What is the Candlelight Processional?
A Disney tradition now in its 36th year (2006), the Candlelight Processional is a moving presentation of the Christmas story in readings by a celebrity narrator and music by a Mass choir and 50-piece orchestra.
Where and when does it take place?
This event takes place in the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase in Epcot. It is an outdoor (uncovered, not climate controlled) setting and is not cancelled due to inclement weather. It is recommended you dress accordingly.
It begins November 24 and runs every evening until December 30. Shows are approximately 40 minutes. Each evening there are three shows -- 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m.
Is there a charge to see the Candlelight Processional?
No, it is included in your admission to Epcot. There is, however, a dinner package available for purchase that includes a ticket to Reserved Seating for the Candlelight Processional.
Seating without the dinner package is on a first come, first serve basis for each show. Folks line up 45 minutes (longer as you are closer to Christmas) before show time. 15 minutes prior to the show, seating is then opened up to those on line. Also, keep in mind if you wait in line for the 2nd or 3rd show of the night, that you will be hearing the show before yours as it is performed.
You can always stroll by the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase to listen to the music and wonders of Christmas.
If you wish to purchase the dinner package (explained below) with reserved seating, there is a charge.
What does the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package include?
The package includes dinner at select Epcot restaurants and reserved general seating at the America Gardens Theatre. Package NOT available December 4 at 5:00 p.m.
For 2005:
Tier 1
Adults - $30.99 / Child (3-9) - $12.99 (plus tax)
The Garden Grill Restaurant - The Land
Biergarten - Germany
Tier 2
Adults - $38.99 / Child (3-9) - $12.99 (plus tax)
San Angel Inn - Mexico
Restaurant Marrakesh - Morocco
Nine Dragons - China
Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room - United Kingdom
Tier 3
Adults - $45.99 / Child (3-91) - $12.99 (plus tax)
Chefs de France - France
Coral Reef - Living Seas
LOriginale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante - Italy
Le Cellier Steakhouse - Canada
Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki Dining Room - Japan
Notes:
Gratuity is included.
Prices do NOT include 6.5% tax.
Dinner packages do NOT include park admission.
Narrators subject to change without notice.
Packages contain dinner vouchers that must be presented at the restaurant prior to seating.
Please arrive at least 30 minutes early to obtain packages at Candlelight Dinner Package Pick Up at the Main Entrance.
Candlelight Dinner Packages not available on December 4, 2005 for the 5:00 p.m. show.
Dinner packages do not include lobster entrées.
Dinner packages do not include Park admission.
Non-alcoholic beverage is included.
How do I book the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package?
Tickets for the 2005 Candlelight Processional dinners can be purchased as of August 15, 2005. Call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463) to make reservations.
Do I still need an ADR?
YES! When you call to order your dinner package tickets, you will be asked to select a restaurant and an ADR time.
According to WDW Dine: For the 5:00 p.m. show, you should make your dinner pririty seatings for 7:00 p.m. or later; For the 6:45 p.m. show, you should make dinner priority seatings for 4:45 p.m. or 8:45 p.m.; For the 8:15 p.m. show, you should make dinner priority seatings no later than 6:15 p.m.
Be sure to allow sufficient time to dine and get to the back of World Showcase. I recall having a 5:30 p.m. priority seating at Le Cellier for the 8:15 p.m. show. For whatever reason, we weren't seated at Le Cellier until 6:00 p.m. and at 8:05 p.m. had to run (just about) to the American Gardens Theatre to catch the show. The "reserved" seating area had already been opened up to non-package guests.
Do I have a reserved seat?
Not exactly. There is a reserved section for those with the dinner package. The reserved section is front and center, behind any VIP seating. Within the reserved section, seating is on a first come, first serve basis, so if you want your choice of seats, you should arrive 30-45 minutes early. 15 minutes prior to the show beginning, available seating is opened up to folks without dinner package tickets.
