Candlelight Processional at EPCOT

[Nan P]

Didn't see anything posted here regarding the Candlelight Processional, so thought I'd just add this. The Candlelight Dinner packages are also now available online. We go every year either with or without the dinner package. Always enjoy this program.

 

[FtW Mike]

Thanks for posting this. No announced narrator yet for us but I do not see Gary Sinese listed so I have hope

 

[Heidi Lou]

I am dying over here...don't care to see Meredith Vieira but our dates that sandwich her are TBA!!!! TBA when, Disney??? ya killin' me!

 

[peg110]

Is the Candlelight Processional worth it? My DW wants to know. We've never done it so I am not sure exactly what it is.

 

[FtW Mike]

Is the Candlelight Processional worth it? My DW wants to know. We've never done it so I am not sure exactly what it is.

Paul simple answer to your questions IMHO is hell yes definetely worth it!!! The narrator can make a world of difference so check on who is slated and adjust your plans accordingly if you can.
As to what it is well simple explanation is it is basically a reading of the birth of Christ from the book of Mathew. Local school choirs perform at various times songs and backround that add to the experience. When we attended a few years ago we were lucky enough to Have Gary "Lt Dan" Sinese as narrator and are hoping he will be there Christmas eve this year

 

[bjschil]

We went last year, and it was a beautiful narrative of the Christmas Story. Money well spent. Enjoy.

 

[friendofeeyore]

It is well worth the money. I agree the narrator can make a difference of the reading the birth of Jesus. The choirs sounded like angels from heaven. I hope one day we can be there again at Christmas to see the performance again. We were 1st in line & had a great seat.

 

[peg110]

We are going to be there (again) in November/December. During that trip it seems that the following will be narrating:

• 11/25 - 11/27 - Steven Curtis Chapman
• 11/28 - 12/01 - Neil Patrick Harris
• 12/02 - 12/03 - Whoopi Goldberg

I have never heard of Steven Curtis Chapman, but apparently he is a Christian Singer/Songwriter.
I know who Neil Patrick Harris and Whoopi Goldberg are.

I like Whoopi Goldberg in her movies, but that's about where it ends. The more I see her in her TV Talk Show and her views on things (politics and otherwise) I am not a big fan of hers. Like I said, I don't know Steven Curtis Chapman, so I can't say either way. I don't have an issue with Neil Patrick Harris. Still remember him as Doogie Howser.

It sounds interesting. Something I think I would like. have to consider this for our Nov/Dec trip.

 

[Nan P]

We have experienced the Candlelight Processional about 9 times. Had many different narrators; some we knew and were excited to hear, others were not so well known to us. Bottom line is when you hear the "story" and the music (full orchestra, the disney choir, and school choirs), it really does not matter who is doing the reading. We leave the theatre feeling all warm, a little teary eyed and very much in the Christmas spirit. We also think the CandleLight dinner package is worth it. Dinner including appetizer, entree, desert and beverage, .... and a guaranteed seat for the performance. We did stand by once (no dinner package), and ended up in the last two rows after waiting in line almost 2 hours. This year we will be there Dec 4 to 11, so not sure who we will get, since those dates are TBA, but I've got ADR for the dinner package, so whoever is there on my night, is who we will see.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Is the Candlelight Processional worth it? My DW wants to know. We've never done it so I am not sure exactly what it is.

1) The event IS WORTH VIEWING.
. . . a dinner package is good, because it saves you time waiting in the Stand-By line (up to 1½ hours)
. . . it does guarantee a seat in a special section, although individual seats are not reserved
2) The presentation is WONDERFUL.
3) We won't go this year, as we are not impressed by the speakers . . . at all.
4) As far as the event . . .
. . . this is a telling of the Christmas Story
. . . a speaker and a LARGE chorus
. . . it is not just a presentation of "carols", as it includes Biblical readings
. . . it is religious and emotionally moving

 

[GrumpyFamilyof5]

I'm really wanting to go to this, this year... just wish they would say who will be there Dec. 9th *sigh... that may be the only time we can go..

 

[anpeck]

We'll be there from 11/24-12/1, myself, DH and DS2. Is this something that you'd consider taking a 2yo to? He's just turning 2 in September. I'm afraid he'll get bored and turn into a squirmy worm and I definitely don't want to take the chance of ruining it for others. How long is it?

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I'm afraid he'll get bored and turn into a squirmy worm

1) This is a tough one to call.
2) There should be enough spectacle, with lights and singing, to keep most youngin's awake.

 

[peg110]

1) This is a tough one to call.
2) There should be enough spectacle, with lights and singing, to keep most youngin's awake.

This was exactly my thought too. OF course every child is different, but I suspect the music could help to "sooth" him and keep him calm, particularly if there is a show.

When I was MUCH younger (about 10), my parents had tickets to an orchestra. It just so happened that the show was on my birthday. It wasn't a birthday present for me, but it might as well have been, because I loved the show even though it was mostly classical music. My thought is, is if your little guy may not care for the style of music if it were played on the radio or on a CD, he may have a very different reaction to a live performance of the same music. Of course you know your child best.

 

[peg110]

So we will be doing the Candlelight Processional on the day after Thanksgiving. We have "Breakfast" reservations which will entitle us to seats at the 5 PM show. Kind of excited and kind of nervous. DW can get so emotional (usually to the sad side) at Church or even religious services/ceremonies. She always reflects on her lost loved ones because so many of them were very religious and those things usually remind her of them. She is going to give it a go though.

 

[Nan P]

Peg110, Your wife will have plenty of company in the emotional arena. Lots of people quietly dabbing their eyes during the songs and readings. I always let go when the Orchestra Conductor (Maestro) turns and faces the audience during "Silent Night" and then conducts the audience in singing that song. Been doing that for many years, and it gets me every time.

 

[peg110]

I love Silent Night. It just brings back so many childhood memories of the candlelight services we used to go to in my youth. I get a little choked up too. It's tough to be a "Big Tough Guy" who is sensitive too. I will try to remain composed though.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I suspect the music could help to "sooth" him and keep him calm, particularly if there is a show.

1) There is no "show".
2) But a parent's alternative does exist . . . a magical secret called Benadryl

 

[peg110]

1) There is no "show".

I disagree. Even though I haven't seen, the entire performance is a "Show", but your point is well taken.

 

[GrumpyFamilyof5]

so it looks like we'll be able to make it down there the weekend of the 16th instead of the 9th, but still not showing who will be there... will these dates be filled eventually?? if not what do they do, not do it?? Would be so disappointed if they won't be doing it when we go...