Candlelight Processional at EPCOT will happen from late November to December 2024 at Walt Disney World. This covers the conventional narrator lineup, celeb look dates, whether or not the eating package deal is well worth the cash, and our overview of this Christmas-time present. (Up to date September 30, 2024.)
For these unfamiliar with it, Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World is the telling of the Christmas story by a star narrator with music sung by a mass choir and carried out by a 50-piece stay orchestra. It’s one element of the EPCOT Worldwide Competition of the Holidays, which additionally consists of the World Showcase Storytellers and Vacation Kitchen meals cubicles.
Walt Disney World has not but formally introduced 2024 Candlelight Processional dates or particulars. If you wish to be notified when official dates, celeb narrators, or eating packages for 2024 are launched, subscribe to our FREE e mail publication. The excellent news is that we are able to make some predictions with a excessive diploma of certainty…
Candlelight Processional follows a well-known sample yearly–it’s a extremely possible that Candlelight Processional will return November 29, 2024 by means of December 30, 2024 as a part of the EPCOT Worldwide Competition of the Holidays. It virtually at all times runs Black Friday by means of the day earlier than New Yr’s Eve. With that stated, Thanksgiving is sort of a full week “late” in 2024, so maybe Candlelight Processional will begin earlier. We extremely doubt that–it’s by no means occurred previously–but it surely’s doable.
That’s not the one factor it’s doable to foretell about this yr’s occasion, both! The opposite factor we are able to pretty protected forecast is that the lineup of celeb narrators and eating package deal particulars can be one of many final issues launched for Christmas 2024. For every of the previous couple of years, Walt Disney World has revealed virtually the whole lot for the vacation season in June and July. At the moment, they’ve additionally confirmed Candlelight Processional would return.
It hasn’t been till September or October that they’ve lastly launched Candlelight Processional eating package deal particulars and the celeb narrator schedule. It hasn’t at all times been this fashion. It was the case that Walt Disney World would launch a partial record of narrators in late summer time together with eating package deal particulars, after which give one other replace round early fall. That hasn’t been the case for the previous couple of years, although.
We point out this as a result of it turns into a quite common query by late summer time, with followers worrying that Walt Disney World has “forgotten” about Candlelight Processional or one thing of that kind. Whereas it’s doable issues might return to regular for the 2024 Candlelight Processional, we wouldn’t financial institution on it.
Simply letting you already know that now so that you don’t begin worrying when early October 2024 rolls round and Walt Disney World nonetheless hasn’t supplied any concrete particulars. That’s regular. Or a minimum of, it’s not irregular.
This prediction–first made late final yr–has now been vindicated because it’s now late September and we’re getting questions on Candlelight Processional regardless of the above reassurances. For reference, Walt Disney World revealed the complete lineup of narrators final yr on October 5. On that very same date, they introduced that Candlelight Processional Eating Packages would open on October 17.
The explanation for Walt Disney World shifting the Candlelight Processional bulletins later and later are possible three-fold. First, it permits them to disclose the complete record of narrators unexpectedly. Up to now, they trickled out the lineup, usually beginning in June or July. It takes longer to verify all the narrators, therefore the later reveal.
Second and equally, it reduces the probability of final minute cancellations by the narrator ought to a greater provide or obligation come alongside. It’s in all probability no secret that, as a lot as some celebrities get pleasure from narrating Candlelight, it’s not their #1 precedence. With the summer-time bulletins previously, the cancellation charges for narrators had been increased.
Disney at all times caveats the schedule as being “topic to vary,” however that doesn’t cease followers from (understandably) being upset. Personally, I favor the delayed launch method for these two causes–and suppose it’s higher for friends to allow them to make an knowledgeable determination about which date to attend and who to see.
Lastly, there’s the sensible actuality of demand. Candlelight Processional is a time-honored custom and wealthy a part of Walt Disney World historical past, positive. Nevertheless it additionally exists, maybe primarily exists, as a car for promoting the eating packages. That’s massive enterprise for Walt Disney World. These have bought like hotcakes within the final a number of years, that means that Walt Disney World doesn’t want as lengthy of a runway to promote out the eating packages. Walt Disney World might announce the narrator schedule and drop the eating packages in mid-November, and nonetheless promote out.
Fortunately, that a lot of a delay in all probability received’t occur. However with Thanksgiving virtually a full week later than final yr, it’s completely doable that Walt Disney World received’t launch Candlelight Processional information till after Columbus Day. That’s not essentially our prediction–we really don’t know as the discharge is probably going contingent upon Disney squaring away the celeb narrator lineup. Which suggests the information might drop anytime–as quickly as inside minutes of this replace, or as late as Halloween. We’ll hold you posted!
