Hi, Don!
The Candlelight Processional is a spectacularly moving presentation, one which will surely have everyone in the spirit of the season even before the members of the orchestra take their places onstage. It's a highlight of any Christmas Season trip to Epcot, bar none.
Because it's so spectacular, though, it's also very popular. The only time I've dared to attend the Candlelight Processional at Epcot was when I had reserved seating through dining reservations. If you've been lucky enough to secure a Candlelight Dining Package, then you need to be aware that this not only entitles you to an appetizer, entree, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage per Guest, but you'll also get guaranteed seating for the Candlelight Processional as well as VIP viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Take a look at the
menu for Coral Reef Restaurant to see why the price of a three-course meal here is what it is; I've loved everything we've ever ordered there!
Keep in mind that you can try to move your reservation at Coral Reef over to another restaurant, whose price may be a bit lower, by checking with Disney Dining for available reservations as your vacation gets closer. Guests' plans change and they need to make cancellations to their dining plans, too. That may mean that a less expensive option may be available to you which had previously been booked up. We had a wonderful meal at The Garden Grill Restaurant, for example, at one of our Candlelight Dining Packages, which was far less expensive than a meal elsewhere.
While you can surely wait in line for a seat for the show without this Dining Package, you are not guaranteed a seat and may have to wait in line for an hour or longer to get into the venue.
Send more questions as you think of them; I love to help!