Pictures #5--Marrakesh, Candlelight Processional, Illuminations (Raise your volume)

[Dan Murphy]

<b><embed src=http://www.dmurphydis.com/music/Handel_Messiah_HallelujahChorus.mid loop=2 hidden=true autostart=TRUE height=0 width=0>
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<p><b>How's for a dinner at Marrakesh Restaurant in Morocco, followed by a
Candlelight Processional with John Tesh as narrator, and an evening close with
Illuminations?  Let's take a look.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5566.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
</b><p><b>After leaving ILUVDXL (Kathy) and her husband, after an all too brief
visit, CarolA (Carol), helenabear (Elaine) and mnbrowns (Leslie) and I went over to
Marrakesh Restaurant in Morocco for dinner.  This dancer was excellent and
danced twice while we were there.  She invited the kids up onto the dance
floor and was teaching them the art of Arabic dancing.  It was great fun
and smiles watching the kids act out the movements of hand and body, very cute.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5567.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
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<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5568.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
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<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5570.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b><p><b>The kids were great!!!  Everyone enjoyed the meal and our server
(name slips me) was very good, with a great sense of dry humor, rather unique
and enjoyable.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5571.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b><p><b>After dinner, we all went out to get over to the American Gardens
Theater for the evening performance of The Candlelight Processional.  While
waiting in line, my camera got itchy, LOL.  Here, Spaceship Earth and the
Christmas tree, reflecting in World Showcase Lagoon, the Shinto shrine gate
framing on the left.  We also met up with CrazyBoutDisney (Beth) and her
hubby, DaveH (Dave).</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5577.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
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<p><b>Zoomed in a bit for a closer look.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5578.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b><p><b>The Mitsukoshi Department Store and Teppanyaki Restaurant, across from
the line we were waiting in.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5584.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b><p><b>The Japanese gardens are always so interesting.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5585.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
</b><p><b>After we entered the American Gardens Theater, I looked back and took
this picture of the American Adventure with the very pretty tree in the front
courtyard..</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5588.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b><p><b>The crowd, gathering for the evening performance.</b>
<p><b><img alt="Messiah" src="http://morning-glow.com/holidays/xmas/messiah.jpg" width="146" height="170"></b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5592.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b><p><b>I have seen The Candlelight Processional many times over the past four
years and it is always one of the most moving performances Disney has to offer,
regardless the season, ask anyone who has been to one.  Just a brief recap
on it, for those unfamiliar with it, from a few excerpts from Deb's site, <a href="http://www.wdwig.com">www.wdwig.com</a>...</b><p><font size="2" face="Verdana"><i><b>The
Candlelight Processional and Massed Choir Program began in 1958 at Disneyland in
California. Thirteen years later, in 1971, Walt Disney World presented it's
first Candlelight Processional in the Magic Kingdom with Rock Hudson as
narrator. In 1994, the event was moved to the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot
where thousands of guests continue to share in each of the 95 performances that
are presented throughout the holiday season.</b></i></font><p><font size="2" face="Verdana"><i><b>Each
evening, nearly 400 performers fill the stage to create this mainstay of
Disney's holiday festivities. Our orchestra consists of 51 professional
musicians from the central Florida area. The choir is comprised of Walt Disney
World cast member volunteers, along with high school and community groups from
over 30 states. During the six weeks of the Candlelight Processional
performances, over 16,000 amateur vocalists will volunteer to participate in
this massed choir program.</b></i></font><p><font size="2" face="Verdana"><i><b>The
singers in red and black (the base of the tree) are the nationally acclaimed
Voices of Liberty a cappella ensemble, a part of our Epcot family since Opening
Day 1982.</b></i></font><p><font size="2" face="Verdana"><i><b>True to the
Disneyland tradition, the centerpiece of the cast is a guest celebrity who
narrates the story of the Nativity. Guest narrators over the years have included
acclaimed actors, astronauts, vocalists, news commentators and sports
celebrities.</b></i></font>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5594.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
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<p><b>The orchestra plays several opening songs.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5601.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
</b><p><b>Leslie, enjoying the performance.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5602.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
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<p><b>As is Beth and her DIS-Con buddy, newmousecateer (Marilyn)</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5603.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
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<p><b>Dave has his video camera all set for the performance, I bet it came out
great.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5607.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
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<p><b>The six trumpeters on the sides start the show.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5608.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b><p><b>The lights are dimmed, and it is truly candlelight.  John Tesh
begins the Christmas Story.  It is so very comforting to see such a public
display, in such a public place as Disney World, of one of the truly remarkable
religious stories of all time.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5611.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b><p><b>It also is nice to frequently see the inclusivity of Disney.  For
some reason, I am always drawn to those with handicaps who are mainstream at
Disney.  These two fellows were in wheelchairs, helped by the young lady
between them.  Don't know why, I think I spent 20% of the time watching
them, sometimes with a tear in my eye. <img alt="Blush" src="http://www.magictrips.com/forums/images/smilies/blush.gif" border="0" width="15" height="15"></b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5614.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b><p><b>Here is a shot of just about all the performers.  On each side
are about 100 school kids (about 200 total per show), 50 musicians in front,
music director with back to us, the Voices of Liberty in black (guys) and red
(ladies) (both hard to see), forming tree base, John Tesh, in black suit, at
podium, the CM singers (about 70 per show) in green triangle forming the
tree.  The school kids and most of the CM's are different for every show,
truly monumental.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5615.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
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<p><b>A few very similar, though slightly different views. (just moving a bit to
the right each time)</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5616.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
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<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5617.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
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<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5620.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
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<p><b>Again, I was drawn to this blind CM, don't know why, just was.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5622.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
</b><p><b>And if you are lucky enough to be at one of the several CP's that are
signed each week, prepare yourself for a treat (even if you hear fine). 
Not sure of her name (Talking Hands here on the DIS knows her) but she is always
the same one and so unbelievably expressive.  One of Lady M's best memories
of our trip back in '99 was the signed performance we saw then.  It is
great.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5626.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
</b><p><b>The conductor turns around to 'conduct' the audience during the always
inspirational <i>Handel's, MESSIAH Hallelujah Chorus.  </i>And with
tradition, we ALL rose to our feet and sang along.  (gets me here, looking
at these and typing this out, LOL <img alt="Blush" src="http://www.magictrips.com/forums/images/smilies/blush.gif" border="0" width="15" height="15">)</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5628.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
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<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5630.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
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<p><b>Stunning!!!!</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5633.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
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<p><b>Beth and 'Marilyn', singing their hearts out.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5634.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
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<p><b>Carol and Leslie, just after the song.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5635.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
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<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5636.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
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<p><b>The signing lady again.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5640.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b><p><b>A close-up of the Voices of Liberty, The CM choir and John Tesh.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5641.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
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<p><b>And of the students again.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5643.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
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<p><b>The show is just about over.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5644.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b><p><b>And John applauds the audience.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5651.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
</b><p><b>And afterward, makes a warm, very warm greeting and wish of the Lord
to all mankind.  Whew, not many dry eyes in the audience after that 30
minute performance.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5652.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b><p><b>Beth says Leslie did it, Carol says, DUH, Leslie does not care, LOL!!!!</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5654.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b><p><b>Wow, that was draining!!!  Now, how about a 15 minute <i>Illuminations:
Reflections of Earth</i> to continue the emotions??  (Sans dialog)</b>
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<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5704.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b><p><b>Well, folks, I am worn out after Candlelight Processional and
Illuminations, two of the best Disney has to offer.  As we got ready to
head back to the resort, a final look of the evening at the greatest!!!!</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5706.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
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<p><b>We walk past Morocco, memories of a great meal several hours earlier.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5707.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b><p><b>On over to the Friendship dock for a relaxing cruise back 'home'.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5708.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">