For now, right here’s the whole lot else you must know in regards to the 2024 Candlelight Processional, primarily based totally on previous precedent…
Candlelight Processional performances are held within the America Gardens Theatre throughout from the American Journey in World Showcase. There’s a cause one of the vital fashionable occasions of the Christmas season at Walt Disney World is the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT: it’s a good looking present that many friends discover to be a transferring and non secular expertise.
Calling Candlelight Processional one of the vital fashionable occasions isn’t any exaggeration–lengthy traces plus costly dinner packages have kind of contributed to us being “over” Candlelight Processional. We now have actually loved it previously, but it surely’s one thing that may be a large trouble in the event you don’t have a eating package deal or don’t thoughts watching from outdoors the theater.
Candlelight Processional Superstar Narrator Schedule
Once more, the 2024 Candlelight Processional narrator schedule has not but been launched for any dates from late November by means of the top of December. Even as soon as it’s, it’ll be topic to vary resulting from scheduling conflicts (that occurs once in a while with the celebrities, however is fairly uncommon).
Nevertheless, since many narrators are the identical from yr to yr (and round roughly the identical dates), right here’s final yr’s Candlelight Processional at EPCOT narrator schedule for reference:
- Chrissy Metz (NEW) – November 24 and 25
- Luis Fonsi (NEW) – November 26 and 27
- Ann-Margret (NEW) – November 28
- Ashley Eckstein (NEW) – November 29
- Simu Liu – November 30 and December 1-2
- Bart Millard – November 30 and December 1-2
- John Stamos – December 3 by means of December 5
- Neil Patrick Harris – December 6 by means of December 8
- Marlee Matlin – December 9 by means of December 11
- Brendan Fraser (NEW) – December 12 by means of December 14
- Eva Longoria (NEW) – December 15 and December 16
- Joey McIntyre (NEW) – December 17 and December 18
- Sterling Okay. Brown (NEW) – December 19 and December 20
- Jordan Fisher (NEW) – December 21 by means of December 23
- Steven Curtis Chapman – December 24 by means of December 26
- Audra McDonald (NEW) – December 27 and December 28
- Lisa Ling – December 29 and December 30
Superstar narrators, dates and different leisure are topic to vary or cancellation with out discover.
For what it’s price, final yr was one of the best narrator lineup we’ve seen since we’ve been attending Candlelight Processional EPCOT, roughly 15 years in the past. There was one thing for everybody right here, with big-name newcomers like Eva Longoria, Sterling Okay. Brown, Brendan Fraser, having large fan-followings. Hopefully somebody will get Mr. Fraser his cup of espresso earlier than his efficiency, or be careful! (Sorry, reference to the unsuitable theme park.)
This Candlelight Processional narrator lineup is stacked from prime to backside. No less than half of this record actually appeals to us, and even these with whom we’re unfamiliar have fan followings. Additionally, and I’m not going to call names, but it surely’s good to see just a few narrators who (I feel) overstayed their welcome and had been phoning it in not within the lineup this yr. Contemporary blood could be a good factor.
For the Disney Adults on the market, John Stamos (our favourite narrator) and Neil Patrick Harris are the most important names. For extra mainstream millennials, there’s Joey McIntyre and Jordan Fisher. Really…are these completely different generations? All I do know is that Sarah loves the New Children on the Block and Fortunately Ever After, so she’s greater than just a bit upset to be lacking Candlelight Processional this yr!
Candlelight Processional Eating Packages
Candlelight Processional Eating Packages are actually obtainable. Advance Eating Reservations are extremely advisable and could be made 60 days upfront. Needless to say that is nonetheless topic to the 60+10 rule for on-site friends, that means that every one dates are actually obtainable. Most are bought out.
With that stated, there’s a reported difficulty impacting Candlelight Processional ADR availability. For no matter cause, you won’t see any occasions obtainable by way of the net system…even when there are alternatives. 9 occasions out of 10, that is simply because the whole lot is booked up. However we now have had a number of readers report scoring ADRs when calling regardless of nothing displaying up by way of the My Disney Expertise app or web site. Don’t rely on having related luck, however it’s one thing to remember as a final resort.
Past that, look ahead to extra availability to be launched or in any other case open up. See our Information to Advance Eating Reservations at Walt Disney World for ideas & methods to extend your possibilities of success in scoring a Candlelight Processional Eating Package deal, even within the days and weeks after they’re initially launched!
