Candlelight Processional..HUH?

[MelodyMack]

I am reading various threads about this event and am confused (more than usual even).

I understand that their is a beautiful musical performance and then a celebrity will read the nativity. What I don't get is how the dining packages work into this.....

Do you buy a package (basically a dining plan) and THEN go see the performance? Is the point of the package to just guarantee you a seat somewhere for dinner? I guess I don't understand how the dining package and the actual processional work together. Can I see the processional without the dining package? Is the processional free?

Ray?....anyone?.....help?!?!

TIA-
Mel

 

[mjmcca]

It is free but very popular. The dinning packages pretty much guarentee you a seat without a wait of 90 minutes or more to get inot he theater.

 

[Dizz(n)ey]

Basically you are purchasing the dinner package to ensure your seat at the CP...

There are 3 different levels for the package.....

If you do not purchase the dinner package, you have to wait in the stand by line which starts very early in order to get a seat to the CP...
I believe the dinner package seats are in the center as well....I do not believe each seat is reserved, but rather a section....

 

[UrsulasMyHero]

as the people above me have stated, when you do the dining package, you are guarnteed a seat in the American Theatre. If you're in Stand by (which starts even before the on going preformance is going on) you could wait over 2 hours and still not be guarnteed a seat.

it is a beautiful event, the cast memebers enter and fill the tree, all while walking with lighted "Candles" then come the school age children/churches/adult chioirs" to fill in the gold robe sections. It's a very special show. please, if you get the chance do it. Last year tier 3 (the least expensive) seemed to still have availability each night, the Bier Garten isn't very popular for a pre Xmas dinner, maybe?

 

[taxmom04]

I'm beginning to understand what the processional is about, but is the narrator live in person?
Thanks for your help.

 

[danny1649]

We love the guest narrators we had in past.Some that come to mind Cindy Williams,James Earl Jones,James Avery,John Tesh,Gary Sinese and many more.All were wonderful and the Massed Choir is always awesome.

 

[Tink]

Each year, about a month or so before the performances start, they announce the celebrity narrators. Lasy year we saw Kirk Franklin. He was absolutly amazing. We also saw Brain Denehy one year. The narrator really can get into it. The singing is amazing.

We did the Dinner Package at Le Cellier last year. We like to eat there anyway, so we had the added bonus of not waiting in long lines.

During our stay,the narrator changed from Kirk Franklin to Jim Cavizel ( the guy from Passion of the Chrsit) and the lines were forming over three hours before the first show. I heard one of the CM's saying that the dinner packages actually sold out the nightshe was performing.

If you are going to be there, you should try and catch the show. It really is nice.

 

[UrsulasMyHero]

Hey! I was there some of the nights Kirk Franklin was doing the narration. He left a great impression with me because he thanked us all behind the scenes. A really NICE guy. I hope he does it again.

 

[minniemouseuk]

I can't wait for the list of narrators to be announced as I'm hoping to book a dinner package with the narrator in mind (well, assuming there's someone particular I want to see. If not, I'll book for any day!).

It's a wonderful event, not to be missed. We saw it twice in 2003. The narrators were Steven Curtis Chapman and Robbie Benson (voice of the Beast). My Mother and I really enjoyed it, and it tugs at the old heart strings.

We were in tier 2 and dined at the Rose & Crown (which seems very cheesy, given that I'm British!). Hoping to get the Italian restaurant this time around (the name of it has completely slipped out of my head!).

 

[babar41]

DH and I saw the CP in 2002 and are looking forward to seeing it again. This time I am thinking of doing the dinning package so we won't have to stand in line for 2 hours. I know this years prices won't come out till Aug/Sept, but does anyone know how much the 3 tiers cost in past years? And where you could eat at each tier?

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[goofy4tink]

It goes like this...the narrator reads a passage and then the choirs sing a hymn/carol, then another reading, and so on. It basically tells the story of the Nativity, but includes other things. It is incredibly beautiful and moving. Now, with that said...be aware.,,
Even if you buy a CP pkg, you will still be standing in a long line, especially if you go to the later shows. The 8:15 is very popular since it is dark by then. I have done the CP pkg twice now...once at Garden Grill (before the change), and last year at LeCellier. We would eat a full dinner someplace, so it works for us. But, both times I have gotten into the line about 40 minutes before the show time and found myself about 150 people back in the line already. I'm sure there are people in the standby line that do get in, but that is a much longer line, with a really huge wait. Normally what happens is this...for the 8:15 show, they start letting the pkg. people in around 7:45 or so. Then at 8:05, or so, the standby people are allowed in to look for seats. It's almost comical to see those people with the pkg wandering in at 8:10 and saying "but I have a guaranteed seat..I bought the dinner pkg." Of course by then most of the seats are gone.

So, decide how important a good seat is. Most of the seats are a good view. And if you can't get in, and/or you don't want to buy the pkg...I have seen a lot of people just standing outside the theater area and watching/listening. But it is something that I have to do, each time I go during the holiday times.

