Around Christmas Time...What is WORTH IT?

Mon, 10/15/2012 - 15:24

JoAnn C

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Here are my responses.

1.) IS Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party worth the extra $$$? - YES- I do have a suggestion though. Don't go your first night. I did that last year. I really enjoyed the party but it made for a very long day. The fireworks are spectactular.

2.) Is just viewing the Candlelight Processional something you can do without the Dining Package? Does it cost extra? What time is the best to go? Is Neil PAtrick Harris actually THERE or is it just a recording? - I haven't been to the Candlelight Processional. You can do this without the dining package. From what I understand, you'll need to get there early to get a seat.

3.) What 3 resorts have the top decorations? - I haven't been to all the resorts yet. The week I go is when they put up the decorations in the resorts. I did see the ginger bread house at the Grand Floridian and the ginger bread carousel at the Beach Club. I recommend those. From the pictures I've seen, Animal Kingdom lodge is beautifully decorated.

4.) What about the Osborne Lights? - to sum it up in one word - awesome. Try to be there at 6:00 when they turn on the lights. When I went last year, a band was playing (Mulch, Sweat and Shears if I remember correctly) before the lights were turned on.

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Mon, 10/15/2012 - 15:37

MsVersaci

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Thank you JoAnn! That is very helpful info, esp about the VMCP!

A gingerbread carosel you say??!??

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Mon, 10/15/2012 - 15:43

Mase

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1.) IS Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party worth the extra $$$?

Cant say I have done it. Our family goes exactly the same time you go. We will be there the same time as you actually. We have never done it. For me I have a hard time paying extra after you had already bought the ticket. I might do the Halloween one someday... but I have no interest in the Christmas one.

2.) Is just viewing the Candlelight Processional something you can do without the Dining Package? Does it cost extra? What time is the best to go? Is Neil PAtrick Harris actually THERE or is it just a recording?

Its actually him. I too have not done this... but the celebs are actually there. And yes again... you dont need a Dining Plan... and I have heard people waiting up till 5 hours before to get in. The dining has priority over everyone else... but they have a specified area, and even if your on the dining package for it... your not guaranteed a seat. You have to wait in line like others. You just have a better chance of getting in because there are more reserved seats for it than the public one.

3.) What 3 resorts have the top decorations?

1. Animal Kingdom Lodge: Jambo

2. Boardwalk

And I cant find the pic of the Gingerbread House.... sigh.....

4.) What about the Osborne Lights?

THEY ROCK!

That was shot 2 years ago... and not with the best camera... but its still cool and amazing

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Mon, 10/15/2012 - 15:48

JoAnn C

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MsVersaci wrote:

Thank you JoAnn! That is very helpful info, esp about the VMCP!

A gingerbread carosel you say??!??

They were installing it the day I walked through the resort.

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Mon, 10/15/2012 - 15:50

JoAnn C

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Here's the ginger bread house at the Grand Floridian.

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Mon, 10/15/2012 - 15:52

Mase

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JoAnn C wrote:

Here's the ginger bread house at the Grand Floridian.

Yes! Thats it... I looked all over my Facebook page to try to find it, and couldnt... checked Jess's and didnt find it. I think that house is pretty slick.

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Mon, 10/15/2012 - 16:02

scrappy

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Mase,
Go put yourself in the corner! You have just popped by bubbles! Of course I am always excited about our trips but I am so very excited for our trip this year. I am already about bouncing off of the walls. I am so looking forward to the Christmas party and to the Candlelight Processional. However, I was under the impression that since we did book a dining reservation that we were guaranteed a seat. I also had no idea that we would have to wait 5 hours in line to see this. I am starting to wonder if it will be worth it. On second thought, I do not have the patience to wait in line for 5 hours for anything. It is highly unlikely I would be willing to wait in line 1 hour.

Mon, 10/15/2012 - 16:07

angels444

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1.) IS Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party worth the extra $$$?
If it is anything like the Haloween party it is totally worth it.

2.) Is just viewing the Candlelight Processional something you can do without the Dining Package? Does it cost extra? What time is the best to go? Is Neil PAtrick Harris actually THERE or is it just a recording?