Select from 8 distinctive eateries at EPCOT providing Candlelight Processional Eating Packages. A meal at taking part eating places consists of:
- At Spice Highway Desk: 2 small plates and one nonalcoholic beverage per individual, plus a tagine and dessert platter in your social gathering to share
- All different taking part eating places: an appetizer, entrée and dessert, or one full buffet/family-style meal, in addition to a nonalcoholic beverage
- One assured seat per individual to the Candlelight Processional held on the identical day
Discover taking part eating places and eating package deal costs, which exclude tax and gratuity:
| Grownup (ages 10 and up) |
Baby (ages 3 to 9) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Akershus Royal Banquet Corridor Norway Pavilion |
$71.00 – Breakfast $83.00 – Lunch/Dinner |
$45.00 – Breakfast $53.00 – Lunch/Dinner |
| Biergarten Restaurant Germany Pavilion |
$65.00 | $37.00 |
| Coral Reef Restaurant The Dwelling Seas |
$78.00 | $32.00 |
| Backyard Grill Restaurant The Land Pavilion |
$63.00 – Breakfast $78.00 – Lunch/Dinner |
$40.00 – Breakfast $50.00 – Lunch/Dinner |
| Le Cellier Steakhouse Canada Pavilion |
$104.00 | $42.00 |
| Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (same-day eating packages solely) American Journey Pavilion |
$41.00 | |
| Rose & Crown Eating Room United Kingdom Pavilion |
$66.00 | $29.00 |
| Spice Highway Desk Morocco Pavilion |
$55.00 | $24.00 |
Should you’re not capable of rating elusive ADRs for Candlelight Processional sit-down eating packages, concern not. You might be able to buy a same-day eating package deal, which lets you:
- Dine with out reservations at Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue that day
- Get pleasure from assured seats to a Candlelight Processional efficiency later that day
To examine availability for same-day eating packages, go to Regal Eagle’s Distinctly Patriotic Smokehouse: A Salute to All Meals, However Principally Barbecued Meats ~ A Sam Eagle Craft Drafts & BBQ Joint. Identical-day Candlelight Processional Eating Packages are topic to availability and will not be obtainable on peak dates.
Final yr, each Regal Eagle and Spice Highway Desk usually had same-day availability. For many dates, it was comparatively straightforward to attain Candlelight Processional viewing by way of these walk-up eating places than by reserving Advance Eating Reservations on the eligible desk service eating places.
The distinction is that there have been solely 5 desk service eating places final yr, and this yr there are 8. That’s nonetheless far fewer than 2019 or prior years, when there have been 16 (!!!) taking part desk service eating places in EPCOT and the Crescent Lake Resorts. Not solely that, however 3 of these 16 eating places supplied breakfast eating packages along with lunch and dinner.
Don’t stress out in the event you’re shut out of ADRs and are “pressured” to do the same-day Candlelight Processional eating packages. Whereas the uncertainty is perhaps disagreeable, the choices are good. We’re followers of Regal Eagle, but it surely’s not our ultimate approach to eat round World Showcase throughout the holidays.
Spice Highway Desk is undoubtedly the way in which to go in the event you’re to do a same-day Candlelight Processional Eating Package deal. Sure, it’s $12 costlier, but it surely gives a minimum of that rather more bang-for-buck, with a menu that’s extra approachable than you may suppose.
We just lately did lunch at Spice Highway Desk and had a incredible meal. Actually, we expect Spice Highway Desk is perhaps EPCOT’s greatest Candlelight Processional Eating Package deal spot. It’s actually one of the vital cost-effective!
On the desk service entrance, we extremely suggest Biergarten Restaurant. That is at all times our prime choose due to its jovial Christmas ambiance, music, and worth for cash. Learn Our Christmas Feast at Biergarten Restaurant for what the vacation time expertise is like there.
Should you’re questioning whether or not it is perhaps price doing plus some concepts for benefiting from the Candlelight Processional Expertise, we now have some ideas & methods and a overview on this submit…
Candlelight Processional Viewing Ideas
Whereas the America Gardens Theater the place Candlelight Processional is held can seat over 1,000 friends per efficiency, between 50% and 75% of those seats are reserved for friends who buy dinner packages. All of those dinner package deal friends are assured seats in one of many three nightly Candlelight Processional performances.
(Word: the share reserved for eating packages was far decrease final yr resulting from far fewer taking part eating places. Our guess is that the identical will NOT be true for the 2024 Candlelight Processional. Staffing shortages are now not as a lot of a problem, and extra eating places are more likely to be added to the lineup.)