 

[triplefigs]

What times are the shows each night, and what time do they recommend you get the package/eat? We'd probably need the earlier dinner and then the middle show? What times would those be? And when can you buy the CP Package?

 

[panthergirl]

Candlelight Processional

One of the most beloved and joyous Disney traditions since 1958, the Candlelight Processional enthralls you as a Celebrity Guest* narrates the Christmas story, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a glorious mass choir. Guest choirs travel from as far away as the UK to sing with over 400 performers each evening. The Candlelight Processional takes place in the American Gardens Theatre and is included with Park admission.

Showtimes: 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m. & 8:15pm

2005 Schedule of Narrators:

Rita Moreno Nov 25-27
Phil Donahue Nov 28-30
Haley Joel Osment Dec 1-3
Cicely Tyson Dec 4-6
Jim Caviezel Dec 7-9
Eartha Kitt Dec 10-12
Lou Diamond Phillips Dec 13-15
Harry Hamlin Dec 16-18
Marlee Matlin Dec 19-21
Gary Sinise Dec 22-27
Steven Curtis Chapman Dec 28-30



Candlelight Dinner Packages

The best way to enjoy the Candlelight Processional is with the Dinner Package, which includes preferred seating for the Candlelight Processional and dinner at select Epcot® restaurants.

Dinner Packages‡

Tier 1
Guests Ages 10 & Up: $30.99 / Guests Ages 3-9: $12.99 (Plus Tax)

The Garden Grill Restaurant – The Land
Biergarten Restaurant – Germany
Tier 2
Guests Ages 10 & Up: $38.99 / Guests Ages 3-9: $12.99 (Plus Tax)

San Angel Inn – Mexico
Restaurant Marrakesh – Morocco
Nine Dragons Restaurant – China
Rose & Crown Dining Room – United Kingdom
Tier 3
Guests Ages 10 & Up: $45.99 / Guests Ages 3-9: $12.99 (Plus Tax)

Chefs de France – France
L’Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante – Italy
Le Cellier Steakhouse – Canada
Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki Dining Room – Japan
Coral Reef Restaurant – The Living Seas
Call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463)† to make reservations. Dinner packages go on sale August 15, 2005

 

[pixiedust519]

I didn't think they usually posted the narrators until September or later. Where did you get this information? Thanks!

 

[CheshireVal]

We always get the CP package. We choose the 5pm show, because it's the least crowded, and make dinner reservations for around 6:30 or 7. That gives us time to see the show, then leisurely walk to dinner.

Usually we're in line by 4:15, and we're right up there at the front. When they start letting CP people in the theatre at 4:30ish, we have our pick of the best seats in house.

 

[panthergirl]

I just got lucky when I was checking for park hours on Disney.com. It's posted there under special events.

 

[bizeemom4]

Ohhh. I was so hoping that Gary Sinese would be there over Thanksgiving. Looks like Rita Moreno or Phil Donahue for us.

$31x5 + $13 = alot of money for dinner. This better be good!!!!!!

Thanks for the info!

 

[Simba's Mom]

It is free but very popular. The dinning packages pretty much guarentee you a seat without a wait of 90 minutes or more to get inot he theater.

Actually, getting a seat without the package is sometimes OK without the long wait. It depends on the date (early December is less busy), who's the speaker, how many in your party, and most importantly-LUCK! Last time I saw the CP twice without the package (after seeing it one night with the package, it was so great I went back). I just stood for a few minutes outside, then after the line was let through, I walked in and sat. Plenty of availability for one or two, but not if you're looking for seats for 4 or more. One advantage of going solo-easy to find a seat for one!

Hey, bizeemom4, we have the same choices so we must be there at the same time. I'm going to try to see both of them probably (LOVE the CP)

 

[Rpsemont]

It's almost comical to see those people with the pkg wandering in at 8:10 and saying "but I have a guaranteed seat..I bought the dinner pkg." Of course by then most of the seats are gone.

This was me when we went 3 years ago. I thought is was a total waste to do the dinner package. That being said, we went early December and actually were able to stand and see the whole show two other times we were there that trip. Of course, we don't mind standing so that wasn't a big deal to us. IMO standing at the rear was a better view and better accoustics than sitting down.

We're heading down in December this year and I'm not sure if I'll do the package or not. But even with the package, you should plan to get to the theater 30 minutes early. Also, I think the later shows are much mor impressive than the earlier ones. The candles look better after dark.

 

[goofy4tink]

This was me when we went 3 years ago. I thought is was a total waste to do the dinner package. That being said, we went early December and actually were able to stand and see the whole show two other times we were there that trip. Of course, we don't mind standing so that wasn't a big deal to us. IMO standing at the rear was a better view and better accoustics than sitting down.

We're heading down in December this year and I'm not sure if I'll do the package or not. But even with the package, you should plan to get to the theater 30 minutes early. Also, I think the later shows are much mor impressive than the earlier ones. The candles look better after dark.

Oh man...I'm sorry! I hope I didn't offend you. I shouldn't have poked fun.