Candlelight Processional too long/boring for a 4-year-old?

[Veera]

I have just booked a Candlelight Processional lunch package for our family for Christmas Day (5 pm show). Myself and my husband would like to see it, but I am now having second thoughts because our daughter will be only 4 at the time, and I am not sure if she can sit through the Candlelight Processional. She is quite active and if she loses interest in the show, I don't know if she can sit there quietly. We have never seen it so I am not sure how it is: How long does it take? Will there be anything to see on stage (for example actors performing the Christmas story) or is it "only" the choir singing and the narrator speaking? We come from Scandinavia and our daughter doesn't understand English so she wouldn't understand the story. She has been to WDW once before and loved the other shows we went to see (Lion King, Finding Nemo, Flights of Wonder, Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast) but of course those are very different than the Candlelight Processional.

The 5 pm show would be just about the latest time when I think she can sit still, the other shows are just too late (and luckily I was able to get the first one). Is it possible to leave if she gets restless? Maybe we could take seats at the end of the row (not to disturb everyone else in our row if we would have to leave). Is anyone bringing small children there? Or is it just a bad idea, and should I just cancel it?

 

[kayemgi]

You know your kid best. I'd say if you're worried she won't be able to sit still, then you may want to reconsider. It is only the choir singing and the narrator speaking. It's a beautiful show and some parts are very energetic, but I could see how a four-year-old could get bored, especially if she doesn't understand English. You certainly could sit at the end of a row and leave if you needed to though. Perhaps you could bring a coloring book and crayons to keep her occupied in her seat while you and your husband enjoy the show?

 

[jacknsally19]

I brought my 4 year old last year. She generally loves watching shows but I will admit she was pretty antsy during it. It really is just choir and reading so the visuals just won't do the trick. I think if you really want to see it - no one will begrudge you an antsy child- so go for it. Get some caramels or chocolates to occupy her.

I will say though - My husband and I would not do it again and it certainly was not my favorite holiday activity on property. But my in-laws loved it and it was their favorite part of the trip. You can YouTube it if you are undecided.

 

[lanejudy]

DD was 5 when we took her to it. She was used to sitting through a church service by that age and we had told her there would be singing and readings like at church. She did fine, though she sort of half fell asleep on my lap. If your child isn't used to sitting still for a good length of time, you might want to wait until she's older.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[ktlm]

It is like church. When my DD was that age, we did not go, but we stopped and watched a bit as we were walking by. DD did not have much patience for it even that way and was ready to leave after a couple of minutes. It is beautiful, but in our part of the U.S., other than the celebrity narrators the show is not really unique. We have several mega churches that do the living Christmas tree of singers with the Christmas narration- so we have watched some of it while walking by more than once and also have watched some of it on you tube- but have never actually felt the need to go and sit through the whole show. (We weren't there on actual Christmas Day though- I think if we were it would probably be something I would want to do). I think it would be great if you do not have that type of thing in your area, but for a 4 year old that does not speak English, unless she is really into music and will sit and listen to the beautiful sound even with the choir just standing in place, I would think that it probably will not hold her attention. I think it lasts around 45 minutes, but it can go a little longer if your narrator is a slower speaker- I think I've seen videos of it on you tube that range from 43 to about 55 minutes. I would suggest that you pull it up on you tube and watch a little bit to see if you think she will sit through it. It would be a nice thing to do on Christmas Day and you could try to sit on the end of the row, but I'm just not sure if your 4 year old would enjoy it or sit still when she at that point knows all the other things there are to do in WDW and EPCOT.

 

[ConnecticutFlea]

I found it boring and I am in my 60's.

 

[happymommy]

Neither one of my kids would likely ever have sat through it! Honestly I'm not sure I would, but I find church boring (one of the many reasons I don't go any longer).

If your gut is telling you that she may not be interested, you may want to listen to that.

My daughter would likely have fallen asleep! She had in church at that age, LOL.

 

[2009CAN]

I saw it pre-kids and LOVED it. But I also really enjoy attending our weekly church services. I’d keep your reservation and bring either crayons/paper or a device (on mute) to help keep your child entertained. Or maybe you could bring her dinner in with you and she can eat while you guys watch (I believe you said you had a lunch ADR.)

 

[MichiganScott]

You know your kid best.

That being said, if you think your 4 year old will enjoy it, you're wrong

 

[glassslippergirl]

DH and I wrestled with this same decision, and we decided against it this year. We don't think DS4 is ready. Maybe in a few years.

 

[Nancyg56]

You know your child best, The time involved to see this show is a long commitment, depending on the narrator that day. If your child will not be okay trapped in first a line, then a show that lasts over 45 minutes, I would not go.

 

[celina14]

I'm in the same position. We currently have a package booked but I think I'm going to cancel. My kids will be 5 and 2 and while I think my 5 year old daughter would probably like it, there's no way my son will sit through it. The dining packages are expensive so I don't want to waste that money or waste 2 dining credits to have my kids lose it and us have to leave. So I think we will just try and maybe walk by and catch a little part of it while we're in Epcot one night.

 

[Thing 1]

Your child might not love it, but I would go anyway and here is why. I plan our WDW completely on my own and I try to take everyone's wants and needs into consideration but reality is my guys are my first priority and that is fine. I love it all and love watching them enjoy everything. I think I counted that I rode Buzz Lightyear 15 times one year and that was fine. I however love the Candle Light Possession. The last Christmas trip we did DS was 5. Did he love it, nope....but he was just fine and understood that it was my turn to do something I love. He was very used to church so that was helpful but really it is not that hard. A special snack and maybe a new book or other small quite toy (the WS has tons of both snacks and toys) and a child should be ok for the length of the show.