The upper the share allotted to eating packages, the extra “aggressive” the standby line for Candlelight Processional performances. Ridiculously lengthy.
So lengthy that in the event you’re a vacationer or visiting on trip, it is best to get a lunch or dinner package deal for the Candlelight Processional, particularly when a well-liked narrator is presenting. When Neil Patrick Harris final offered, we noticed folks lining up for the 5 p.m. efficiency of Candlelight Processional round midday!
The dinner packages embrace a meal consisting of an appetizer, entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage (or full buffet “expertise,” the place relevant) and reserved seating at one efficiency of Candlelight Processional. For what you get, the eating package deal just isn’t that costly (or a minimum of the price just isn’t badly inflated).
Your time on trip is certainly well worth the worth. I do know the three hours or so of ready in line that we’ve saved by buying the eating package deal has been nicely price it–to us a minimum of!
Should you elect to not do the dinner package deal and don’t wish to wait hours in line, you may have a few choices. First, present as much as the standby line ~quarter-hour earlier than the final present of the evening begins. Relying upon the recognition of the narrator and the way busy EPCOT is that night, generally this final displaying will nonetheless have seating. If not, a minimum of you didn’t waste a ton of time standing in line.
In lots of eventualities, that technique will work simply high-quality. You might not have one of the best seats, however you’ll nonetheless be capable to see the present and have a seat. If the theatre is already full, we suggest attempting to look at from the walkway behind the America Gardens Theatre.
Forged Members will handle crowd movement again right here within the walkway, however you possibly can merely stand behind the theater (not within the walkway) and watch the present. That is really a very good view for Candlelight Processional. Consider it as sitting (nicely, standing) within the balcony of the America Backyard Theatre.
Whereas we strongly suggest the eating package deal for these wanting good, assured seats, in the event you’re on a good funds or Candlelight Processional just isn’t as a lot of a “must-do,” we expect these methods are good alternate options to avoid wasting a bit of cash, which could be spent on different vacation leisure at Walt Disney World.
Candlelight Processional Assessment
Lots of people completely love the Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World. We prefer it fairly a bit, however we aren’t completely gung-ho, name Disney Eating the very first day the packages go on sale, loopy about it like some folks. It’s very lovely, however positively not the spotlight of our journey.
Our favourite narrator for Candlelight Processional is Neil Patrick Harris. We’ve seen him a few occasions, and as NPH followers, we loved this. I can’t say he actually invigorated the present–it’s fairly solemn no matter host–but it surely was cool to see him.
Just a few years in the past, we booked the package deal, but it surely was largely to see John O’Hurley, or J. Petermann, as fellow Seinfeld followers could know him. Extra just lately, we went to see Whoopi Goldberg, as a result of seating was included with our D23 Magic & Merriment occasion package deal. Whoopi Goldberg was okay, however on the “cool scale” she simply doesn’t stack as much as NPH or J. Petermann for us.
Total, Candlelight Processional, on the naked minimal, has “do it a minimum of as soon as” standing. Some folks find it irresistible to the purpose that it’s their favourite Christmas providing at Walt Disney World. Others discover it too dry and gradual, and aren’t moved by the story. I don’t suppose it’s fairly honest to check Candlelight Processional to a Christmas Eve church service, and I feel there’s an excellent likelihood that even those that aren’t non secular will get pleasure from it.
You actually don’t know till you strive it–and in an effort to strive it, you actually ought to guide one of many dinner packages. With that stated, in case your funds doesn’t enable for each Candlelight Processional and the Christmas Celebration, I’d suggest the latter over the Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages with out hesitation.
For complete ideas for planning your Christmas-time journey to Walt Disney World, take a look at our Final Information to Christmas at Walt Disney World. Moreover, you possibly can obtain our free eBook, Trip Kingdom at Christmas, which gives ideas for visiting Walt Disney World throughout the vacation season. This eBook is 75+ pages, with 100+ pictures, and tons of nice suggestions & data! For extra particulars on tips on how to get this totally-free book, click on right here.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study inns on our Walt Disney World Inns Critiques web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Critiques. To economize on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets submit. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys submit takes a novel take a look at intelligent gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, one of the best place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for the whole lot you must know!
Your Ideas
Are you a fan of Candlelight Processional? Which narrator have you ever seen for Candlelight Processional? Do you often guide the eating package deal or wait in line? Do you may have any technique for seeing Candlelight Processional with out ready in line? Do you agree or disagree with our recommendation? Any questions we will help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even while you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
