Everything You Need To Know About This Year’s Candlelight Processional and Dining Package at Epcot

July 7, 2018

It may only be July, but Disney is already hatching plans for its Christmas festivities. Today we have updates on two of Epcot’s incredible seasonal activities the Candlelight Processional as well as the Candlelight Processional Dining Package. Here’s a quick rundown of the fun that awaits visitors.

What is the Candlelight Processional? For those who are unfamiliar, the Candlelight Processional is Epcot’s incredible retelling of the Christmas Story. This musical tribute to the origins of Christmas includes a concert by a 50 piece orchestra, singers from Disney’s Voices of Liberty and Cast Member Choirs as well as visiting choral singers. The celebration includes a line-up of classic Christmas songs tied together by an impressive rotating cast of Celebrity narrators.

What are the dates for this year’s Candlelight Processional? Disney announced earlier this Spring that the Candlelight Processional will debut on Thanksgiving (November 22nd) and run through until December 30th.

Who will the Celebrity Narrators be this year? Earlier this week, Disney Parks Blog shared the names of some of the Celebrity Narrators that will be taking part in this year’s your candlelight processional. Returning favorites include Whoopi Goldberg, Pat Sajak, Neil Patrick Harris, Chita Rivera, Gary Sinise, Blair Underwood, Edward James Olmos, and Jodi Benson, who voices Ariel in Disney’s animated classic “The Little Mermaid.”

Here is the lineup so far.

11/22 – 11/23 – Chita Rivera
11/24 – 12/2 – TBD
12/3 – 12/6 – Neil Patrick Harris
12/7 – 12/9 – Whoopi Goldberg
12/10 – 12/12 – TBD
12/13 – 12/14 – Blair Underwood
12/15 – 12/17 – Gary Sinise
12/18 – 12/20 – Pat Sajak
12/21 – 12/23 – TBD
12/24 – 12/25 – Edward James Olmos
12/26 – 12/27 – Jodi Benson
12/28 – 12/30 – TBD

Do you need to purchase tickets for the Candlelight Processional? Epcot’s Candlelight Procession is FREE to all guests with a valid Epcot park admission. This makes the event pretty popular with visitors.

When and where do the performances take place? The performances are held at Epcot’s American Gardens Theatre. Last year it ran three times daily with performances at 5:00 pm, 6:45 pm and 8:15 pm.

Is there assigned seating? No. Seats are on a first come first served basis with one exception. Over the past couple of years, Disney has offered a Candlelight Processional Dining Package. This offer is similar to the Fantasmic! Dining Package at Hollywood Studios and offers guests who book a meal at select Epcot eateries a guaranteed seat during one of the evening Candlelight Processional performances.

Can you tell me more about the Candlelight Processional Dining Package? Under the offer guests to Epcot have the ability to make dining reservations at select Epcot restaurants which includes a 3-course meal (appetizer, entree and dessert) or buffet. Visitors will receive advanced VIP seating at the American Gardens Theatre. The dining package, depending on location is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner and operates on a tiered pricing system based on the restaurant. For those on the Disney Dining Plan, the meal will set you back 2 Table Service Dining Credits.

What restaurants are participating in this year’s Candlelight Processional Dining Package?

Lunch and dinner packages are available at some favorite Epcot restaurants including:

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Biergarten Restaurant
Chefs de France
Coral Reef Restaurant
The Garden Grill
La Hacienda de San Angel
Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room
Teppan Edo
Tokyo Dining
Tutto Italia Ristorante
Viva Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria

Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at:

Ale & Compass at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort,
Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk (breakfast and dinner only)

What are the costs for the Candlelight Processional Dining Packages? The out-of-pocket rates for this year’s packages are as follows:

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 3-9.
For Dinner: $55 plus tax per person for adults and $16.99 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.

How do I book one of the Candlelight Processional Dining Packages? Dining reservations officially open on July 11, 2018. Reservations can be made by calling 407.WDW.DINE or online via your My Disney Experience Account.

This is just one of the many offerings available at Epcot during the Holiday Season. In the lead-in to Christmas, the park provides an extravaganza of holiday entertainment, merchandise, food, beverages and festivities. Time-honored traditions come alive through the sights and sounds of the different countries that make up the World Showcase, and live performances enliven the park throughout the day.

Now is the perfect time to start planning your destination Christmas to Walt Disney World. Read below to find out how you can get your FREE quote.

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