Newbie questions ... HS light show and EPCOT Candlelight Processional

[huntwoof]

Our family has been to Disney many times but never in December. I've read some about these two events and they sound fantastic. Can someone give me a general idea of what to expect? I don't plan to get any seating but can I hear the candlelight processional music standing near the American Pavilion? Can we view the HS lights if we are just in the park at night? Is there extra fee we have to pay? How long does each event last?

Sorry for being vague but we just booked our trip and I'm just starting the planning process this weekend. I'm sure my wife will love being in EPCOT but my boys will love the lights in HS. Thanks in advance.

 

[poohs_hunny]

I have been to Disney the past two Thanksgivings and we did the Candlelight Processional and the Osborne Lights both times. They are both awesome! The CP is more adult friendly and young kids may get restless. I would recommend getting seating if you want to see the whole thing (it lasts about an hour if I remember correctly). There is no extra charge, but people start lining up crazy early, especially with the more popular celebrity narrators. We booked a dining package both years which gets you into a reserved seating section so you don't have to line up nearly as early. As for the Osborne Lights, there is no charge again. CMs will be directing crowds to the entrance to the lighted area. There is only one way in/one way out to help with traffic flow. You can stay as long as you'd like. Very cool and worth it! Have a great time!

 

[TwoCortWort]

Our family has been to Disney many times but never in December. I've read some about these two events and they sound fantastic. Can someone give me a general idea of what to expect? I don't plan to get any seating but can I hear the candlelight processional music standing near the American Pavilion? Can we view the HS lights if we are just in the park at night? Is there extra fee we have to pay? How long does each event last?

Sorry for being vague but we just booked our trip and I'm just starting the planning process this weekend. I'm sure my wife will love being in EPCOT but my boys will love the lights in HS. Thanks in advance.

HS Question: The lights start at dusk each night during the run. There's a show each time, spectacle of dancing lights. It resets every so often, but it's fun to watch. There's always a hidden cat, I found out last year. So look for that and the Hidden Mickey's. You do need to go down by streets of america to view it, it's not just something around the entire park, it's centered in that area.

Epcot: Candlelight can be viewed from the American Pavillion. It lasts I believe 45 minutes each show. You can get in the standby line and try to get a set.

 

[CynBeth]

For the Osbourne Lights snow falls every so often and they sell holiday goodies such as hot chocolate in a collectible cup and I had a wonderful cupcake a few years ago that was gingerbread with a cream cheese icing and it had a chocolate Mickey on top and and a non edible flashy thing to look like a block of ice. I think there was also an area where Santa Goofy met with people. We have been twice and both times spent a few hours taking in everything.

 

[5DisneyNuts]

I love both of these. The Osborne Lights is just something you stand and view - you can stay as long as you like. I have done the CP dinner package, but my whole family doesn't want to stay for the whole thing, so I usually stand behind the seating area and watch. Not a bad view if you don't mind standing and the music is wonderful - gets me in the holiday mood. Check out youtube for videos of both.

The thing that should not be missed in my opinion, is the Holiday Illuminations. After the regular show, they have a narrator (miss Walter Cronkite) talking about peace on earth, each country flashes while they give holiday wishes in their language, followed by Let There Be Peace On Earth and the most fantastic fireworks display I have ever seen.

Enjoy!

 

[ColoradoDis]

The thing that should not be missed in my opinion, is the Holiday Illuminations. After the regular show, they have a narrator (miss Walter Cronkite) talking about peace on earth, each country flashes while they give holiday wishes in their language, followed by Let There Be Peace On Earth and the most fantastic fireworks display I have ever seen.

Thanks so much for this information about Holiday Illuminations - I hadn't read a description of it before. We're going during the second week of December and will be there for the holidays for the first time. I'm so excited.