Candlelight Processional

[John's Mom]

I want to try something different on our trip to WDW this December. I know all about the Candlelight Dinner Package. Can anyone tell me what they think about the program itself?

Thanks,
Kathy

 

[RachelTori]

Beautiful and inspiring

 

[paladin]

It is always the highlight of our December trips (we usually go twice).

 

[kandeebunny]

I hope you don't mind if I jump in, but I am curious as well as I would love to treat my mom to this. I know in the past they have done dinner packages for it...does the same standard 90days ahead apply???

Thanks!

 

[danny1649]

Reading of the Christmas Story and songs by a massed choir a must if you are at WDW during holidays.We've been each year since 1992 and had many wonderful guest narrators.Planning on going this year and I asked the question on other board if anyone remembered when dinner packages went on sale.Bob gave me a quick reply,last year went on sale Sept. 2.Planning on going to LeCellier for dinner then 6:45 performance of CP.

 

[4theloveofdisney]

Andy Garcia was the narrator when we saw it. Even my kids (who were 6, 4 and 1 at the time) sat through it. The musicians and choir were awesome! The music intermixed with the story telling was just beautiful. I wouldn't miss it.

 

[faeflora]

One of the most beautiful and deeply moving events that I have ever seen at WDW. Definitely do not miss it. We still discuss this event and are planning on seeing it again in Dec 2006.

 

[RachelTori]

I hope you don't mind if I jump in, but I am curious as well as I would love to treat my mom to this. I know in the past they have done dinner packages for it...does the same standard 90days ahead apply???

Thanks!

No 90 day rule. The packages should be announced late August/early September. Keep watching the Disney website, Disboards, Mousesaver & All Ears. When they're released, pick your date and your restaurant and make that reservation!! (this is a prepaid - your credit card will be charged for the entire amount when you book.)

It is absolutely worth doing - one of the most beautiful evenings we've ever spent, anywhere!

 

[CheriePenguin]

Do you have to book a dinner/show package to see the Candlelight Processional show, or is that just to get a better seat? Does it take place on a stage with bleachers, or where exactly?
I initially didn't think we'd be able to do this with DS(20 mo), but it looks like a number of people have been able to do it with young children.

Thanks for any info anyone can provide!

 

[DebbieB]

Do you have to book a dinner/show package to see the Candlelight Processional show, or is that just to get a better seat? Does it take place on a stage with bleachers, or where exactly?
I initially didn't think we'd be able to do this with DS(20 mo), but it looks like a number of people have been able to do it with young children.

Thanks for any info anyone can provide!

It's an outdoor theater with benches, elevated kind of like bleachers. Those with the dinner package get first choice of the seats. Then close to showtime, the rest of the seats are opened up to standbys. Last year we went in early December and had better seats the night we did standby than the night we had the package. We were on the far left with the package, found out that wasn't so great with the orchestra. We had seats about 3/4 back in the center another night (different speaker) and they were actually better. In early December there usually isn't a problem getting in standby about 30 to 45 minutes before. This year we will probably just do that and get the 20% discount with the DDE by eating dinner separate.

 

[llij]

The Candlelight Processional was the highlight of our trip this past year. We got to see Jim Caviezel (He played Jesus in The Passion of the Christ) and he was so moving. It moved us to tears it was that beautiful. It is definitely a must see!

 

[CheriePenguin]

DebbieB-
Thanks so much for your quick reply and the information! We'll have to try to go to this!

 

[Muushka]

I just wanted to add that this is (thankfully) NOT a politically correct production. No HO HO HO, no Santa, no Sleighride, no Jingle Bells.

Just pure Christmas.

 

[winniedapooh]

Absolutely beautiful.....and my 5 kids sat through it quiet-no fighting-singing with along with the choir! I can't wait to see this again. This is a must do package for us.

 

[jswalker1981]

does anyone know who will be doing the narration this year???

 

[leighmidd]

I believe Gary Sinise and Robbie Benson are there every year. Gary Sinise narrated ours and it was a beautiful experience. I would suggest it to ANYONE who wants a wonderful Disney memory!

 

[dolphindan1]

This is a beautiful show...We went last year for the 1st time and love as did my 2 young boys...they also did not fight...We saw Joshua Morrow a personal favorite of my wife...You would have thought we were at a rock concert the way she was screaming when he came out on stage....I must have took 100 pics for her and filmed it too...We had the dinner ressies ate at Norway...I kept the Joshua Morrow thing quiet for 3 months and all day at Epcot....While we were in line i kept everyone quite even a cast member who started talking about the show....My wife finally found a program about 30 minutes before the show and saw who it was...anyway we stood in line for an hour in the package line and we were not 1st in line....it was lined up a long way....the stanby line on the other side I think was lined up to the outpost....I dont believe they all got a seat if any....either way you go line up early especially if you want a good seat....1 tip if you are 1st in line sit about 4 rows back from the stage as the speakers and decorations will block your view somewhat...its a must do for a 1st time

 

[CAD3655]

Does anyone know if there are any AP or DVC discounts for the dinner packages?

 

[jswalker1981]

So how long do you need to get to the restaurant to get a seat if you have the package? And how early would I have to purchase the package?

 

[DebbieB]

Does anyone know if there are any AP or DVC discounts for the dinner packages?

No discounts

So how long do you need to get to the restaurant to get a seat if you have the package? And how early would I have to purchase the package?

You will get a reservation time for dinner at the restaurant, either before or after the show. The show is at the American Gardens Theater, you need to get there about 20 or 30 minutes before showtime for good seat selection. If you want to go around Christmas or on a weekend, I would purchase it when they come out. During the week maybe able to get a reservation at the last minute but may not have a good selection of dinner times or restaurants.