2009 Candlelight Processional Dining Packages

2009 Tentative Narrator Schedule (scroll down)

What is the Candlelight Processional?

A Disney tradition now in its 39th year (2009), 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 27, 2009, and runs every evening until December 30. Shows are approximately 40 minutes. Each evening there are three shows -- 5, 6:45 and 8 p.m.

Who are the narrators?

The schedule of those who will appear as narrators for performances of Epcot's 2009 Candlelight Processional, the annual retelling of the story of Christmas that features a mass choir and a full orchestra:

November 27-29 -- Isabella Rossellini
November 30, December 1-2 -- John O' Hurley
December 3-5 -- Steven Curtis Chapman
December 6-8 -- TBA
December 9-11 -- Andy Garcia
December 12-14 -- Vanessa Williams
December 15-17 -- Abigail Breslin
December 18-20 -- Whoopi Goldberg
December 21-23 -- Brian Dennehy
December 24-26 -- Edward James Olmos
December 27-30 -- Angela Bassett & Courtney B. Vance

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?

2009 Dinner Package Info

For an extra special treat, ring in the holiday season with a Candlelight Dinner Package, which includes dinner at a select Epcot restaurant and guaranteed general seating at the America Gardens Theatre during the Candlelight Processional. Reservations may be booked 90 days in advance. For more information or to make reservations, call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463).

Credit card number is required to hold your reservation, but you are not charged until you actually dine at the restaurant. Guests are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to their reservation to check–in. Guests will receive Candlelight Seating badges at the restaurant for guaranteed seating at the America Gardens Theatre for the booked show time and for viewing of IllumiNations: Reflection of Earth.

Packages not available on Sunday, December 6, at 5 p.m. (Community Relations Showing)

Packages do not include park admission.

Package includes a non-alcoholic beverage. Package does NOT include tax, gratuity or lobster entrees.

For Disney Dining Plan Guests: Candlelight Dining Packages will require 2 Table Service Entitlements.

Candlelight Package options:

Tier 1
Seating 1 - $32.99 plus tax & gratuity / ages 3-9 $17.99 (Lunch)
Seating 2 & 3 -$44.99 plus tax & gratuity / ages 3-9 $22.99 (Dinner)
(These prices have been verified and are correct.)

Dinner ONLY: The Garden Grill Restaurant - Land Pavilion (lunch is not available at this location)
Lunch and Dinner: Biergarten - Germany Pavilion

Tier 2
Seating 1 - $38.99 plus tax & gratuity / ages 3-9 $12.99 (Lunch)
Seating 2 & 3 - $44.99 plus tax & gratuity / ages 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 - $51.99 plus tax & gratuity /ages 3-9 $13.99
Seating 2 & 3 - $59.99 plus tax & gratuity / ages 3-9 $15.99 (Dinner)

Chefs de France - France Pavilion
Tutto Italia - Italy Pavilion
Le Cellier Steakhouse - Canada Pavilion
Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining - Japan Pavilion
Coral Reef - The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion

NOTE: Restaurant Akershus in Norway is not included in packages.

How do I book the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package?

Reservations for the Candlelight Processional dinner packages can be made 90 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463).

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 America Gardens Theatre.

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.

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