Candlelight Processional – Disney News Today

Walt Disney World Announces Candlelight Processional Dining Packages and First List of Narrators

As announced earlier, we know that the 2021 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will see the return of the fan-favorite Candlelight Processional. We now know some of the celebrity narrators that will be appearing.

The list of celebrity narrators for this year’s Candlelight Processional will include Chita Rivera, Jodi Benson, Alton Fitzgerald White, Lisa Ling, Steven Curtis Chapman, Blair Underwood and Pat Sajak with more names being added over the coming weeks.

The dates that the narrators will appear are as follows –

Chita Rivera – November 29 through December 1
Jodi Benson – December 2 through December 4
Alton Fitzgerald White – December 5 through December 7
Lisa Ling – December 11 through December 13
Steven Curtis Chapman – December 23 through December 25
Blair Underwood – December 26 through December 28
Pat Sajak – December 29 through December 30

Disney also announced earlier today that dining packages for the 2021 Candlelight Processional at EPCOT will go on sale October 26th.

This year there will only be four restaurants participating.

Each package includes:

An appetizer, entrée and dessert or one (1) full buffet (where applicable), along with a non-alcoholic beverage
One (1) guaranteed seat per person to the Candlelight Processional held on the same day

Below is the list of participating restaurants along with prices –

Biergarten Restaurant – Germany Pavilion
$62 ages 10 and up, $35 ages 3 – 9

Coral Reef – The Living Seas
$74 ages 10 and up, $25 ages 3 – 9

Garden Grill – The Land Pavilion
$71 ages 10 and up, $46 ages 3 – 9

Rose & Crown – United Kingdom Pavilion
$63 ages 10 and up, $25 ages 3 – 9

Holiday Storytellers Appear to be Returning for the 2021 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

The 2021 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is looking to be a lot like what we’re used to seeing, with more entertainment expected to be returning.

It was recently noticed that a casting call went out from Disney Live Entertainment looking for Equity performers to play the roles of the Holiday Storytellers in each of the World Showcase countries.

Walt Disney World recently confirmed that the Candlelight Processional will return this year.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Candlelight Processional Go on Hiatus

It came as no great surprise that Walt Disney World announced yesterday that Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Castle Dream Lights, Jingle Bell Jingle BAM! and Candlelight Processional at EPCOT will not be taking place this year. As expected, physical distancing requirements and limitations on mass gatherings make those events impossible to host.

Although the main holiday events will be missing in 2020, Disney did announce that beginning November 6th and running through December 30th this year, guests will still be able to enjoy festive décor, themed merchandise, seasonal food & beverage offerings and entertainment all across Walt Disney World Resort.

In the announcement Walt Disney World stated that the parks will continue the cavalcades that were introduced when the parks re-opened in July, this time with seasonal twists celebrating the holidays. The very popular Toy Soldiers will join the Main Street Philharmonic for one of the seasonal mini-parades at the Magic Kingdom.

When night falls,Disney plans of presenting special projection effects that will give a festive look to Cinderella Castle this year. The appearance of the iconic castle will be transformed with a rotating series of designs including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green and gold ornamentation.

Minnie Mouse will also be hosting a yuletide gathering for all her friends at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios beginning November 6th. Santa Goofy will also be there..

Beginning November 27th, EPCOT will be celebrating highlights from the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Holiday kitchens will be returning around World Showcase promenade with favorites like American Holiday Table featuring Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing and Bavaria Holiday Kitchen with dishes like Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl.

Inside the World Showplace, JOYFUL!, will present a journey through R&B, Gospel, contemporary and traditional Christmas and holiday music. Also, the Voices of Liberty will perform at the America Gardens Theatre stage for a special concert of favorite carols and songs of the season.

At the resorts, decor will be on full display, but gingerbread displays will not be present this year.

At Disney Spring snowfall will occur each night within Town Center, West Side and The Landing. In addition, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar will transform into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar with a limited-time menu of festive favorites. The Tree Trail will not be returning, but the trees will be spread throughout the property.

Finally, Santa Claus will wave to guests as he makes pop-up appearances at each park, as well as Disney Springs, but will not be available for meet and greets. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, for example, he will sail down Discovery River on a special flotilla.

Walt Disney World Announces Dates for Epcot International Festival of Holidays and Candlelight Processional for 2018

Earlier today Walt Disney World announced that the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays this year will take place November 18 thru December 30, 2018.

Even though we have not been able to visit Walt Disney World in November or December for a few years, this time of year has always been a favorite time to visit for me and my family. One of our favorite things to do during this time of the year at Epcot is to attend the Candlelight Processional.

The Candlelight Processional will be returning again this year and for the first time, this popular holiday tradition will debut for the season on Thanksgiving (November 22nd) and run through December 30th.

The Candlelight Processional is a holiday must-do for many Epcot guests. The program is a retelling of the traditional Christmas story read by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a massed choir and live orchestra.

At this time celebrity narrators have not been announced.

