Buy Candlelight Processional Dinner package or not?

[cousininmiami]

My question is this... is is really worth it to spend the extra money for the Candlelight dinner package or not. Last year we went and had dinner at the Coral Reef, spend a lot of money and had the reserved tickets for the Candlelight Processional. However we saw that there were empty seats in the very back even during the show. Again it may be the day or time of the month that you go, early in the month or closer to Christmas may play a part.

We are going right after Thanksgiving on a Wed thru Sunday, going to the Candlelight Processional on a Thursday night. And one of my favorite things to do in EPCOT is "eat and drink" around the countries. This is especially fun during the holidays as there is so much more to see with all the decorations and different traditions. Has anyone just winged it, and still seen the Candlelight Processional without standing in line for 2+ hours?

[Amy]

We don't do the dining package, and I would say we probably wait an hour or so in the stand-by line. I think it really does depend on when you are there and also who the narrator is during the evening's performance. We don't mind sitting on the sides, or near the very back so it really isn't worth it to us to have to eat at a specific restaurant in order to get the reserved seating. If you do have to wait in line, it is always nice to strike up conversations with those around you. It is fun to hear where people are from and what they've enjoyed so far or are looking forward to during their vacation.

[mindflipper]

I've done it on Christmas Eve and Christmas, so in my experience - YES! - get the dinner package!

But for other times, I would expect it depends upon which night and which guest narrator. I would expect weekends (Friday/Saturday) to be more crowded than weekdays...

[cousininmiami]

I'm leaning towards not doing a dining package and hoping for the best. Now my next question is, Whoopie or Neil Patrick Harris?

[Amy]

I'm leaning towards not doing a dining package and hoping for the best. Now my next question is, Whoopie or Neil Patrick Harris?

Oooo, tough choice! I would go with Neil Patrick Harris though I believe...
I remember being slightly disappointed when we went and saw the voice of Ariel, Jodi Benson. I thought she would sing too, but she only narrated...but it was still awesome!

[cy1229]

DEFINITELY Neil Patrick Harris! He's really talented - I would imagine he will put a lot of emotion and inflection into the narration. I don't dislike Whoopi by any measure (Her real name is Caryn Johnson, spelled MY WAY!!!) but I think NPH would do a better job.

My nickels' worth. Inflation, ya know.

[NaCler]

Neil Patrick Harris by far, although I have heard that Whoopie is amazing as a host. I would also vote no on getting the Dinner package. It reserves your seat but you still have to stand in a line to get a seat or you're going to be in the back anyway. IMO not worth the extra $40 per person for already over-priced (but good) food.

[mindflipper]

I'm leaning towards not doing a dining package and hoping for the best. Now my next question is, Whoopie or Neil Patrick Harris?

Both are veterans at narrating the Candelight Processional at EPCOT for years now, so I would imagine both would do excellent performances.

[Wyntuck]

I would avoid Whoopi. I think you want to hear someone read it who actually BELIEVES what she's reading!