Candlelight Processional Dinner Package is it worth it?

[ajrwdwgirl]

I have a couple of questions about the Candlelight processional dinner package.

First of all is the dinner package worth it? Are the shows that crowded and is it hard to get a seat otherwise? Has anyone done the package?

Also, we aren't staying on property so can we still make a reservation for it in advance or just that day we go?

Thanks!

 

[Empress Room]

Having been to the Candlelight Processional three times now, I can say that the dinner package is a great idea if, for no other reason, it guarantees you seating in a select area and allows you to avoid waiting in the stand-by line (which begins filling up for the next performance while one performance is going on).

There are three options to the dinner package and their price differences (fairly significant) depend upon the restaurant in Epcot where you want to dine. This is purely personal and we could debate all day whether Chefs de France is worth the additional $20 over San Angel Inn in Mexico or Liberty Inn in the American pavillion). The seating at the Processional is no better or worse and is not dependent upon buying the most expensive dinner package.

It's a great event - beautiful and really gets you in the holiday spirit. Having a dinner reservation and reserved seating at the show allows you to enjoy the moment much more, IMHO.

 

[Disneydewald]

I did it a couple of years ago.

You'll want to do the dinner package. It's amazingly crowed for that show and just in the parks in general. My family and I had a great time at the show and had our package dinner at Le Cellier. The food was amazing (it always is at Le Cellier).

You also must do the reservations ahead of time - as soon as you can. It will go pretty quickly.

Have fun!

 

[Master Yoda]

I have done the Candlelight processional both with and without the dinning package so here is my take on it. If you are planning to eat at Epcot that night any way or your are there during the peak of the Christmas season I would suggest getting the dinning package. The show can fill up real quick the closer you get to Christmas. If you are there the first 2 weeks of December the dinning plan is not all that necessary.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

We are planning on going on December 11. Can we make a reservation even if we aren't staying on Disney property?

 

[wannabeBelle]

We are planning on going on December 11. Can we make a reservation even if we aren't staying on Disney property?

Yes you can Call 1407-WDW DINE for packages. You will be asked to pay the entire package at the time you reserve it though. I love the Candlelight Processional and have done it with and without the meal plan. As I would be eating at a sit down restaurant in EPCOT anyhow for me it is the logical choice. Belle

 

[Gucci65]

I think its worth it. We plan on eating at Epcot so why not get a little bonus.

Last year, my friend opted NOT to do the dining package. He waited in the standbye line - I waited in the dining package line. I got a good seat, he was left in standing room only (for the Jim Cavizel show).

Get the package, enjoy the food and then enjoy the company while standing in line with the other diners knowing that if you get in line early enough you will get a good seat.

 

[shoppingnut]

Yes, it is most definitely worth it, especially if you plan on eating in Epcot anyway and that way you don't have to worry about getting a seat. Also, if this is going to be apart of your vacation plans, why not take the worry out of it and do the package.

The CP has become more and more popular every passing year. I can remember five years ago or so, you could walk right up and grab a seat 10 mins before the show in early december, now it's not as easy.

 

[swimmom]

As it's been mentioned before, if you plan on eating in Epcot, you might as well do the dinner package. Here's a link to the different price levels.
http://www.allearsnet.com/tp/h_cpfaq.htm

 

[tink rules]

Also... Just a bit of advice...

I was able to get the tickets for CP for before my reservations at the restaurant. I heard of some people rushing through dinner because they hadn't planned sufficiently. My tickets are for the 6:45 show and I have my dinner reservations at Chefs de France at 8:20. That way I can enjoy the show and the dinner.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Thanks for all the information so far. Side question. Can you call ahead for any restaurant and make a priority seating even though you aren't staying on property or is it only for packages? Like if we wanted to eat at a resort?

 

[wannabeBelle]

Thanks for all the information so far. Side question. Can you call ahead for any restaurant and make a priority seating even though you aren't staying on property or is it only for packages? Like if we wanted to eat at a resort?

Absolutely correct!!! You can ( And should in most cases) make priority seating ( Advanced Dining Reservations whatever they are calling it) Especially for some of the more popular restaurants such as Le Cellier, The 50's Prime Time, Character Dining etc. Belle

 

[Teenchy]

I love the CP and would recommend the dinner package so you can enjoy the night with a guaranteed seat. Plan your meal time and show time allowing you enough time so you wont be rushed. I have found you still want to get to the show early because even those on the dinner package start lining up for the best seats.

I would get on the phone quickly to book your package because the best restaurants fill up and you may end up having to go to the restaurant that is your least favorite.

Totally off subject but for any MTV reality fans I sat next to IBIS of Road Rules last year at the CP on 12/18.