2008 Dinner Packages Booking NOW!
2008 Tentative Narrator Schedule (scroll down)

What is the Candlelight Processional?

A Disney tradition now in its 38th year (2008), 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 28, 2008, and runs every evening until December 30. Shows are approximately 40 minutes. Each evening there are three shows -- 5, 6:45, and 8:15 p.m.

NOTE: There will be no 5 p.m. performance on December 7, 2008.

Who are the narrators?

The schedule of those who will appear as narrators for performances of Epcot's 2008 Candlelight Processional, the annual retelling of the story of Christmas that features a mass choir and a full orchestra:

November 28-30 John O'Hurley
December 1-3 TBD
December 4-6 Brian Stokes Mitchell
December 7-9 Virginia Madsen
December 10-12 Marlee Matlin
December 13-15 Monique Coleman
December 16-18 Chita Rivera
December 19-21 Abigail Breslin
December 22-24 Steven Curtis Chapman
December 25-27 Edward James Olmos
December 28-30 Angela Bassett and Courtney Vance

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 5 Grammy Awards and 54 Dove Awards, this Contemporary Christian music artist has sold more than 10 million albums and garnered 44 No. 1 singles.

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 2007 Narrators were: David Robinson, John O'Hurley, Neil Patrick Harris, Dennis Franz, Monique Coleman, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chita Rivera, Andie McDowell, Kirk Cameron, Edward James Olmos, Gary Sinise, Rita Moreno and Marlee Matlin

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?

2008 Dinner Packages begin booking on June 23, 2008.

Ring in the holiday season with a Candlelight Dinner Package, which includes dinner at a select Epcot restaurant and reserved general seating at the America Gardens Theatre during the Candlelight Processional. To make dinner reservations, call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463).

You must eat PRIOR to your Candlelight show time!

Packages not available on Sunday, December 7, at 5 p.m. (Community Relations Showing)

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.

For Disney Dining Plan Guests:

Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining: Candlelight Dining Packages will be 1 Entitlement.

If using your Magic Your Way Package + Dining Table Service Meal entitlements toward the Candlelight Processional Dining Package, your entitlements include an entree, a dessert, and a non-alcoholic beverage OR a full buffet and non-alcoholic, non-specialty beverage for each person on the package. Appetizers and Gratuities are not included.

For Non-Dining Plan Guests as well as Guests on the Deluxe Dining, Premium, and Platinum Plans:

Meal includes an appetizer, a entree, a dessert, and a non-alcoholic beverage OR a full buffet and non-alcoholic, non-specialty beverage for each person on the package. Gratuities are not included. Candlelight Dining Packages will be 1 Entitlement for Guests on a Disney Dining Plan.

Tier 1
Seating 1 - $27.99 plus tax & gratuity / ages 3-9 $12.99 (Lunch)
Seating 2 & 3 -$33.99 plus tax & gratuity / ages 3-9 $14.99 (Dinner)

The Garden Grill Restaurant - Land Pavilion
Biergarten - Germany Pavilion

Tier 2
Seating 1 - $37.99 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 - $44.99 plus tax & gratuity /ages 3-9 $12.99 (Lunch)
Seating 2 & 3 - $53.99 plus tax & gratuity / ages 3-9 $14.99 (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

How do I book the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package?

Reservations for the Candlelight Processional dinner packages can be made 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.

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.