</b><p><b>About 30 minutes later, 'home'.</b><p><b>Next up will be a daytime
visit to Epcot, dinner at Chef Mickey's and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party,
both with lots of DIS'ers.</b>
<div align="left">
<table border="1" width="60%">
<tr>
<td width="20%"><font face="verdana,arial,helvetica" size="1"><a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?amp;threadid=302927"><b>#1--Arrive
at WDW and an evening at Epcot</b></a></font></td>
<td width="20%"><font face="verdana,arial,helvetica" size="1"><a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?amp;threadid=307459"><b>#2--A
Day at Magic Kingdom with some Dis'ers</b></a></font></td>
<td width="20%"><b> <a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=308343"><font face="Verdana" size="1">#3--An
evening at Epcot with more DIS'ers</font></a></b></td>
<td width="20%"><font face="Verdana" size="1"><a href="http://disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=310322"><b>#4--A
day in the sunshine for a holiday resort tour</b></a></font></td>
<td width="20%"><font face="Verdana" size="1"><a href="http://disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=311333"><b>#5--Marrakesh,
Candlelight Processional, Illuminations</b></a></font></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="20%"><font face="Verdana" size="1"><a href="http://disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=319417"><b>#6--Epcot's
World Showcase, Hidden Treasures tour</b></a></font></td>
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[wdw4us]

