remember the garden grill breakfast option. May be a hit with the 7YO to see characters plus it's the cheapest option, or close to it. So call in, don't use the web.

This is GREAT info! Thank you so much! I will definitely check out the breakfast as well. Thank you so much!

 

[sharonabe]

If we did the lunch package, dropped him off at the kids club at 4 pm and walked back into EP, would that be enough time to get a seat for the show using our package tickets? How early do you need to be there if you have purchased the package?

I had forgotten that they changed the connection of time of meal with time of show. You probably need to reserve at least the 2nd show instead of the first. They open up the non-package line around 30 min before the show or when the package line is clear, so if you drop off at 4 pm and walk back, you could be too late to get a decent seat.