VWL Lovers & Groupies thread: It all started with a Moose

[Muushka]

I had no idea Stopher, that the choir sang down Main Street to the stage. Hense the word 'Processional'!

One year I want to get to DL to experience it. Thank you for telling us the history.

Just a side note. Back in circa 1994 I got a phone call from WDW concerning the CP. We had just completed our 2nd or so expierence of it. They wanted to know how we felt about it. Well, you can imagine that I went on and on about how wonderful it is and how much we look forward every year to seeing it. They noted my observations and said thank you. Just before I hung up I asked why they called, what was going on? The lady told me that they were considering discontinuing it and were getting feedback before they did that.

Glad I was part of it staying!

PS I have seen people get up and walk out when they realize what kind of a performance it is. I have seen guest speakers brought to tears when they do the readings. As I said, it is not PC. And I love it for that.

 

[Inkmahm]

DH and I did the CP package once several years ago. It was beautiful. We haven't done it since then because you need to line up SO early to get a seat, even with the package. We stood in line forever and then froze to death during the concert. It was the first December we'd been to Disney and I guess we didn't realize just a light jacket might not be enough warmth. What I really didn't like though was having to walk from the American building ALL the way to the front of the park at the end to leave Epcot. It was not relaxing.

But if you have never seen the show before, you should go at least once. Just dress warmly!

p.s. My understanding is the choirs at WDW are also local. It is a wide mix of people and voices but they all come together to sound wonderful.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Happy Birthday BWV Dreamin!!!

Although unlike Epcot, where they do it in the America Gardens Theatre, at DL it is only performed on a single weekend (Sat & Sun nights) due to the extreme disruption it brings about in the days leading up to it through the Monday following when it all gets torn down once again. I know that's part of why they moved it off Main Street all those years ago, but it's only one weekend...and it's tradition. Main Street is the place to have it at DL.

Do you think there's anything to the rumor that they might move the Processional at DL to the Hyperion Theatre? I've never experienced the performance at DL and I think it would be a cool experience on main street but b/c of that location it's also very limited. Since I don't have the emotional ties I think it is a nice idea to move it and hopefully have more performances but I'm sure there would be a mini uproar.

Just a side note. Back in circa 1994 I got a phone call from WDW concerning the CP. We had just completed our 2nd or so expierence of it. They wanted to know how we felt about it. Well, you can imagine that I went on and on about how wonderful it is and how much we look forward every year to seeing it. They noted my observations and said thank you. Just before I hung up I asked why they called, what was going on? The lady told me that they were considering discontinuing it and were getting feedback before they did that.

Glad I was part of it staying!

Thank you Muushka!!

DH and I did the CP package once several years ago. It was beautiful. We haven't done it since then because you need to line up SO early to get a seat, even with the package. We stood in line forever and then froze to death during the concert. It was the first December we'd been to Disney and I guess we didn't realize just a light jacket might not be enough warmth. What I really didn't like though was having to walk from the American building ALL the way to the front of the park at the end to leave Epcot. It was not relaxing.

But if you have never seen the show before, you should go at least once. Just dress warmly!

p.s. My understanding is the choirs at WDW are also local. It is a wide mix of people and voices but they all come together to sound wonderful.

In our 3 experiences we've never lined up way in advance even though many do. A couple of times we've walked up as they have been starting to let people in and I've never been disappointed with the seats. The one other time we probably were in line for 10 minutes before they began letting us in so it's possible to do with out waiting for hours - something we refuse to do if we are "paying" for a seat.

 

[Muushka]

Where is the birthday girl?? We need to plan lunch or dinner!!!

 

[horselover]

Where is the birthday girl?? We need to plan lunch or dinner!!!

She's off having fun without us!! I was all set to have my Lapu Lapu soon too! I guess I'll have to have it without you BWV! Cheers to you for your b-day!

 

[DaveH]

We have done CP many times. We have done the packages many times. Many years ago the packages gave you a 20% discount on most shopping at EPCOT for that day. I have stood in line for a show and listen to the show before ours. We usually do the last show of the evening. We have sat the the seating outside the American Adventure and listened to the show. We do not have to see it every time. Most of the choirs are from Florida, but there are also from other states also. The booklet shows all the choirs for the season. I love watching the folks who sign the CP. They are their own wonderful show. We sometimes try to figure out who is going to faint during the show also. We have not seen a bad speaker yet, but some are much better than others.

 

[DiznyDi]

Happy Birthday BWV Dreamin'
I hope you have had as nice of weather today as we have had in Ohio. What a beautiful day to celebrate!