Beautiful as usual. Thanks Dan....I see the Dolphin on your last shot. Will be there with just the hub in 2 months for a long weekend.



Thanks for the memories

denise

 

[lisajl]

Oh boy Dan, you wear me out!

I just realized how much my family and I missed when we were there in Dec. Guess I need to start planning the next one!

Thanks for the post...the photos are amazing!

Lisajl

 

[helenabear]

Thanks Dan for wonderful pictures and wonderful memories. That was a fun night!

 

[olena]

Wonderful....

 

[EROS]

Thank you........

 

[Marla Hellwig]

Thanks Dan

 

[Sandy51]

Dan, it's kind of hard to see the pictures while standing-LOL! I recognized several of the Voices of Liberty singers. They are one of my favorite shows at Epcot and I have seen them many times. BTW, when we were at Epcot in late March, they were doing some construction outside of the American Adventure. What became of that? I don't think I've seen it mentioned.

As always, absolutely stunning pics!

Sandy

 

[Debi]

As always, Dan, wonderful photos. Thanks for posting.

 

[nativetxn]

Wonderful photos, Dan, thanks

 

[#1 Disney Fan]

Thanks Dan. Looked like such a nice evening. And Illuminations pictures are always some of my very favorites.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Very beautiful again! Can't wait to be there soon, again thanks for all of your time and effort!

 

[Dream]

Gorgeous as always Dan! Ahhh....CP and Illuminations are two of my most favorite things about the World! No matter how many times you see them, it's always wonderful. Thanks for the memories!!

 

[Towncrier]

Stunning photos Dan. Absolutely stunning. Thanks so much for capturing the essence of both the Candlelight Processional and IllumiNations. I only had the opportunity to see CP once during my most recent visit to WDW, and it was in the pouring rain. And I wouldn't have traded one minute of that soggy experience for the world. I so wanted to join that chorus and was thrilled when the audience was prompted to sing along near the end of the performance. Perhaps someday Sue and I will retire to Florida and I will be able to volunteer to be a member of the CP choir. How's that for a goal?

Thanks for the memories.

 

[Krisu]

I raised my volume too much Pics were beautiful Dan!

 

[DixieDreamer]

Really beautiful Dan! Thank you so much for the great posts. I especially liked the illuminations pics... those are some of the best fireworks pictures I have seen... hard to capture that - but you succeeded!

Looking forward to your upcoming posts.

 

[KimRaye]

Gorgeous, breathtaking and beautiful!

Thanks again Dan!

You have really mastered the night-time, camera settings! They are sooooo 'THERE'!!

My CP pics are sooo bad and, these have definately filled that void since, we had John Tesh and sooo many others of the same people in the choir when we went! I know what you mean about watching the signer, she is Fantastic!

Looking forward to more... sorry to tell you!

 

[yepod]

Very nice, Dan! Thanks again for sharing!

 

[CRB#33]

I'm so teary! It's so nice to view your picture threads with music and to see all the pictures!

Thank you SO MUCH!!!!

Just stunning.

 

[Credit Man]

Just beautiful. Dan! Thanks for posting.