Where is the Epcot Tree Lighting?

[paigevz]

We have the Candlelight Processional dinner package for Christmas Eve for the 6:45 show and late dinner (8:10) at garden grill. My question is about the tree lighting at 6:00. I've been reading and seem to understand we should be in line for the processional by 6:20 at the latest, or we may not get in the reserved section, which probably means no seat since it's Christmas Eve. So, I wondered where the tree lighting is, and if you think we could make it from wherever to the America Gardens theater in time? I also wondered if the Friendships are any faster than walking? We will need to hurry afterwards to our dinner, too, as it's way across the park. We'll have our sons, but the little one will be in a stroller, so we can move fast..........(older son can probably move faster than us!)

 

[KathyTX]

The Epcot tree is directly across the lagoon from America Gardens, so you'll need to go halfway around the water. I don't think the Friendships will save you any time. They move pretty slow.

Great for when your feet are tired but you have plenty of time, not so great when you're in a hurry to get across the World Showcase Lagoon.

 

[lovethattink]

Depending on how long the line is for the show, you might be able to catch the lighting ceremony (minus the sounds) from across the lake. We did last year. Although, the tree looks pretty small from across the lake.

 

[WDSearcher]

If you want to be at the Christmas Tree (at Showcase Plaza, right where Future World meets World Showcase) to see the tree lighting and then make it to America Gardens by 6:25pm on Christmas Eve, you will not make it. Period. You could be a world-class sprinter, and you wouldn't make it, simply because of the crowds. It's tough to run from one side of the park to the other when there's no "path" to run on! The park will be packed on Christmas Eve, and your best bet is to get in line for Candlelight when you're supposed to, see the show, have your dinner, and then see the tree and surrounding area on your way out of the park.

As for the Friendships, they can be a trifle faster, but you're counting on being able to get on the first boat that leaves after the tree lighting. The lines for the Friendships will be enormous as well. Best to skip the tree lighting and get your seats for Candlelight.

 

[paigevz]

I think I was trying to do everything.........and it seems that just can't be done! We have decided on a schedule that will let us see the storytellers before America, then a light midafternoon dinner, then we'll just see the tree light up across the lake as suggested, and then do our Candlelight. Afterwards, we have to get all the way to Garden Grill...................and my kids can see the characters there, but do you think we'll make it out of 6:45 processional to 8:10 Garden Grill seating, or should I try calling to change?

 

[Serenity]

My family had this same debate a few weeks back. We tried finding a time for CP, dinner and Tree Lighting ceremony - but it just didn't work. Since they only give out certain times with the dinner package that you can eat for certain shows - there is no way to fit all three things in on the same day. We have decided to Hop over to Epcot on another day just do see the Tree Lighting Ceremony as many people here have said how great it is.

Paigevz,
You said you have decided on a schedule that will let you see the storytellers - do you have a time schedule for each of them so that you were able to plan this? If so, would you please share or let me know where you found it? I would really love to have this info to try to plan our Epcot day and a half.

Thanks

 

[paigevz]

Well, it is last year's schedule anyway, so I hope "if it ain't broke don't fix it" and it will be the same.

I am on a work computer and it won't let me go to the page to link it, but if you go to the thread titled "Holiday Storytellers" currently on page 3 in this category, about 11 posts down mickeysaver answered with a link entitled "Check our Steve Soares Site for the schedule for last year" and that link pops up a page with the times schedule from last year for all the storytellers!

I worked up a pretty good schedule by using my "Unofficial Guide" (Sehlinger) and these times. We are heading first to Canada for Papa Noel at rope drop, and then over to Mexico and around to American Adventure, with time worked in for El Rio and Maelstrom..........and then to be able to see Santa in American Adventure at 3:30 and then eat there and see the presentation, and have cookies and hot chocolate in the life-size gingerbread house and watch the tree across the water light up before our Candlelight Processional.

I figure if there are minor changes, the plan will still work, but we'll just have to wait and see! I was very excited to see the link, too, as I have been wondering how to work it.

 

[Serenity]

Thanks so much - that is a GREAT help!!!

Now on to find that link and sit down for some serious planning.