3.) What 3 resorts have the top decorations?
GF's life size gingerbread house is something to see, the gingerbread carousel, and the chocolate village at Jambo House . All the trees are beautiful and each is specific to the resort theme and I do see those also, but I can see trees anywhere but you can't see life size houses everywhere.

4.) What about the Osborne Lights?
Is wonderful to see but I am also the type to drive around the town to see house light. If you think it is spectacular to see on the website or youtube, wait until you are surrounded by it. The light show is every 10 mins I moved to different areas so I could take it all in. The night I went was elbow to elbow the first hour or so but I am guessing it was ppl that wanted to leave the park for the night or get to Fanstamic like I did. I bet the streets for the light show are less crowded during Fanstamic. Don't forget to look for the pumpkin. When Disney bought the display from Mr. Osborne his pumpkin from halloween got mixed up in the lights on accident. They hide it every year.

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Mon, 10/15/2012 - 16:07

angels444

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Well damn you guys got the pics up while I was answer the questions. sigh late to the party again. I need to type faster and not get distracted as easily.

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Mon, 10/15/2012 - 16:16

angels444

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scrappy wrote:

Mase,
Go put yourself in the corner! You have just popped by bubbles! Of course I am always excited about our trips but I am so very excited for our trip this year. I am already about bouncing off of the walls. I am so looking forward to the Christmas party and to the Candlelight Processional. However, I was under the impression that since we did book a dining reservation that we were guaranteed a seat. I also had no idea that we would have to wait 5 hours in line to see this. I am starting to wonder if it will be worth it. On second thought, I do not have the patience to wait in line for 5 hours for anything. It is highly unlikely I would be willing to wait in line 1 hour.

I'm with you Scrappy I am too ADD to stand in line for 5 hours. I can barely do the one hour I wait for the parade and Fanstamic anything over that is too much for me. To be honest I don't stand there the whole time I make J stay there while I go get something to drink or use the restroom anything to move.

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Mon, 10/15/2012 - 16:33

JoAnn C

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scrappy wrote:

Mase,
Go put yourself in the corner! You have just popped by bubbles! Of course I am always excited about our trips but I am so very excited for our trip this year. I am already about bouncing off of the walls. I am so looking forward to the Christmas party and to the Candlelight Processional. However, I was under the impression that since we did book a dining reservation that we were guaranteed a seat. I also had no idea that we would have to wait 5 hours in line to see this. I am starting to wonder if it will be worth it. On second thought, I do not have the patience to wait in line for 5 hours for anything. It is highly unlikely I would be willing to wait in line 1 hour.

Take a deep breath......

According to the disney parks site and DFB, you do get guaranteed seating with the dining package.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/candlelight-dinners/

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012/06/26/news-2012-candlelight-processional-lunch-and-dinner-packages-on-sale-now/

I've heard long wait times as well but I'm thinking that's for those who don't book the dining package. I don't know what the recommended time to get in line with the package is.

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Mon, 10/15/2012 - 16:34

crazycatperson

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My input:

1) IS Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party worth the extra $$$? No. Don't get me wrong, it's a fun party, but we always have more "water parks & more" visits on our passes than we can possibly use - we have several left over on two different no-expiration passes - and I can't see paying $60 per person for MVMCP when I could spend the evening at DisneyQuest for no extra outlay of $$.

2) Is just viewing the Candlelight Processional something you can do without the Dining Package? Does it cost extra? What time is the best to go? Is Neil Patrick Harris actually THERE or is it just a recording? Yes, you can do it without the dining package; no, it does not cost extra; you'll need to get in line early, but I don't know if any particular show is less crowded; NPH is really there. I have never actually done the processional, but I've walked by while it was in progress. IMO unless there's a celebrity I really admire (and so far I've never lucked into NPH), it's not worth the wait.

3) What 3 resorts have the top decorations? I've never gone around the resorts looking at decorations.

4) What about the Osborne Lights? THIS is the one not to miss! It's part of your regular admission, there are no lines to wait in, you can stay as long or as little as you like, and the lights and music are amazing.