Also…even though Candlelight Dinner packages have been popular in the past and are expected to return, Disney has not yet released any information regarding this.

A couple of months ago Disney announced the dates for this year’s “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party“.

Walt Disney World Completes Candlelight Processional Narrator Line-Up

Walt Disney World has completed its line-up for the celebrity narrators for this year’s Candlelight Processional at Epcot.

Disney Legend Kurt Russell, who has starred in Disney films from the 1960s to 2017’s “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” will read the Christmas story this year – as well as gold- and silver-medal-winning gymnast Laurie Hernandez. Two veterans of the event – actress/comedienne Ana Gasteyer and Jodi Benson, voice of Ariel in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” – complete this year’s list.

As previously announced, new narrators for this year’s lineup include Matt Bomer (“White Collar,” “The Last Tycoon,”); Star Wars fan favorite Warwick Davis, who played Wicket the Ewok in “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi;” Daytime Television Legend Pat Sajak and TV star CCH Pounder, who was recently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the grand opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar.

And returning this year are everyone’s favorite hard-driving Dr. Bailey from “Grey’s Anatomy,” Chandra Wilson – and newly-named Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of ABC’s “The View.”

Below is the full list of narrators:

Nov. 24 – 26 – Laurie Hernandez
Nov. 27 – 28 – Matt Bomer
Nov. 29 – 30 – Ana Gasteyer
Dec. 1-3 – Whoopi Goldberg
Dec. 4-5 – Pat Sajak
Dec. 6-8 – Jodi Benson
Dec. 9-11 – Kurt Russell
Dec. 12-14 – Warwick Davis
Dec. 15-17 – Trace Adkins
Dec. 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
Dec. 22-24 – CCH Pounder
Dec. 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
Dec. 28-30 – Chandra Wilson

The Candlelight Processional is performed three times every night (5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 PM) during the holiday season at the America Gardens Theatre. Dinner packages are available which include meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances.

In addition to the lunch and dinner packages, breakfast options are again available at some restaurants in and near Epcot such as Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and The Garden Grill. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk.

Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at $35 plus tax per person for adults and $21 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at $44 plus tax per person for adults and $15.50 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.

The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays which includes the Candlelight Processional, takes place in 2017 from November 24 – December 30 at Epcot.

More Narrators Added to Candlelight Processional List

New to this year’s lineup include Matt Bomer (“White Collar,” “The Last Tycoon,”) and Star Warsfan favorite Warwick Davis, who played Wicket the Ewok in “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.”

The Candlelight Processional presents the traditional story of Christmas in truly spectacular fashion – with a celebrity narrator, a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir.

Newcomers to the celebrity narrator spotlight this year include Daytime Television Legend Pat Sajak and TV star CCH Pounder, who was recently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the grand opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Returning favorites include television, film and stage superstar Neil Patrick Harris, country megastar Trace Adkins and Contemporary Christian music artist Jaci Velasquez.

Here are the narrators confirmed so far:*

Nov. 24- 26 – To Be Announced
Nov. 27-28 – Matt Bomer
Nov. 29 – 30 – To Be Announced
Dec. 1-3 – Whoopi Goldberg
Dec. 4-5 – Pat Sajak
Dec. 6-11 – To Be Announced
Dec. 12-14 – Warwick Davis
Dec. 15-17 – Trace Adkins
Dec. 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
Dec. 22-24 – CCH Pounder
Dec. 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
Dec. 28-30 – Chandra Wilson

The processional is performed three times per night (5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the America Gardens Theatre. These packages, available on select nights, include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Availability is limited.

As with last year, in addition to lunch and dinner packages, breakfast options are available at some favorite restaurants in and near Epcot again this year like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and The Garden Grill. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort,** with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Fornoat Disney’s BoardWalk.

Epcot provides an extravaganza of holiday entertainment, merchandise, food, beverages and festivities where guests can celebrate at Epcot throughout the holiday season. Time-honored traditions come alive through the sights and sounds of the countries of World Showcase, and live performances enliven the park throughout the day.

Click here to book Candlelight Processional dining packages or to find out more information, call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

*Narrators and entertainment are subject to change without notice. Epcot admission is required and not included in the dining package price.

** (NOTE: Captain’s Grille is currently under refurbishment. Candlelight Packages will be available once it reopens.)

2017 Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages Go On Sale, Some Narrators Announced

On the Disney Parks Blog Disney announced today that Dinner Packages for this year’s Candlelight Processional have gone on sale today. Disney also announced an initial list of narrators

As a part of Holidays Around the World at Epcot, the Candlelight Processional presents the traditional story of Christmas in truly spectacular fashion – with a celebrity narrator, a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir.

Newcomers to the celebrity narrator spotlight this year include Daytime Television Legend Pat Sajak and TV star CCH Pounder, who was recently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the Grand Opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Returning favorites include television, film and stage superstar Neil Patrick Harris, country megastar Trace Adkins and Contemporary Christian music artist Jaci Velasquez.

