Candelight Processional Questions

[labdogs42]

We have been to the world numerous times, but never during the Christmas season. We scheduled our next trip for November 27-Dec 4 so that we can finally do all of the Christmas stuff this time. One thing I'm not sure about is the Candelight Processional. My son will be 5.75 years old at the time of the trip. Is it worth it to take him to the Candelight Processional or is that more of a grown-up thing? If we do it, I was planning to do the dinner package (if I can get it when I call tomorrow!). What are your thoughts on the package and taking a kindergartener to the CP? Thanks!

 

[Robo]

We have been to the world numerous times, but never during the Christmas season. We scheduled our next trip for November 27-Dec 4 so that we can finally do all of the Christmas stuff this time. One thing I'm not sure about is the Candelight Processional. My son will be 5.75 years old at the time of the trip.

Is it worth it to take him to the Candelight Processional or is that more of a grown-up thing? If we do it, I was planning to do the dinner package (if I can get it when I call tomorrow!). What are your thoughts on the package and taking a kindergartener to the CP? Thanks!

If he is used to sitting in church or live theater or musical productions, he'll be OK.

It is a serious production that runs about 45 minutes in length.

It consists of symphony orchestral music, choral music, and Bible and other readings and narration.

 

[PrincessTaylorsMom]

We attended CP in 2007 when my twin girls were just 3. It was the only "adult" thing we had planned that week, and I was concerned that we would not last through the whole show. That being said, my kids were great. There was so much going on that they were fascinated. One sang with the choir (didn't know the songs or the words, but it didn't matter to her) and the other conducted with the orchestra. We were also seated right in front of the sign language interpreter, and they loved that too.

It is a serious production, but there is so much going on to capture a kid's attention that if he has sat for any church, music or theater productions in the past, he should be fine.

 

[griswalds]

My two kids did it at that age and did fine. Of course it wasn't their favorite thing but there actually is enough going on to keep them interested (trumpets blaring, performers passing out). We do attend church so they were familiar with the story and songs so that might have helped. We did Garden Grill character meal before and had great interactions with characters. It is a wonderful performance and a must-do during Christmas season.

 

[lightwyear]

Ironically, we are going to be there at pretty much the exact same time, and had the same question. My son will be 5 at the time, and I was wondering how he would be for it.

The answer that I have come up with is that rather than wait in line or use one of our meals for the dining experience, I think we will just listen in for a little while from the open area behind it. From what I understand, the music can be easily heard, and depending upon crowds you may have a view of the stage.

I think that a few minutes listening in will probably be well received. I think asking him to sit through 45 minutes is a bit much, especially since he will either be overly excited or tired (the pendulum swings hard at the world and at Christmas, so I expect it to be even more so when the two come together).

Just my current thinking.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

My kids, starting at the ages of 2, 3, 4 and 7, have never had a problem sitting through the Candlelight Processional.

We have done the package in the past, when it was 1 credit on the DDP, but there no way I'm now spending 2 credits for the CP package or paying upwards of $60.00 out-of-pocket for the reserved seating. We will just wait in the standby line this year. If we get in, great, if not we have seen it before, so it won't be a big deal.

 

[Alabama Minnie]

I would think a 5 yr. old would lose interest in it. I would not want to pay extra or use my credits and then not be able to fully enjoy it for sure. Be sure to take him to see the Osbourne Lights at DHS though. He will really enjoy them.

 

[goofy4tink]

Not sure kids under 7 or 8 are going to be much interested in it, but that's not for me to say. It is basically the telling of the Christmas story, with a narrator reading passages and then the choir singing a hymn or other type song that compliments that previously read passage. It is very beautiful and something I do every year.
The show isn't all that long, about 40 mins. But, the wait in line can be over 40 mins...so that can be an issue.
You can stand outside the theater, along the public area, and listen/watch. Many guests do this. I like to buy the pkg for one show each trip, and then eat at the American pavillion during another showing..you can't see much that way, but you can hear very well.

 

[indimom3]

My kids were barely 2, 3, and 5 when we went last Christmas. There was definitely enough music to keep them entertained. They loved seeing the herald trumpets and the costumes. They were familar with a lot of the songs and sang along sometimes. We do take them to church about once or twice a month, so they have some practice sitting still.
We also allowed them to share a bag of cookies, lol, because it's WDW.

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the CP and would never dream of going to Disney at Christmas and not seeing it. It was my absolute favorite thing in our December trip last year.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

Not sure why so many people say that CP is not for young children. The CP audience always has MANY young children and I've never heard any of them become over rowdy or seen people having to take them out. My kids have seen this a number of times since they were very young and they have always enjoyed it.