Mon, 10/15/2012 - 16:37

Kristen K.

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MsVersaci wrote:

Hi Everyone. I am going to WDW for my birthday from November 28th to December 3rd. I have a few questions for people who have done Disney around the Holidays.

3.) What 3 resorts have the top decorations?

Last year we took a very informal poll and Wilderness Lodge was the fan favorite for Holiday Decorations. Here's that article: http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/articles/walt-disney-worlds-best-holiday-resort-facebook-fans/

Grand Floridian (for the Gingerbread House) was up there in the top, however it's currently under a lot of construction.

Animal Kingdom Lodge also ranked highly for holiday decor.

Mon, 10/15/2012 - 16:55

Mase

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JoAnn C wrote:

scrappy wrote:
Mase,
Go put yourself in the corner! You have just popped by bubbles! Of course I am always excited about our trips but I am so very excited for our trip this year. I am already about bouncing off of the walls. I am so looking forward to the Christmas party and to the Candlelight Processional. However, I was under the impression that since we did book a dining reservation that we were guaranteed a seat. I also had no idea that we would have to wait 5 hours in line to see this. I am starting to wonder if it will be worth it. On second thought, I do not have the patience to wait in line for 5 hours for anything. It is highly unlikely I would be willing to wait in line 1 hour.

Take a deep breath......

According to the disney parks site and DFB, you do get guaranteed seating with the dining package.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/candlelight-dinners/

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012/06/26/news-2012-candlelight-processional-lunch-and-dinner-packages-on-sale-now/

I've heard long wait times as well but I'm thinking that's for those who don't book the dining package. I don't know what the recommended time to get in line with the package is.

Im looking for it. Jess and I turned this down because we read that even if you do the package... there is a chance it would get filled. So then we decided... ok... lets try it without and found that sometimes people will start waiting up till 5 hours before... I about went nuts when I heard that and just gave up... but gonna try to find that package information on where I read it.

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Mon, 10/15/2012 - 17:02

Mase

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Mase wrote:

JoAnn C wrote:
scrappy wrote:
Mase,
Go put yourself in the corner! You have just popped by bubbles! Of course I am always excited about our trips but I am so very excited for our trip this year. I am already about bouncing off of the walls. I am so looking forward to the Christmas party and to the Candlelight Processional. However, I was under the impression that since we did book a dining reservation that we were guaranteed a seat. I also had no idea that we would have to wait 5 hours in line to see this. I am starting to wonder if it will be worth it. On second thought, I do not have the patience to wait in line for 5 hours for anything. It is highly unlikely I would be willing to wait in line 1 hour.

Take a deep breath......

According to the disney parks site and DFB, you do get guaranteed seating with the dining package.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/candlelight-dinners/

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012/06/26/news-2012-candlelight-processional-lunch-and-dinner-packages-on-sale-now/

I've heard long wait times as well but I'm thinking that's for those who don't book the dining package. I don't know what the recommended time to get in line with the package is.

Im looking for it. Jess and I turned this down because we read that even if you do the package... there is a chance it would get filled. So then we decided... ok... lets try it without and found that sometimes people will start waiting up till 5 hours before... I about went nuts when I heard that and just gave up... but gonna try to find that package information on where I read it.

I cant find it anymore. From what I remember it may be the dinner one that makes it tough to get into one of the three viewings and that if you definitely want to do it... go for the lunch because you can easily make it to any of the three viewings. Ill keep looking... but it has something to do with the dinner is the toughest to get into because your left with the last two options, and if people from lunch opt for those 2 then it makes things interesting.

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Mon, 10/15/2012 - 17:08

JoAnn C

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Mase wrote:

JoAnn C wrote:
scrappy wrote:
Mase,
Go put yourself in the corner! You have just popped by bubbles! Of course I am always excited about our trips but I am so very excited for our trip this year. I am already about bouncing off of the walls. I am so looking forward to the Christmas party and to the Candlelight Processional. However, I was under the impression that since we did book a dining reservation that we were guaranteed a seat. I also had no idea that we would have to wait 5 hours in line to see this. I am starting to wonder if it will be worth it. On second thought, I do not have the patience to wait in line for 5 hours for anything. It is highly unlikely I would be willing to wait in line 1 hour.

