When it comes to Candlelight, you have to plan ahead! There is a good, better, and best way to enjoy Candlelight. That’s why we’ve got everything you want to know about it for you here – and you can decide what works for you.
Epcot’s Candlelight Processional is a Disney tradition now in its 43rd year! It is absolutely a must-do included in our top 5 ways to get in the Christmas spirit at Epcot! 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. 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 that you dress accordingly – some years we actually need to wear our warm coats!
The Processionals begin on November 29, 2013, and runs every evening until December 30.
Shows are approximately 40 minutes. Each evening there are three shows — the times are 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.
2013 Tentative Narrator Schedule
The tentative schedule of those who will appear as narrators for performances of Epcot’s 2013 Candlelight Processional, the annual retelling of the story of Christmas that features a mass choir and a full orchestra (subject to change):
Gary Sinise November 29 to December 1, 2013
Neil Patrick Harris December 2 to December 3, 2013
Ashley Judd – NEW! December 4 to December 5
Whoopi Goldberg December 6 to December 7, 2013
Sigourney Weaver – NEW! December 8 to December 10, 2013
Dennis Haysbert – NEW! December 11 to December 13, 2013
James Denton December 14 to December 16, 2013
Edward James Olmos December 17 to December 19, 2013
Trace Adkins December 20 to December 22, 2013
Steven Curtis Chapman December 23 to December 25, 2013
Blair Underwood December 26 to December 28, 2013
Amy Grant December 29 to December 30, 2013
There is no charge to see the Candlelight Processional (show) – it is included in your admission to Epcot. There is, however, a dinner package available for purchase. The Candlelight package includes a ticket to a guaranteed reserved seating SECTION for the Candlelight Processional (show) at American Gardens Theater – lunch or dinner at a select Epcot restaurant, and pre-arranged fireworks viewing.
Previously a mystery to most of us – YOU CAN NOW JUST CLICK HERE TO GET AN IDEA OF YOUR DINING TIME FOR EACH SHOW!
To book call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) or visit HERE. Be prepared to hold your package in advance with a valid credit card number. You don’t have to pay for your dinner package until you arrive at the location.
Again, you do not get a reserved seat at the show with the package – you get to sit in the reserved section. 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 still arrive 30-45 minutes early.
Seating without the dinner package is on a first come, first serve basis for each show. This means lining 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 who are standing in 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.
Don’t want to stand in line? You can always stroll by the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase to listen to the music and wonders of Christmas with out any sort of planning ahead.
The Candlelight Dinner Package includes a great meal (there is a link to the menus below) – and here’s what every meal includes – no matter where you eat:
• Appetizer • Entree • Dessert • Non-alcoholic beverage (OR one full buffet where applicable!)
If you don’t have a dining plan – here are your prices per person for the meal included in the package (pricing etc. is credit wdwinfo.com):
*Price includes tax, but not gratuity and are subject to change.*
Biergarten – Germany
- Lunch: $35.14 (Adult) $19.16 (Child)
- Dinner: $55.37 (Adult) $28.75 (Child)
Chefs de France – France
- Lunch: $59.63 (Adult) $15.97 (Child)
- Dinner: $74.54 (Adult) $21.29 (Child)
Coral Reef– The Living Seas
- Lunch: $57.50 (Adult) $14.90 (Child)
- Dinner: $69.22 (Adult) $19.16 (Child)
Garden Grill – The Land
- Dinner: $57.50 (Adult) $29.81 (Child)
La Hacienda de San Angel – Mexico
- Dinner: $69.74 (Adult) $17.58 (Child)
Nine Dragons Restaurant – China
- Lunch: $41.53 (Adult) $13.84 (Child)
- Dinner: $53.74 (Adult) $18.10 (Child)
Restaurant Marrakesh – Morocco
- Lunch: $42.59 (Adult) $14.90 (Child)
- Dinner: $53.24 (Adult) $18.10 (Child)
Rose and Crown – UK
- Lunch: $46.85 (Adult) $13.84 (Child)
- Dinner: $59.63 (Adult) $19.16 (Child)
San Angel Inn – Mexico
- Lunch: $51.98 (Adult) $15.18 (Child)
- Dinner: $65.82 (Adult) $17.58 (Child)
Teppan Edo – Japan
- Lunch: $63.89 (Adult) $17.03 (Child)
- Dinner: $74.54 (Adult) $20.23 (Child)
Tokyo Dining – Japan
- Lunch: $63.89 (Adult) $17.03 (Child)
- Dinner: $74.54 (Adult) $20.23 (Child)
Tutto Italia – Italy
- Lunch: $58.57 (Adult) $15.97 (Child)
- Dinner: $71.35 (Adult) $10.23 (Child)
Via Napoli – Italy
- Lunch: $43.66 (Adult) $14.90 (Child)
- Dinner: $56.44 (Adult) $19.16 (Child)
Here’s a tip: 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.
If you have a Disney Dining Plan – it will be accepted as follows:
Magic Your Way Plus Dine – 2 TSR entitlements
Magic Your Way Plus Deluxe Dine – 2 TSR entitlements
Magic Your Way Quick Service Dine – Not eligible
Magic Your Way Premium Package
Magic Your Way Platinum Package
Guests are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes early to their dining 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 (Epcot fireworks).
Click here to check out a FREE Disney holiday activity – seeing all the resort decorations!
Disneyways 
I am an annual pass holder for many years and I am extremely disapointed and angry at whoever the person who decided to change the naration at the candlelight processionial show for 2013. The facts are that Jesus was an individual who has affected the life of more people than all the Armies that ever marched, all the Navys that ever sailed etc. Whoever decided that this naration should not be told is WRONG and is hiding the true facts of the story of Christ. When political correctness trys to change historical facts then our country is in big trouble. I think that whoever changed the narration should be Fired for changing the original intent of this excellent presentation of the story of Christ .Let this person who made this decision admit it and explain the rational behind their decision.
PS I am a proud American a grandfather of nine and a good christian
Jim Hackett
I disagree that leaving out this poem out is hiding anything or changing the theme of Candlelight. First off, this poem was written in 1926 and is not part of the bible. Second, Christmas is about Jesus’ birth, not his entire life. It makes perfect sense to omit it. Plus there are millions of songs, poems and scripture that could fill much more than an hour’s worth of show. From an entertainment and stage show perspective, they have to take into account the flow and duration of the show. You’ll notice they also omitted Do You Hear What I Hear this year. The show remains a tribute to Jesus and Christmas, while showing respect to people of all religions and beliefs, and carrying on the message of peace.
Do you remember in what year Sandi Patty was one of the narrators of the Candlelight Processional?
I’m pretty sure it was both 1999 and 2003 🙂