Xmas show at Epcot advice

[moremiles]

Hi, I'm new here and we are going to be at AK lodge for 3nts right before Xmas and want to see the "Holidays around the World/Candlelight Procession" at Epcot and probably eat dinner in the park before the show. We are a group of 10, adults and teens. Can you recommend a good restaurant and where to go to best see the show/procession? We have been to Epcot before, about 5yrs ago and ate at the Moroccan restaurant but am thinking about the Chefs de France this time if it's convenient. How early would we have to find a place for the show? Thanks for any advice!

 

[PatsMom]

If you're going to eat dinner at Epcot anyway, you should look into a Candlelight Processional Dinner Package. We've done this a couple of times, once at Rose and Crown (which was good) and once at Le Cellier (which was excellent). You pay for your dinner package (price depends on the restaurant) and get seating in a special section. That way you don't have to be as early for the show. The show is wonderful!

 

[lpizzuro123]

These are two different events. For the Holidays around the World - each country has a certain place set up in there area for this show. In each country they tell how they celebrate the holiday season in their country. We did this two years ago, there was a gnome in Norway, a Nutcracker in Germany, the Monkey in China (tells about New Years), a Christmas Witch in Italy and Santas dressed in clothing from their countries in the others (the Santa in Canada had on a black and red checked shirt under his santa outfit. When you enter Epcot, you will be given a schedule of the shows. I believe there are at least 4 to 6 shows per day in each country. The shows only last 10 to 15 minutes and then they stay around for autographs and pictures. We used the picture with Mr. and Mrs Clause from America as our Christmas Card that year. If you time it right, you can move from country to country and catch all the shows.

As far as the Candlelight Processional goes, now in its 35th year (2005), 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. 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 25 and runs every evening until December 30. Shows are approximately 40 minutes. Each evening there are three shows -- 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m.

You can do a dinner package for the Candlelight Processional. The package includes dinner at select Epcot restaurants and reserved general seating at the America Gardens Theatre. Package NOT available December 4 at 5:00 p.m.

For 2005 there are three different levels of pricing for the Candlelight Processional Package:

Tier 1
Adults - $30.99 / Child (3-9) - $12.99 (plus tax)
The Garden Grill Restaurant - The Land
Biergarten - Germany


Tier 2
Adults - $38.99 / Child (3-9) - $12.99 (plus tax)
San Angel Inn - Mexico
Restaurant Marrakesh - Morocco
Nine Dragons - China
Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room - United Kingdom

Tier 3
Adults - $45.99 / Child (3-91) - $12.99 (plus tax)
Chefs de France - France
Coral Reef - Living Seas
L’Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante - Italy
Le Cellier Steakhouse - Canada
Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki Dining Room - Japan

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.

Two years ago we did the Tier 2 Package. We saw the 6:45 show of CP and then had reservations at Rose & Crown Pub for 7:45. It was a beautiful night and we sat outside. We were just finishing dinner and starting desert and coffee when IllumiNations started. We had a wonderful view of IllumiNations.

There is also a 6:00 Tree Lighting at Epcot. The tree is located right as you enter World Showcase from Future World. There is a 15 to 20 minute show before the tree gets lit with all the Disney Characters dressed in their holiday finest.

Enjoy your holidays in WDW.
Linda

 

[moremiles]

Thanks so much! You all are a wealth of information now I just have to figure out what works best for us as a large group. Epcot sounds wonderful at Xmas.

 

[moremiles]

I've got one more question re this show-isn't it free with paid admission to the park? By buying one of these dinner packages, does that get you better seats? Thanks.

 

[lpizzuro123]

Yes, the show is free with admission to Epcot. With the dinner package you wait in a different line from the other guests and you get admitted into the theater before they do. Don't remember but maybe 30 minutes before the show starts. Regular guests are admitted 15 minutes before the show. I know this does not sound like alot of difference but depending on what day of the week you go, who is the guest speaker and what time show you want to attend this can make a big difference. It is definately more crowded the later you go in december. I believe the 2nd and 3rd show are also more crowded. We did the dinner show with my parents (who are in their 70's and my father had just had heart surgury 2 months before). I figured this would mean less confussion, less waiting and more of a guarantee that we would have a good seats. I at least like having one meal reserved each day. We usually just "eat around the world" at the counter service places in Epcot but this way after a day of touring I know we will have some time to sit back and relax. Rose and Crown is also a wonderful place to watch IllumiNations.
Linda

 

[moremiles]

Thanks again and I will definitely book the dinner package!

 

[redbaybound]

Can the Candlelight Package be booked when using the dining plan? We will be there for Christmas with my DD(8) and DS(7) and would like a memorable christmas dinner for them.

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

how does the dinner package work - do you still get to order off the menu or is it a set menu? The MYW dining package can be used to pay for the dinner, right? Thank you!

 

[lpizzuro123]

As of last year, you could order off the menu. It included appetizer, main meal and desert. I believe it also included non alcoholic beverages and coffee and tea. Not sure about the meal plan as we have never used this.
Linda

 

[tinkermell]

Can the Candlelight Package be booked when using the dining plan? We will be there for Christmas with my DD(8) and DS(7) and would like a memorable christmas dinner for them.

Yes, it is included in the dining plan!!!!!! As soon as you know where you want to go, call for your ressies right away! Have a great time!!
PS This will be our first time there too. Can't wait...can't wait!