We're going beginning of December 2007!!!
I can't think of a better way to spend Christmas Day in WDW than to go the the
Candlelight Procession!!! There's tons of info on this on the All Ears website. This is an event in Epcot. It is absolutely breathtaking..I always cry at the end when they sing the Halleluiah Chorus!!! We had Brian Dennehy last year as our narrator. He was GREAT!!!
This is what's on All Ears:
What is the Candlelight Processional?
A Disney tradition now in its 36th year (2006), the Candlelight Processional is a moving presentation of the Christmas story in readings by a celebrity narrator and music by a Mass choir and 50-piece orchestra.
Where and when does it take place?
This event takes place in the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase in Epcot. It is an outdoor (uncovered, not climate controlled) setting and is not cancelled due to inclement weather. It is recommended you dress accordingly.
It begins November 24 and runs every evening until December 30. Shows are approximately 40 minutes. Each evening there are three shows -- 5:00pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm
Is there a charge to see the Candlelight Processional?
No, it is included in your admission to Epcot. There is, however, a dinner package available for purchase that includes a ticket to Reserved Seating for the Candlelight Processional.
Seating without the dinner package is on a first come, first serve basis for each show. Folks line up 45 minutes (longer as you are closer to Christmas) before show time. 15 minutes prior to the show, seating is then opened up to those on line. Also, keep in mind if you wait in line for the 2nd or 3rd show of the night, that you will be hearing the show before yours as it is performed.
You can always stroll by the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase to listen to the music and wonders of Christmas.
If you wish to purchase the dinner package (explained below) with reserved seating, there is a charge.
What does the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package include?
2006
Dinner Packages began booking August 16. Package is available Nov. 24 - Dec. 30, 2006
IMPORTANT: I called back this morning (8/16) only to be told that the Alfredo's package was completely sold out for Dec 1st and most other dates during our Nov- early Dec trip! All this on the very first day of reservation availability! The cast member said they are extremely limited on package seating at Alfredo's. So, let the readers know not to delay in making (or trying to make) their Candlelight package dinner reservations, or they will be disappointed! Carol Pranis
The package includes dinner at select Epcot restaurants and reserved general seating at the America Gardens Theatre. Package NOT available December 3 at 5:00 p.m. Park admission is not included. No merchandise discount. Magic Your Way Platinum Package is accepted. Magic Your Way Premium and plus dining requires one table service. at any of the restaurants listed below. Restaurant Akershus in Norway is not included in packages.
You must eat PRIOR to your Candlelight show time!
Must guarantee the package with a credit card when booking. Payment is made when you dine at which time yuou will be given your tickets for the general reserved seating.
Package includes a non-alcoholic beverage. Package does NOT include tax, gratuity or lobster entrees.
Tier 1
Lunch Pricing (5:00 pm Show) - Adults - $27.99 / Child (3-9) - $11.99
Dinner Pricing (6:45 pm & 8:15 pm Shows)- Adults - $29.99 / Child (3-9) - $12.99
Biergarten - Germany Pavilion
The Garden Grill Restaurant - The Land
Tier 2
Lunch Pricing (5:00 pm Show)- Adults - $34.99 / Child (3-9) - $11.99
Dinner Pricing (6:45 pm & 8:15 pm Shows) - Adults - $39.99 / Child (3-9) - $12.99
Nine Dragons - China Pavilion
Rose & Crown - United Kingdom Pavilion
Restaurant Marrakesh - Morocco Pavilion
San Angel Inn - Mexico Pavilion
Tier 3
Lunch Pricing (5:00 pm Show) - Adults - $39.99 / Child (3-9) - $11.99
Dinner Pricing (6:45 pm & 8:15 pm Shows)- Adults - $45.99 / Child (3-9) - $12.99
Chefs de France - France Pavilion
Coral Reef - The Living Seas
L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante - Italy Pavilion
Le Cellier Steakhouse - Canada Pavilion
Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki Dining Room - Japan Pavilion
How do I book the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package?
Tickets for the 2005 Candlelight Processional dinners can be purchased as of August 15, 2005. Call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463) to make reservations.
Do I still need an Advance Dining Reservation?
YES! When you call to order your dinner package tickets, you will be asked to select a restaurant and time.
Be sure to allow sufficient time to dine and get to the back of World Showcase. I recall having a 5:30 p.m. priority seating at Le Cellier for the 8:15 p.m. show. For whatever reason, we weren't seated at Le Cellier until 6:00 p.m. and at 8:05 p.m. had to run (just about) to the American Gardens Theatre to catch the show. The "reserved" seating area had already been opened up to non-package guests.
Do I have a reserved seat at the show?
Not exactly. There is a reserved section for those with the dinner package. The reserved section is front and center, behind any VIP seating. Within the reserved section, seating is on a first come, first serve basis, so if you want your choice of seats, you should arrive 30-45 minutes early. 15 minutes prior to the show beginning, available seating is opened up to folks without dinner package tickets.
Where do I enter the theater?
If you stand in World Showcase directly in front of the America Gardens Theatre (facing the theatre), the line to the left side is for persons WITH Candlelight Dinner Tickets. The line to the right side is for first-come available seating. Be sure to check upon arrival so you are in the correct line!
Is Sign Language Interpretation Available?
Lisa Crawford writes (10/14/02): I received an email from Mark Jones, the sign language coordinator at Disney today, informing me that all performances of the Candlelight Processional will have sign language interpretation available. This is a change from last year where it was only available on Tuesday and Friday. Anyone with questions or wanting more information should contact Mark Jones at
mark.jones@disney.com.
Is it worth doing?
If you enjoy the Christmas holidays, I highly recommend the show. I have seen the show the last three years. Last year I purchased the dinner package. The four of us felt it was worth the price; we had a great dinner at Le Cellier.
The first time I saw the show, I stood in line for the first show of the evening. It was still early in the season and a week night, so the crowds were not to bad. I did wait about 30-40 minutes in line.
If you are on a budget, you don't need to purchase the tickets.
If you are already planning to dine at one of the restaurants in the package, take a look at the Menus from around the World and see if the price of a ticket works out better for you.
to the Dis!!
