2018 Candlelight Processional FAQ – November 22 – December 30, 2018
Candlelight Processional Dining Packages went on sale to the general public on Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (Annual Passholders began booking a day earlier, July 10.)
What is the Candlelight Processional?
A Disney tradition in its 48th year (2018), 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.
This year, it begins earlier than usual — November 22, Thanksgiving Day — and runs every evening through December 30. Shows are approximately 40 minutes long. Each evening there are three shows — 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.
Who are the narrators?
Here is the 2018 lineup (subject to change).
- 11/22 – 11/23 – Chita Rivera
- 11/24 – 11/25 – Helen Hunt
- 11/26-11/27 — Alfonso Ribeiro
- 11/28-11/30 — Robby Benson
- 12/1 – 12/2 — John Stamos
- 12/3 – 12/6 – Neil Patrick Harris
- 12/7 – 12/9 – Whoopi Goldberg
- 12/10 – 12/12 – Bart Millard (from MercyMe)
- 12/13 – 12/14 – Blair Underwood
- 12/15 – 12/17 – Gary Sinise
- 12/18 – 12/20 – Pat Sajak
- 12/21 – 12/23 – Auli’i Cravalho (“Moana”)
- 12/24 – 12/25 – Joey Fatone
- 12/26 – 12/27 – Jodi Benson
- 12/28 – 12/30 – Cal Ripken Jr.
*Narrators and entertainment are subject to change without notice. Epcot admission is required and not included in the dining package price.
Is there a charge to see the Candlelight Processional?
No, it is included in your admission to Epcot. There is, however, a dining package available for purchase that includes a ticket to Reserved Seating for the Candlelight Processional.
Seating without the dining 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 second or third 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 dining package (explained below) with reserved seating, there is a charge.
What does the Candlelight Processional Dining Package include?
2018 Candlelight Dining Packages include lunch or dinner at a select Epcot restaurant, plus guaranteed general seating at the America Gardens Theatre during the Candlelight Processional. (Note that there are a few restaurants offering a breakfast package; see below.) Package includes three-course meal (appetizer, entree, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage) OR one full buffet, where applicable.
Lunch and dinner packages are available at some favorite Epcot restaurants. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Epcot-area resort restaurants at Ale & Compass at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk.
Candlelight Processional Dining Packages start at:
- For Breakfast: $38 plus tax per person for adults and $22 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.
- For Lunch: $50 plus tax per person for adults and $16.99 plus tax per person for children, ages 3.
- For Dinner: $55 plus tax per person for adults and $16.99 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.
To make reservations, call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463).
Lunch Adult | Lunch Child (3-9) |
Dinner Adult | Dinner Child (3-9) |
|
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall* Norway Pavilion |
$73.00 | $43.00 | $73.00 | $43.00 |
Ale & Compass* – Yacht Club Resort |
$54.00 | $23.00 | $64.00 | $23.00 |
Biergarten Restaurant
|
$55.00 | $30.00 | $55.00 | $30.00 |
Chefs de France
|
$65.99 | $17.99 | $75.99 | $22.99 |
Coral Reef Restaurant
|
$70.00 | $23.00 | $70.00 | $23.00 |
The Garden Grill*
|
$61.00 | $36.00 | $61.00 | $36.00 |
La Hacienda de San Angel
|
N/A | N/A | $80.00 | $25.75 |
Nine Dragons Restaurant
|
$50.00 | $16.99 | $58.00 | $18.50 |
Restaurant Marrakesh
|
$52.00 | $19.00 | $62.00 | $19.00 |
Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room
|
$60.00 | $22.00 | $60.00 | $22.00 |
San Angel Inn Restaurante
|
$70.00 | $23.00 | $80.00 | $25.75 |
Spice Road Table
|
$52.00 | $19.00 | $63.00 | $19.00 |
Teppan Edo
|
$62.00 | $16.99 | $74.00 | $20.75 |
Tokyo Dining
|
$62.99 | $16.99 | $74.00 | $16.99 |
Trattoria Al Forno* – BoardWalk |
N/A | N/A | $64.00 | $23.00 |
Tutto Italia Ristorante
|
$64.00 | $22.00 | $70.00 | $25.00 |
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
|
$54.00 | $20.00 | $57.00 | $24.00 |
* The following restaurants also offer breakfast options:
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Breakfast: $65.00 for adults; $38.00 for children
- Ale & Compass Breakfast Buffet: $38.00 for adults; $22.00 for children
- Garden Grill Breakfast: $48.00 for adults; $28.00 for children
- Trattoria al Forno Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast: $52.00 for adults; $30.00 for children
Packages are paid for at the individual restaurants. 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.
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) or online via the official Walt Disney World site.
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 those WITH Candlelight DiningTickets. 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 it worth doing?
If you enjoy the Christmas holidays, we highly recommend the show. We have seen the show several times over the last several years. We have purchased the dinner package in the past and felt was worth the price.
The first time we saw the show, we 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 too bad — waited 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 or to post your own comments, visit our Rate and Review Section HERE.