Take a deep breath......

According to the disney parks site and DFB, you do get guaranteed seating with the dining package.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/candlelight-dinners/

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012/06/26/news-2012-candlelight-processional-lunch-and-dinner-packages-on-sale-now/

I've heard long wait times as well but I'm thinking that's for those who don't book the dining package. I don't know what the recommended time to get in line with the package is.

Im looking for it. Jess and I turned this down because we read that even if you do the package... there is a chance it would get filled. So then we decided... ok... lets try it without and found that sometimes people will start waiting up till 5 hours before... I about went nuts when I heard that and just gave up... but gonna try to find that package information on where I read it.

I'm sure there's a difference if going during the week vs going on a weekend when more locals would attend.

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Mon, 10/15/2012 - 17:25

JoAnn C

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Mase wrote:

Mase wrote:
JoAnn C wrote:
scrappy wrote:
Mase,
Go put yourself in the corner! You have just popped by bubbles! Of course I am always excited about our trips but I am so very excited for our trip this year. I am already about bouncing off of the walls. I am so looking forward to the Christmas party and to the Candlelight Processional. However, I was under the impression that since we did book a dining reservation that we were guaranteed a seat. I also had no idea that we would have to wait 5 hours in line to see this. I am starting to wonder if it will be worth it. On second thought, I do not have the patience to wait in line for 5 hours for anything. It is highly unlikely I would be willing to wait in line 1 hour.

Take a deep breath......

According to the disney parks site and DFB, you do get guaranteed seating with the dining package.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/candlelight-dinners/

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012/06/26/news-2012-candlelight-processional-lunch-and-dinner-packages-on-sale-now/

I've heard long wait times as well but I'm thinking that's for those who don't book the dining package. I don't know what the recommended time to get in line with the package is.

Im looking for it. Jess and I turned this down because we read that even if you do the package... there is a chance it would get filled. So then we decided... ok... lets try it without and found that sometimes people will start waiting up till 5 hours before... I about went nuts when I heard that and just gave up... but gonna try to find that package information on where I read it.

I cant find it anymore. From what I remember it may be the dinner one that makes it tough to get into one of the three viewings and that if you definitely want to do it... go for the lunch because you can easily make it to any of the three viewings. Ill keep looking... but it has something to do with the dinner is the toughest to get into because your left with the last two options, and if people from lunch opt for those 2 then it makes things interesting.

I just looked to see how the package was booked. You select the show that you want , it gives you a list of restaurants and times that are available. After you eat you get a pass for that show. What happens if I book for the 5:00 show and I don't show up? Will I be able to use it for one of the other shows or will be I banished to the stand by line?

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Mon, 10/15/2012 - 17:37

scrappy

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I honestly do not remember how I booked it. I just know I did it the first day reservations were open and my first choice of day was open so I took it. We did not really much care where we ate we just wanted to see the show. We also did not really care about the celebrity speaker. In fact, when I booked it was listed as being Gena Davis. I had to google her to see who she was. Since I am not a movie watcher I did not know much more after doing that. I do know who NPH is though. We know too that with the dining package you are to get prefered viewing for Illuminations. We do not know where this prefered viewing area is. That we may or may not stay to see. We will show up at our scheduled time for the CP though.

Mon, 10/15/2012 - 17:43

Mase

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scrappy wrote:

Mase,
Go put yourself in the corner! You have just popped by bubbles! Of course I am always excited about our trips but I am so very excited for our trip this year. I am already about bouncing off of the walls. I am so looking forward to the Christmas party and to the Candlelight Processional. However, I was under the impression that since we did book a dining reservation that we were guaranteed a seat. I also had no idea that we would have to wait 5 hours in line to see this. I am starting to wonder if it will be worth it. On second thought, I do not have the patience to wait in line for 5 hours for anything. It is highly unlikely I would be willing to wait in line 1 hour.