Thanks Stopher for the history on the CP. Christmastime at Disney just isn't complete without a viewing of the Processional. We very much enjoy this. It's nice to know the background and inspiration behind this Annual musical celebration. And thanks to you Muush for doing your part in keeping it around!

 

[Muushka]

We have done CP many times. We have done the packages many times. Many years ago the packages gave you a 20% discount on most shopping at EPCOT for that day. I have stood in line for a show and listen to the show before ours. We usually do the last show of the evening. We have sat the the seating outside the American Adventure and listened to the show. We do not have to see it every time. Most of the choirs are from Florida, but there are also from other states also. The booklet shows all the choirs for the season. I love watching the folks who sign the CP. They are their own wonderful show. We sometimes try to figure out who is going to faint during the show also. We have not seen a bad speaker yet, but some are much better than others.

I have heard about the 'fainters' but have never seen one go down!

We have a new lens for our camera this year, hoping to get better shots of the trumpeters!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

We sometimes try to figure out who is going to faint during the show also.

One show we saw 3 bite the dust!

 

[stopher1]

One year I want to get to DL to experience it. Thank you for telling us the history.

Glad I was part of it staying!

PS I have seen people get up and walk out when they realize what kind of a performance it is. I have seen guest speakers brought to tears when they do the readings. As I said, it is not PC. And I love it for that.

If you ever can get out to DL in December, do it early - it's usually the first or second weekend of the month. It truly is a magical place to experience it. And no, it definitely is NOT PC - and I love that they still do it. It really is such a nice way to tone down the rest of the schmaltz that gets thrown about at that most wonderful time of the year. CP has always been my favorite part of Christmas at the park.

We haven't done it since then because you need to line up SO early to get a seat, even with the package.

This is exactly why, in the 3 different times I've been in Epcot during December over the years I haven't done it. Each time was a limited stay, and I just didn't want to give up that much time. BUT - it remains an experience that I want, so this year I think I'm going to be willing to do so.

Do you think there's anything to the rumor that they might move the Processional at DL to the Hyperion Theatre? I've never experienced the performance at DL and I think it would be a cool experience on main street but b/c of that location it's also very limited. Since I don't have the emotional ties I think it is a nice idea to move it and hopefully have more performances but I'm sure there would be a mini uproar.

You know, I'm not sure, but I do tend to believe, or at least think, that when there's profit to be made - that motive alone will drive them to make the change. There was quite the uproar when it left MS the first time for Videopolis. I'm sure there will be even more so moving it to DCA! It BELONGS on MS...but... I'm not the decision maker, so my say doesn't really count for much. Personally I like that it's very limited... it keeps 'em coming back, but it also means that it's a high-demand event, and not something that will run so many times it might face half-full seating... or less! THAT would be a bad thing, since Disney is so much about the numbers. Any sniff that something isn't a big draw anymore, and poof! it'd be gone in a blink.

Thanks Stopher for the history on the CP. Christmastime at Disney just isn't complete without a viewing of the Processional. We very much enjoy this. It's nice to know the background and inspiration behind this Annual musical celebration. And thanks to you Muush for doing your part in keeping it around!

My pleasure. I love sharing when I can! It is a wonderful celebration.

 

[eliza61]

happy birthday bwv dreamin!!

 

[Granny]

Happy Birthday BWV Dreamin!

 

[jimmytammy]

When I first read this, I thought you were saying that the Electric Water Pageant had been extended to include Aulani. That would be quite a trip each night!

But you weren't even talking about EWP.

Must have coffee....

Sorry for the confusion...hope you got that cup o Joe

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Wishing I was here......

 

[stopher1]

Happy Birthday BWV Dreamin!

 

[DaveH]

Happy Birthday BWV Dreamin.

 

[blossomz]

It's time for another groupie birthday! Make it a magical one! Heading off for the Wonder tomorrow!

 

[AnnaS]

We will be at the WLVs for the first time 8/7 through the 12th. Can't wait (we'll be at Vero Beach first).

 

[Dizny Dad]

We will be at the WLVs for the first time 8/7 through the 12th. Can't wait (we'll be at Vero Beach first).

What a great way to end a great vacation! VWL will soon be calling to you to return . . . .

 

[Cee]

We're 3 months away from our week at VWL the first week of Nov. I haven't stayed there in sooooooo long and simply cannot wait! It's our first time in a 1BR. We usually do 2BR when we have the whole family(or a THV!) or a studio when it's just 2 of us. I'm looking forward to experiencing something new and different. We LOVE the LODGE!