Candlelight Processional Part I – Candlelight Processional

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On December 7, we went to the Candlelight Processional as part of the dinner package. Yesterday I blogged about the Dinner portion at Tutto Italia. Now, onto the Candlelight Processional itself!

Epcot's Candlelight Processional Jodi Benson

They let us in the theater just before 6:30.

Epcot's Candlelight Processional Jodi Benson

We found seats in the third row. We huddled up and got the blankets out (yes, it was THAT cold that evening). We had a wonderful view of the stage and I even found a sort-of hidden Mickey.

Epcot's Candlelight Processional Jodi Benson

When the Processional begins, I promise it will give you chills. Many in the audience were moved to tears at various times throughout the event, The orchestra is phenomenal and when the Voices of Liberty join them, well, that just can’t be put into words. The Cast Member choir files up the stage to form the living tree. Then, the high school choirs file down the sides and center of the theater, singing as they go.

Epcot's Candlelight Processional Jodi Benson

Epcot's Candlelight Processional Jodi Benson

After a few songs, the celebrity narrator joins them on stage. As I mentioned earlier, that particular evening’s narrator was Jodi Benson. She was dressed in a formal red gown and looked stunning.

Epcot's Candlelight Processional Jodi Benson

She began reading and Jack grabbed my hand and whispered, “Oh my gosh! It’s Ariel reading to us!” She was absolutely magical because she was so happy to be there and put so much emotion into her reading.

I’m not going to lie- the tears flowed freely from all of us that evening. We were all so moved- not just by the story but also by the fact that we were able to share the evening together.

Epcot's Candlelight Processional Jodi Benson

Epcot's Candlelight Processional Jodi Benson

If you have a chance to book the dinner package, or even to see the show without the dinner package, please take the opportunity. You will be so glad you did.

Epcot's Candlelight Processional Jodi Benson

Before I let you go, I have a confession to make: I’m seeing the show again when Trace Adkins narrates because, like he says, “ladies love country boys.” 🙂

Have a MAGICAL day!

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7 Replies to “Candlelight Processional Part I – Candlelight Processional”

  1. I was part of the choir for the Candlelight Processional my school was Colonial High School and i did this last year Dec 14 2010 . it was fun and very cold outside , 🙂 besides while we were rehearsing the people who were working at Disney Candlelight procession said the Colonial High school will be on TV or might be on TV and rite now its 2011 how long does it take to put an entire choir on TV? . i still love to sing and i memorized the lyrics a little.

  2. Wonderful take on the Candlelight Processional with Jodi Benson. I went to one in 2000, when my friend from high school who was in the choir was participating. I’m currently deployed in Afghanistan, and I’m going to miss the Processional with Trace Adkins. Hopefully I get to see pics from that. I hope you and everyone from Allears, and followers of Allears have a magical holiday, no matter what you celebrate, and a happy new year!!

  3. I always try to tape the shows because even though the story hasn’t changed every narrator brings their own feelings to it. Jody Benson, for example, was different than Whoopi this year. To Jody Benson it was a service reflecting her Christianity and to Whoopie it was obviously a moving experience but she is a performer and said she didn’t know if she was enough in favor with God to tell his story. Though lightning didn’t strike her.
    We watch all the DVDs I’ve made and all create the spirit that is Christmas for us each year and we will continue to travel to Florida from the north each year to do it again.

  4. The Candlelight Processional is probably my most favorite thing to do when I am lucky enough to visit WDW during the Christmas holiday season. It is just absolutely beautiful to watch and listen to. It is makes you realize what Christmas is truly about.

  5. I saw the Candlelight Processional Dec. 3 with Corbin Benson narrating. It was wonderful. Corbin did a great job. The choir, Voices of Liberty and orchestra were fabulous as usual. I have made the trip down to see it almost every year since 1998 and it never gets old. It puts you in the holiday spirit like nothing else. Can’t wait to go back!

  6. We saw the candlelight processional twice during our stay once on a dinner package where we had third row seats and again the following week where we just sat down at the back, The show is amazingly wonderful …cannot find the words to express how good it was it certainly takes your breath away and when they sing the Messiah and we all stand well that just made me cry. I don’t know how many carol singers were on stage but i heard one lady say on the way out she counted over 300, It really is a must see ….i have bought the cd that’s available at the shop opposite next door to the American adventure and Santa village ,and haven’t stopped playing it …..afterward check out the eggnog at the little gingerbread house at the front of the American diner….right opposite ……then try and catch a chat with santa …..perfect ……

  7. I just got back from seeing Whoopi Goldberg at her last showing 815pm Saturday Dec 11th. She was wonderful, but the choir and orchestra was beyond excellent! At the end of the processional, Whoopi even commented on how great they were. Her wonderful personality and sense of humor topped it all off. It was truly a great evening and I look forward to seeing this again next year.