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 bundle is well worth the cash, and our evaluation 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 celeb narrator with music sung by a mass choir and carried out by a 50-piece stay orchestra. It’s one part of the EPCOT Worldwide Pageant of the Holidays, which additionally contains 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-recognized sample yearly–it’s a extremely doubtless that Candlelight Processional will return November 29, 2024 by December 30, 2024 as a part of the EPCOT Worldwide Pageant of the Holidays. It nearly all the time runs Black Friday by the day earlier than New Yr’s Eve. With that mentioned, 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–nevertheless it’s attainable.
That’s not the one factor it’s attainable to foretell about this 12 months’s occasion, both! The opposite factor we are able to pretty protected forecast is that the lineup of celeb narrators and eating bundle particulars will likely be one of many final issues launched for Christmas 2024. For every of the previous couple of years, Walt Disney World has revealed nearly all the things 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 bundle particulars and the celeb narrator schedule. It hasn’t all the time been this manner. It was once the case that Walt Disney World would launch a partial listing of narrators in late summer season together with eating bundle 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 season, with followers worrying that Walt Disney World has “forgotten” about Candlelight Processional or one thing of that kind. Whereas it’s attainable issues might return to regular for the 2024 Candlelight Processional, we wouldn’t financial institution on it.
Simply letting you recognize that now so that you don’t begin worrying when early October 2024 rolls round and Walt Disney World nonetheless hasn’t offered any concrete particulars. That’s regular. Or not less than, it’s not irregular.
This prediction–first made late final 12 months–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 total lineup of narrators final 12 months on October 5. On that very same date, they introduced that Candlelight Processional Eating Packages would open on October 17.
The rationale for Walt Disney World shifting the Candlelight Processional bulletins later and later are doubtless three-fold. First, it permits them to disclose the total listing of narrators all of sudden. Prior 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 supply or obligation come alongside. It’s most likely 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 have been larger.
Disney all the time caveats the schedule as being “topic to alter,” however that doesn’t cease followers from (understandably) being disillusioned. Personally, I want the delayed launch strategy for these two causes–and suppose it’s higher for company to allow them to make an knowledgeable choice 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, certain. Nevertheless it additionally exists, maybe primarily exists, as a car for promoting the eating packages. That’s large 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 most likely received’t occur. However with Thanksgiving nearly a full week later than final 12 months, it’s completely attainable 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 all the things else it is advisable to 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 in style occasions of the Christmas season at Walt Disney World is the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT: it’s a fantastic present that many company discover to be a transferring and non secular expertise.
Calling Candlelight Processional one of the in style occasions isn’t any exaggeration–lengthy strains plus costly dinner packages have type of contributed to us being “over” Candlelight Processional. We have now actually loved it previously, nevertheless it’s one thing that could be a big trouble in case you don’t have a eating bundle or don’t thoughts watching from exterior the theater.
Candlelight Processional Movie star Narrator Schedule
Once more, the 2024 Candlelight Processional narrator schedule has not but been launched for any dates from late November by the top of December. Even as soon as it’s, it’ll be topic to alter as a result of scheduling conflicts (that occurs infrequently with the celebrities, however is fairly uncommon).
Nevertheless, since many narrators are the identical from 12 months to 12 months (and round roughly the identical dates), right here’s final 12 months’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 December 5
- Neil Patrick Harris – December 6 by December 8
- Marlee Matlin – December 9 by December 11
- Brendan Fraser (NEW) – December 12 by 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 December 23
- Steven Curtis Chapman – December 24 by December 26
- Audra McDonald (NEW) – December 27 and December 28
- Lisa Ling – December 29 and December 30
Movie star narrators, dates and different leisure are topic to alter or cancellation with out discover.
For what it’s price, final 12 months was the perfect 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 big fan-followings. Hopefully somebody will get Mr. Fraser his cup of espresso earlier than his efficiency, or be careful! (Sorry, reference to the fallacious theme park.)
This Candlelight Processional narrator lineup is stacked from high to backside. At the very least half of this listing actually appeals to us, and even these with whom we’re unfamiliar have fan followings. Additionally, and I’m not going to call names, nevertheless it’s good to see a number of narrators who (I believe) overstayed their welcome and had been phoning it in not within the lineup this 12 months. 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 largest names. For extra mainstream millennials, there’s Joey McIntyre and Jordan Fisher. Truly…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 disillusioned to be lacking Candlelight Processional this 12 months!
Candlelight Processional Eating Packages
Candlelight Processional Eating Packages are actually out there. Advance Eating Reservations are extremely advisable and may be made 60 days prematurely. Take into account that that is nonetheless topic to the 60+10 rule for on-site company, that means that each one dates are actually out there. Most are bought out.
