Archive for September 16th, 2009

For many years, I’ve attended the Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World.  It is always a pleasant, and sometimes quite memorable, evening; one I look forward to each holiday season.  Unwilling to stand in line for two or three hours for anything, I take advantage of the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package.

The package has certainly changed through the years.  At one time, guests could choose to dine after the performance rather than before, making it a far more relaxed evening.  Then, for a time, reservations could be made much closer to show time, rather than what amounts to the middle of the afternoon.  Pricing was pretty much in line with the regular menu prices; participants confirmed their reservations earlier in the day at the hotel and were given a badge to wear.

As the years went by, the prices increased, of course, and the badge turned into a wrist band that needed to be obtained while waiting in line for the show.  With the advent of the dining plan, guests were allowed to exchange one table service point for the package.  In 2008, I noticed a considerable increase in cost, but in 2009, the changes are really breathtaking.  It will now cost more than $55.00 for an adult to have dinner at the Garden Grill, while the price for dinner at Teppan Edo and the other Tier 3 restaurants will be a staggering $75.00.  Now, I enjoy both the Garden Grill and Teppan Edo, but that seems excessive for the basic food served there.  Yes, they’ve thrown in an appetizer, but guests are paying dearly for it, and a couple of the venues are buffet- or family-style meals.

A decision has clearly been made that the mere one-hour wait in line for package participants is now worth $15.00, plus the cost of the most expensive menu items, whether you order them or not.  If you’re on the dining plan, you’ll now need to use two table service points.

I do understand that the company is in business to make money.  I realize that the popularity of this event, much like a reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table, makes it a candidate for a price increase.   I know that good practices dictate charging whatever the traffic will bear.  But, at some point, the consumer does speak, and this year, I’m speaking loudly:  I won’t be attending the Candlelight Processional.  Will I miss it?  Certainly! I have many wonderful memories of this event.  But, I’ve planned a new “tradition” for 2009.  For that same $75.00, or probably a good deal less, I can have an exceptional meal at Hollywood Brown Derby, or save considerably by dining at one of the other restaurants in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, then join the fun at the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.  I’ll enjoy the choral performances found elsewhere in the parks and resorts, make a point this year to attend the tree-lighting ceremony at EPCOT, and take advantage of the many holiday events that help to make the season bright.

One thing we can rely upon is Disney’s sensitivity to guest trends.  If there is a sufficient drop in participation, they will reevaluate the program.  If the majority of guests embrace the changes, we can be certain we’ll see those prices continue to rise.