Here are the narrators confirmed so far:*

Nov. 24- Dec. 3 – To Be Announced
Dec. 4-5 – Pat Sajak
Dec. 6-14 – To Be Announced
Dec. 15-17 – Trace Adkins
Dec. 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
Dec. 22-24 – CCH Pounder
Dec. 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
Dec. 28-30 – To Be Announced

As with last year, in addition to lunch and dinner packages, breakfast options are available at some favorite restaurants in and near Epcot again this year like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and The Garden Grill. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk.

Holidays Around the World is an extravaganza of holiday entertainment, merchandise, food, beverages and festivities where guests can celebrate at Epcot throughout the holiday season. Time-honored traditions come alive through the sights and sounds of the countries of World Showcase, and live performances enliven the park throughout the day.

Click here to book Candlelight Processional dining packages or to find out more information, call 407/ WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

Holidays Around the World, including the Candlelight Processional, runs November 24 – December 30, 2017 at Epcot. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for updates.

*Narrators and entertainment are subject to change without notice. Epcot admission is required and not included in the dining package price.

Narrator Line Up for Candlelight Processional at Epcot Nearly Complete

The list of celebrity narrators appearing at this year’s Candelight Procesisonal has been updated. The only dates open at this time are December 7 – 9.

Appearing for the first time this year will be actress Ming-Na Wen and baseball legend Cal Ripken, Jr.

November 25 – 27 – Steven Curtis Chapman
November 28 – December 1 – Neil Patrick Harris
December 2 – 3 – Whoopi Goldberg
December 4 – 6 – Edward James Olmos
December 7 -9 – To Be Announced
December 10 – 12 – Robby Benson
December 13 – 15 – Meredith Vieira
December 16 – 18 – Jim Caviezel
December 19 – 21 – Joe Morton
NEW! December 22-24 – Ming-Na Wen
December 25-27 – Jodi Benson
NEW! December 28-30 – Cal Ripken, Jr.

2016 Candlelight Processional at Epcot Dining Packages On Sale

Call it a Christmas present come early! Disney has announced that dining packages for the 2016 Candlelight Processional are now on sale.

As a part of Holidays Around the World at Epcot, the Candlelight Processional presents the story of Christmas in truly spectacular fashion – with a celebrity narrator, a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir.

Celebrity narrators this year include some returning favorites like contemporary Christian music singer Steven Curtis Chapman, actors Whoopi Goldberg and Neil Patrick Harris and newcomers like legendary baseball player Cal Ripken, Jr. Here’s the list of confirmations we have so far:*

11/25-27 – Steven Curtis Chapman
11/28-12/1 – Neil Patrick Harris
12/2-12/3 – Whoopi Goldberg
12/4-12/12 – TBA
12/13-12/15 – Meredith Vieira
12/16-12/18 – TBA
12/19-12/21 – Joe Morton
12/22-12/27 – TBA
12/28-12/30 – Cal Ripken, Jr.

The processional is performed three times per night (5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the American Gardens Theatre. These packages, available on select nights, include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Availability is limited.

This year, in addition to lunch and dinner packages, breakfast options are available at some favorite Epcot restaurants like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and Garden Grill. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk.

Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at $27 plus tax per person for adults and $14 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at $47 plus tax per person for adults and $20 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.

‘Holidays Around the World’ is an extravaganza of holiday entertainment, merchandise, food, beverages and festivities where guests can celebrate at Epcot throughout the holiday season. Time-honored traditions come alive through the sights and sounds of the countries of World Showcase; and live musical performances enliven the park throughout the day.

Click here to book Candlelight Processional dining packages or to find out more information, call 407/ WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

Holidays Around the World, including the Candlelight Processional, run November 25 – December 30, 2016 at Epcot. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for updates.

*Narrators and entertainment are subject to change without notice. Theme park admission is required. There is no 5 p.m. show on 12/4.

Walt Disney World Finalizes Candlelight Processional Line-Up

Walt Disney World has announced the final line-up for this year’s Candlelight Processional, which is part of Holidays Around The World at Epcot.

Appearing for the first time will be Meredith Vieira, Chandra Wilson from the ABC TV show “Grey’s Anatomy,” Daniel Dae Kim (“Lost,” “Hawaii Five-O”) and “Ugly Betty”’s America Ferrera.

Gary Sinise – November 27 to 29, 2015
Neil Patrick Harris – November 30 to December 3, 2015
Whoopi Goldberg – December 4 and 5, 2015
Joe Morton – December 6 to 8, 2015
Ana Gasteyer – December 9 to 11, 2015
Meredith Vieira – December 12 to 14, 2015
America Ferrera – December 15 to 17, 2015
Chandra Wilson – December 18 to 20, 2015
Daniel Dae Kim – December 21 to 23, 2015
Edward James Olmos – December 24 to 26, 2015
Blair Underwood – December 27 to 28, 2015
Amy Grant – December 29 to 30, 2015

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