Originally Posted By LacyBelle Is it safe to assume that the Candlelight Processional will be on December 1 & 2 this year? Or, have dates officially been announced? I want to do a little pre-planning and arranging on the calendar. Thanks!
Originally Posted By melekalikimaka I hope those are the dates because we've planned to be there the week after and would like to avoid the crowds.
Originally Posted By retlawfan If history is to repeat itself, the answer is yes. Candlelight is usually the first FULL weekend of December. It will probably not be officially announced until sometime in October or November, however. And the narators will not be announced until a couple of weeks before. WDW on the other hand will have the full list of narators for the month they do it out there announced probably no later than September. We plan on being there the week before and including that weekend as well.
Originally Posted By nemopoppins I've been on that weekend a couple of times and have not noticed any large crowds. If anything, it might draw guests from the attractions because last year I remember the back of the park being rather lonely.
Originally Posted By retlawfan The night you do NOT want to be at the parks is the night of the cast party event when the park closes at 5PM. Very crowded going out because of the early close. NO open shops on Main Street, so everyone is going out. And HUGE crowds of cast members and their guests coming IN. I don't remember when this is exactly, but I think it might be the Thursday before Candlelight (One week after Thanksgiving).
Originally Posted By nemopoppins That's right! The cast parties are the days to avoid. They've been the Monday and Tuesday following the Candlelight Procession weekend.
Originally Posted By Lisann22 It's usually the Mon/Tue AFTER Candlelight, the first week of December. I've experienced it 5+ years in a row. It's all about timing and patience.
Originally Posted By retlawfan I stand corrected. Thanks nemopoppins and Lisann22! I was guessing. I know I had to deal with it, but didn't remember which side of Candlelight it was. STAY AWAY THOSE DAYS! ITS HORRIBLE. THAT I know. It kind of makes you feel that you've wasted a day too because you have to leave so early.
Originally Posted By TinksBestFriend An advantage of going on the Monday and Tuesday of the Cast night party is early parades and the fireworks at 5:30. But I-5 at 6:00--don't ask. And I am available if anybody needs an escort
Originally Posted By disneymamaof3 My guess is that the Holiday Family Party (cast member nights) will be on Monday, December 3rd and Tuesday, December 4th.
