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2007 Dinner Packages available for Booking July 2, 2007
Narrator Schedule Available (scroll down)

What is the Candlelight Processional?

A Disney tradition now in its 37th year (2007), 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 23 and runs every evening until December 30. Shows are approximately 40 minutes. Each evening there are three shows -- 5:00pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm

Who are the narrators?

The schedule of those who will appear as narrators for performances of Epcot's 2007 Candlelight Processional, the annual retelling of the story of Christmas that features a mass choir and a full orchestra:

November 23-25: David Robinson
November 26-28: John O'Hurley
November 29-December 1: Neil Patrick Harris
December 2-4 : Dennis Franz (Note: December 2 Community Relations Night event at 5:00 p.m.-- no Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages available.)
December 5-7: Monique Coleman
December 8-10: Steven Curtis Chapman
December 11-13: Chita Rivera
December 14-16: Andie McDowell
December 17-19: Kirk Cameron
December 20-22: Edward James Olmos
December 23-25: Gary Sinise
December 26-28: Rita Moreno
December 29-30: Marlee Matlin

David Robinson - One of the top centers of his era, David "The Admiral" Robinson was a marvel of a basketball player. David played for the San Antonio Spurs.

John O'Hurley - Award-winning actor, show host, advertising hero and feature film star. He is best known for "Dancing with the Stars" and his portrayal of J. Peterman on "Seinfeld".

Steven Curtis Chapman - The winner of 4 Grammy Awards and 47 Dove Awards, this Contemporary Christian Music Artist has recorded 13 albums, appeared on TV shows and contributed to numerous movie soundtracks.

Kirk Cameron - Actor best known as the loveable teenager Mike Seaver, from the series "Growing Pains". Kirk has recently appeared in the movie "Left Behind: Tribulation Force" and is reprising the role in the upcoming film "Left Behind: World War III."

Gary Sinise - Currently starring on TVs "CSI: New York" as Detective Mac Taylor. His numerous movies include "Forrest Gump", "Apollo 13", "Mission to Mars", "Mission: Space", and "The Big Bounce."

Marlee Matlin - Academy Award winner for "Children of a Lesser God." Marlee has had roles in numerous series including: "Spin City", "ER", "Judging Amy", "The Practice" and "The West Wing."

The 2006 Narrators were: David Robinson, John O'Hurley, Rita Moreno, Marie Osmond, Marlee Matlin, Steven Curtis Chapman, Mario Lopez, Brian Dennehy, Maureen McGovern, Kirk Cameron, Neil Patrick Harris, Edward James Olmos and Gary Sinise.

The 2005 Narrators were: Rita Moreno, Phil Donahue, Haley Joel Osment, Cicely Tyson, Jaci Velasquez, Eartha Kitt, Lou Diamond Phillips, Harry Hamlin, Marlee Matlin, Jim Caviezel, John Stamos, Steven Curtis Chapman.

The 2004 Narrators were: Rita Moreno, Heather Headley, Kirk Franklin, Jim Caviezel, Marlee Matlin/Jack Jason, Joshua Morrow, Eartha Kitt, Steven Curtis Chapman, Edward James Olmos, Gary Sinise, LeVar Burton.

The 2003 Narrators were: Andy Garcia, Ben Vereen, Rita Moreno, Ericka Dunlap, David Ogden Stiers, Steven Curtis Chapman, Edward James Olmos, Sandi Patty, Robby Benson, Gary Sinise

The 2002 Narrators included: Edward James Olmos, John Tesh, Marlee Matlin, James Avery, Yolanda Adams, David Hartman, Collin Raye, Blair Underwood, Gary Sinise, Jodi Benson

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?

2007 Dinner Packages began booking July 2, 2007. Package is available Nov. 23 - Dec. 30, 2006.

The package includes dinner at select Epcot restaurants and reserved general seating at the America Gardens Theatre. Package NOT available December 2 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 you 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
Seating 1 - $27.99 plus tax & gratuity / (3-9) $12.99 (Lunch)
Seating 2 & 3 -$32.99 plus tax & gratuity / (3-9) $14.99 (Dinner)

The Garden Grill Restaurant - Land Pavilion
Biergarten - Germany Pavilion

Tier 2
Seating 1 - $36.99 plus tax & gratuity / (3-9) $12.99 (Lunch)
Seating 2 & 3 - $42.99 plus tax & gratuity / (3-9) $14.99 (Dinner)

San Angel Inn - Mexico Pavilion
Restaurant Marrakesh - Morocco Pavilion
Nine Dragons - China Pavilion
Rose & Crown - United Kingdom Pavilion

Tier 3
Seating 1 - $41.99 plus tax & gratuity / (3-9) $12.99 (Lunch)
Seating 2 & 3 - $47.99 plus tax & gratuity / (3-9) $14.99 (Dinner)

Chefs de France - France Pavilion
Tutto Italia - Italy Pavilion
Le Cellier Steakhouse - Canada Pavilion
Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki Dining Room - Japan Pavilion
Coral Reef - The Living Seas Pavilion

How do I book the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package?

Reservations for the Candlelight Processional dinners can be made as of July 2, 2007. 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.

Where do I enter the theater?

If you stand in World Showcase directly in front of the America Gardens Theatre (facing the theatre), the line to the left side is for persons WITH Candlelight Dinner Tickets. The line to the right side is for first-come available seating. Be sure to check upon arrival so you are in the correct line!

Is Sign Language Interpretation Available?

Lisa Crawford writes (10/14/02): I received an email from Mark Jones, the sign language coordinator at Disney today, informing me that all performances of the Candlelight Processional will have sign language interpretation available. This is a change from last year where it was only available on Tuesday and Friday. Anyone with questions or wanting more information should contact Mark Jones at mark.jones@disney.com.

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.

For Guest Comments after January 2006, or to post your own comments, visit our Rate and Review Section HERE.

Guest Comments prior to 2006 - Click Here.

 

 

 

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