The 5 or so hours is for the people who dont do the dining and want to try there luck. Now this varies. I know last year when we went... after we had lunch we went back there and it was around 1pm we saw some people chillin... I asked and they were waiting for the 5pm one. If I remember... Neil was the one who was on for the night. So I think the celeb at that night has something to do with it as well. But dont worry about it. No bubble popped!

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Mon, 10/15/2012 - 18:19

Mase

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I found this faq that gives a little more detail. Its from AllEars.

http://allears.net/tp/h_cpfaq.htm

Quote:

Is there a charge to see the Candlelight Processional?
No, it is included in your admission to Epcot. There is, however, a dinner package available for purchase that includes a ticket to Reserved Seating for the Candlelight Processional.

Seating without the dinner package is on a first come, first serve basis for each show. Folks line up 45 minutes (longer as you are closer to Christmas) before show time. 15 minutes prior to the show, seating is then opened up to those on line. Also, keep in mind if you wait in line for the 2nd or 3rd show of the night, that you will be hearing the show before yours as it is performed.

You can always stroll by the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase to listen to the music and wonders of Christmas.

If you wish to purchase the dinner package (explained below) with reserved seating, there is a charge.

Do I still need an Advance Dining Reservation?
YES! When you call to order your dinner package tickets, you will be asked to select a restaurant and time.

Be sure to allow sufficient time to dine and get to the America Gardens Theatre.

Do I have a reserved seat at the show?
Not exactly. There is a reserved section for those with the dinner package. The reserved section is front and center, behind any VIP seating. Within the reserved section, seating is on a first come, first serve basis, so if you want your choice of seats, you should arrive 30-45 minutes early. 15 minutes prior to the show beginning, available seating is opened up to folks without dinner package tickets.

Is it worth doing?
If you enjoy the Christmas holidays, I highly recommend the show. I have seen the show several times over the last several years. I have purchased the dinner package in the past and felt was worth the price.

The first time I saw the show, I stood in line for the first show of the evening. It was still early in the season and a week night, so the crowds were not too bad. I did wait about 30-40 minutes in line.

If you are on a budget, you don't need to purchase the tickets.

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Mon, 10/15/2012 - 19:18

MsVersaci

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Posts: 99

Mase wrote:

I found this faq that gives a little more detail. Its from AllEars.

http://allears.net/tp/h_cpfaq.htm

Quote:

Is there a charge to see the Candlelight Processional?
No, it is included in your admission to Epcot. There is, however, a dinner package available for purchase that includes a ticket to Reserved Seating for the Candlelight Processional.

Seating without the dinner package is on a first come, first serve basis for each show. Folks line up 45 minutes (longer as you are closer to Christmas) before show time. 15 minutes prior to the show, seating is then opened up to those on line. Also, keep in mind if you wait in line for the 2nd or 3rd show of the night, that you will be hearing the show before yours as it is performed.

You can always stroll by the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase to listen to the music and wonders of Christmas.

If you wish to purchase the dinner package (explained below) with reserved seating, there is a charge.

Do I still need an Advance Dining Reservation?
YES! When you call to order your dinner package tickets, you will be asked to select a restaurant and time.

Be sure to allow sufficient time to dine and get to the America Gardens Theatre.

Do I have a reserved seat at the show?
Not exactly. There is a reserved section for those with the dinner package. The reserved section is front and center, behind any VIP seating. Within the reserved section, seating is on a first come, first serve basis, so if you want your choice of seats, you should arrive 30-45 minutes early. 15 minutes prior to the show beginning, available seating is opened up to folks without dinner package tickets.

Is it worth doing?
If you enjoy the Christmas holidays, I highly recommend the show. I have seen the show several times over the last several years. I have purchased the dinner package in the past and felt was worth the price.

The first time I saw the show, I stood in line for the first show of the evening. It was still early in the season and a week night, so the crowds were not too bad. I did wait about 30-40 minutes in line.

If you are on a budget, you don't need to purchase the tickets.

THANK YOU FOR THIS!!!!!!

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