With that mentioned, there’s a reported problem impacting Candlelight Processional ADR availability. For no matter cause, you won’t see any occasions out there by way of the net system…even when there are alternatives. 9 occasions out of 10, that is simply because all the things 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 bear in mind 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 & tips to extend your probabilities 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 collaborating eating places contains:
- At Spice Street Desk: 2 small plates and one nonalcoholic beverage per particular person, plus a tagine and dessert platter on your celebration to share
- All different collaborating eating places: an appetizer, entrée and dessert, or one full buffet/family-style meal, in addition to a nonalcoholic beverage
- One assured seat per particular person to the Candlelight Processional held on the identical day
Discover collaborating eating places and eating bundle costs, which exclude tax and gratuity:
| Grownup (ages 10 and up) |
Youngster (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 Residing 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 Street 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 bundle, which lets you:
- Dine with out reservations at Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue that day
- Take pleasure in assured seats to a Candlelight Processional efficiency later that day
To test 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 is probably not out there on peak dates.
Final 12 months, each Regal Eagle and Spice Street Desk frequently had same-day availability. For many dates, it was comparatively simple 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 12 months, and this 12 months there are 8. That’s nonetheless far fewer than 2019 or prior years, when there have been 16 (!!!) collaborating 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 case 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, nevertheless it’s not our perfect method to eat round World Showcase in the course of the holidays.
Spice Street Desk is no doubt the best way to go in case you’re to do a same-day Candlelight Processional Eating Package deal. Sure, it’s $12 costlier, nevertheless it provides not less than that rather more bang-for-buck, with a menu that’s extra approachable than you would possibly suppose.
We lately did lunch at Spice Street Desk and had a improbable meal. In reality, we expect Spice Street Desk is perhaps EPCOT’s greatest Candlelight Processional Eating Package deal spot. It’s actually one of the cost-effective!
On the desk service entrance, we extremely advocate Biergarten Restaurant. That is all the time our high 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 & tips and a evaluation on this publish…
Candlelight Processional Viewing Ideas
Whereas the America Gardens Theater the place Candlelight Processional is held can seat over 1,000 company per efficiency, between 50% and 75% of those seats are reserved for company who buy dinner packages. All of those dinner bundle company are assured seats in one of many three nightly Candlelight Processional performances.
(Observe: the share reserved for eating packages was far decrease final 12 months as a result of far fewer collaborating eating places. Our guess is that the identical will NOT be true for the 2024 Candlelight Processional. Staffing shortages are not as a lot of a problem, and extra eating places are prone 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 case you’re a vacationer or visiting on trip, it is best to get a lunch or dinner bundle for the Candlelight Processional, particularly when a well-liked narrator is presenting. When Neil Patrick Harris final offered, we noticed individuals 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 bundle shouldn’t be that costly (or not less than the fee shouldn’t be badly inflated).
Your time on trip is unquestionably well worth the value. I do know the three hours or so of ready in line that we’ve saved by buying the eating bundle has been nicely price it–to us not less than!
Should you elect to not do the dinner bundle and don’t wish to wait hours in line, you have got 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, typically this final displaying will nonetheless have seating. If not, not less than you didn’t waste a ton of time standing in line.
In lots of eventualities, that technique will work simply nice. You could not have the perfect seats, however you’ll nonetheless have the ability to see the present and have a seat. If the theatre is already full, we advocate attempting to observe from the walkway behind the America Gardens Theatre.
Forged Members will handle crowd circulation 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 extremely good view for Candlelight Processional. Consider it as sitting (nicely, standing) within the balcony of the America Backyard Theatre.
Whereas we strongly advocate the eating bundle for these wanting good, assured seats, in case you’re on a good price range or Candlelight Processional shouldn’t be as a lot of a “must-do,” we expect these methods are good options to avoid wasting a bit of cash, which may 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 individuals. 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 regardless of host–nevertheless it was cool to see him.
A couple of years in the past, we booked the bundle, nevertheless it was principally to see John O’Hurley, or J. Petermann, as fellow Seinfeld followers could know him. Extra lately, we went to see Whoopi Goldberg, as a result of seating was included with our D23 Magic & Merriment occasion bundle. 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 not less than as soon as” standing. Some individuals like it to the purpose that it’s their favourite Christmas providing at Walt Disney World. Others discover it too dry and sluggish, and should not moved by the story. I don’t suppose it’s fairly honest to check Candlelight Processional to a Christmas Eve church service, and I believe there’s a superb likelihood that even those that should not non secular will get pleasure from it.
You actually don’t know till you attempt it–and in an effort to attempt it, you actually ought to ebook one of many dinner packages. With that mentioned, in case your price range doesn’t enable for each Candlelight Processional and the Christmas Social gathering, I’d advocate 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 provides ideas for visiting Walt Disney World in the course of the vacation season. This eBook is 75+ pages, with 100+ images, and tons of nice suggestions & data! For extra particulars on the way to get this totally-free e-book, click on right here.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Find out about lodges on our Walt Disney World Accommodations Critiques web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Critiques. To save cash on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys publish takes a singular take a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Experience Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the perfect place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for all the things it is advisable to know!
Your Ideas
Are you a fan of Candlelight Processional? Which narrator have you ever seen for Candlelight Processional? Do you normally ebook the eating bundle or wait in line? Do you have got any technique for seeing Candlelight Processional with out ready in line? Do you agree or disagree with our recommendation? Any questions we can assist you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even if you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
