EVENT: D23's Candlelight Spectacular at Disneyland - Dec 6, 2009

[Bruce Bergman]

This is actually disturbing - because they'll probably carve out an even larger space in Town Square for low-density (*) reserved seating, leaving even less space for the "unwashed public" (as in, not hosed down for every loose dollar in their wallet) to attend.

(*) It has to be low density, if they are setting it up ahead of time the Fire Department gets all crazy about aisle widths and chair setbacks, nevermind that they are outside where the fire hazard is already low. Meaning they can get about half the people in the same space. If they used benches.... No, then the privileged people would try to spread out. Chairs are one person wide.

We went a couple of years ago, and it's a No-Win. If you try camping out a space early in the morning and don't choose very carefully, they turn the space into Reserved area and move you. And the only thing that's left even two hours out is behind a tree. The only reason we can even get in the neighborhood is that Dad uses a scooter and they have to provide some HCA space, without that you can just fuhgeddaboudit.

They really need to mine for extra space - they could easily make plywood floors over the lawns, and get a few dozen more Guests in there.

And carefully plan to minimize the Tech Services impact on space, put the Director's podium and much of their gear Backstage or up on the roof of the Opera House or Emporium - all they really need is a small console and the Sound Tech out in the square.

Then again, they could just abandon a 56-year tradition... Or not.

Or do the smart thing and don't try to oversell it and build it up any more than it already is. After all, there is a reason for the season and it isn't crass commercialism and rampant marketing. "Peace on earth, good will towards men" isn't supposed to be a trite throw-away line.

--<< Bruce >>--

[Mr Wiggins]

Disney turns traditions into cash streams. Big ones, little ones, mass market or niche, there's always someone who will eagerly buy what they are selling.

At any price.

Add a sense of exclusivity and privilege to the product, and they'll have to fend off the mob of cash customers with a stick.

[figgy999]

It is my understanding that Disneyland is not offering Candlelight Dinning Packages this year

[Kasey]

Originally Posted by figgy999

It is my understanding that Disneyland is not offering Candlelight Dinning Packages this year

I believe you are correct.

[goofystitch]

If you are a big fan of Candlelight Spectacular and have the resources to attend, this sounds like an amazing event! Since Disneyland isn't doing dinner packages this year, this is the only real way to reserve a seat for the show. I think that alone will be worth the money to some people. And all of the exclusives sound spectacular. If I had the money and was going to be in the area, I would definitely go.

I also can't understand the mentality by some that because this or some of the other events don't appeal to them or are out of their price range that they won't renew their membership. It blows my mind, actually. You should join D23 for the magazine and the membership gift. Everything else, including events, are extras that were never guaranteed. I don't get where so many people got the impression that a $74 membership fee entitled them to make the company bend over backwards just for them. Also, consider that there are many D23 members who are international or live far away from the parks and don't have the chance to go to any events, yet they are happy with it. Some people on Mice Chat seem impossible to please, no matter what D23 does.

[musakman5150]

Right on GoofyStitch This will be an early Christmas present for my fiance, perfect present. We saw it for the fist time last year, tried to get tickets but computers messed up so we saw it from afar and it was fantastic, cant wait.

[Dustysage]

Tickets go on sale at 10 am today (Pacific Time)

[Bruce Bergman]

And with the economy going the way it is, let's hope the turnout is just barely underwhelming.

As in, not so fantastic that they put chairs out to Center Street and make Guests walk Backstage to get into the park, and by next year you have to pay for a $350 Hard Ticket to get anywhere near Town Square... And not so bad that they try to cancel Candlelight outright because "We can't make any money at it!" - when it started, the whole thing was never about making money.

Candlelight was originally a sincere effort to be pious, and Walt invited his friends to join him. Then they made the reserved seating area for the vendors and investors and bigwigs, and it kinda spiraled downward from there with the for-money reserved seating dining options...

Then again, knowing Disney the reservations website blew up and/or the phone lines melted down. They do that a lot on their special events, you'd think they would have that figured out by now...

--<< Bruce >>--

[btowndude]

Wow! I had no problems in getting to sign up.

[WDI33]

Where is the link on the d23 website to purchase tickets???

[btowndude]

You click on the Expo and Events link on the left side, and then click on the event that you are trying to get tickets for. The following link should work for the candlelight processional.:

D23 | The Official Community for Disney Fans

[FantasmicNut]

I'm in the choir for this show!!! lol you should all come see it! it's amazing!

btw, idk if someone has said this already, but there is standing room....

[gpiltz]

Originally Posted by FantasmicNut

I'm in the choir for this show!!! lol you should all come see it! it's amazing!

btw, idk if someone has said this already, but there is standing room....

Howdy FantasmicNut! I'll look forward to singing with you! I'm with the choir on Sunday this year. I'll be the one there with the D23 Collar Pin on one side, and the Disney 'DREAM' Mickey silhouette pin on the other.

Sing beautifully and have an amazing time.

Geren

[superphred]

Can Anyone confirm the Candlelight Dates for this year? is it both Saturday and Sunday, the 5th and 6th? I keep hoping they would add a Friday but maybe that is not convenient for the high schoolers.

Have they announced the Narrator yet?

Hubby and I always do the second showing and get the Free seats.

I do think this $275 price is not that bad, I've attended many of their Merchandise Events over the years, my favorite being the 50th, and if they are doing both dinner, dessert and show inside stage 17 along with Candlelight and admission, and parting gift, that does seem like a value to me. I'm actually annoyed that I would have to become a D23 member in order to purchase this!

free seats good enough.

[gpiltz]

Disneyland Candlelight 2009 is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, December 5th and 6th, 2009. There are two shows per night, around 6:30pm and 8:00pm.