[karliebug]

What happens, exactly? I understand that you can get a "dinner package" for reserved seating. Is it worth it to do that? And do the restaurants at holiday time have special menus?

[iluvwdw]

The Candlelight Processional is a WONDERFUL presentation of the Christmas Story. Here is an official description from All Ears. Note dates and times were from 2006...those dates and times will probably change for 2007. Also note that you CAN use the Dining Plan for CP!

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.


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.

[karliebug]

Wow, thanks for the info. It sounds like my girls and I would enjoy that. Now to pick a restaurant. I think we may do coral reef as it has been getting better reviews lately.

[Tinkerbelle67]

We loved the Candlelight Processional, but just know that even with the reserved seating you want to arrive early to make sure you get a good seat. We did the 5:00 show and while it was beautiful, I would have preferred a later one to get the full effect of the lighting.

[Franco54]

One of the best things Disney
has to offer! A very nice evening.

[iluvwdw]

Originally Posted by Tinkerbelle67

We loved the Candlelight Processional, but just know that even with the reserved seating you want to arrive early to make sure you get a good seat. We did the 5:00 show and while it was beautiful, I would have preferred a later one to get the full effect of the lighting.

I totally agree..I'd go with the later show. It is just incredible!

[timsha]

This is a must for us, if we are there at the holiday time. Very beautifully done, the music is fantastic. If you do do the package, still get there early to get a good seat.

[smee57]

It was worth every dollar we spent for the dinner package!! It was beautiful and made my Christmas Day complete. Prior to the performance DS asked if it was going to be like church and when I said yes he rolled his eyes. After the performance he said "I loved that!"

[lovemysons]

Originally Posted by smee57

It was worth every dollar we spent for the dinner package!! It was beautiful and made my Christmas Day complete. Prior to the performance DS asked if it was going to be like church and when I said yes he rolled his eyes. After the performance he said "I loved that!"

Ha, my boys were the same way. They just loved it. It is truly a beautiful performance, it is one of my most favorite things to do at Disney. There are local high school choirs that sing, as well as a choir that is made up of Disney cast members. They are wonderful!

[mickaholic4077]

Don't believe the getting on line 30 to 45 minutes before the show. At that time,the line is so far past Japan that you will get seats in the back of the reserved section if you are lucky. I generally get on line 2 hours before the show so I get the seat I want. I can do this because I don't have to see everything that particular day. I just get out my book and I'm happy reading and people-watching.

[KarenT]

I agree even with the package , get there early. When we were there in early December, even the reserved section line was pretty long 45 min- 1 hour before the performance!
But it was well worth it!
Wish they had a video of it, my parents loved it, I bought them the CD, but a DVD would be nice!

[Cynsayshi]

I agree with all of the above. We went in 2004, for my first trip to Disney World. It was supposed to be an evening for just DH and me to celebrate my 40th birthday, with our son, then not quite 2, at the resort with a babysitter. Long story short, DS ended up coming along anyway. We had reservations for the 5 PM show, with 7:45 dinner reservations at Rose & Crown. The Processional was beautiful, and we hung around and listened to the first part of the next performance while sipping cider at the American Pavilion.
I also highly recommend getting a later show reservation. It was still light out for the first part of the 5 PM performance, which lessened the visual impact, although the music and story-telling were still wonderful.