Tag Archives: Candlelight Processional

Top Five Things to Do During the Holidays at Disney World

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Believe it or not… the Walt Disney World Resort truly does become more magical during the holiday season. With special events throughout the parks, beautiful decorations throughout the parks and resorts, it is one of the best time of year to visit. 

Here are the top five things to do during the holidays at Disney World: 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: This separate ticket event is held on select nights in November and December from 7 pm to 12 am at Magic Kingdom Park. Although there is an added cost for this experience, you get to enjoy unlimited hot cocoa, apple juice, cookies, and apple sliced throughout the evening; Once Upon a Christmastime Parade; a Frozen Holiday Wish; the Jungle Cruise transforms into the Jingle Cruise; Holiday Wishes fireworks spectacular; two dance parties; rare character meet and greets and so much more!

Flurry of Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: The Hollywood Tower Hotel transforms with projections and even “snow” along Sunset Boulevard during Sunset Seasons Greetings where guests can enjoy four stories about some of our favorite Disney characters. Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam is a fun nighttime show projected onto the Chinese Theater. Wayne and Lanny from ABC’s Prep & Landing need our help to save Santa Claus and bring him back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Day!

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays: The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays includes holiday kitchens featuring seasonal recipes, Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree scavenger hunt around the World Showcase, Candlelight Processional, and more. Candlelight Processional is always a guest favorite, featuring a celebrity narrator reading the Christmas story and accompanied by a fifty piece orchestra and full choir. Even with three readings nightly, this event fills quickly so we do strongly recommend the Candlelight Processional dining packages to reserve your spot.

Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs: 2016 was the first year that Disney created the Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs and it has grown each year since! With twenty-five trees planned for 2018, all inspired by our favorite Disney movies and characters, this is a great place for photo opportunities or even a little inspiration for your Disney decorated trees at home.

Resort Decorations: All of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels decorate for the holiday season with Christmas trees, wreaths, and more. However, some have over the top decorations that you just have to see for yourself! The most incredible is probably the life size gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Although you won’t want to miss the life size gingerbread carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort or the gingerbread castle at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, either. There are even sleigh rides through Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground!

What are your favorite things to do during the holidays at Disney World? 

Call Siera today to book your Disney World vacation at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com anytime with questions or a free, no obligation quote! 

Top 5 Holiday Experiences at Disney World to Book for your Vacation

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From the Disney Parks Blog:

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

From glittering holiday decor to special entertainment to tasty seasonal treats, spending the holiday season at Walt Disney World Resort can’t be beat.

Here are five holiday experiences at Disney World you can book right now that can help you make the most of your holiday visit:

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park – Experience the holiday party of a lifetime at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Taking place on select nights in November and December, this guest-favorite annual holiday event includes a special “Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,” “Holiday Wishes” fireworks, snow on Main Street, U.S.A., and much more. Pick up tickets now before they’re gone. You can also plus up your party experience with special dining options that are only available on party nights, including the Holiday Wishes Fireworks Holiday Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace and Holiday Wishes Fireworks Holiday Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party – Reservations just opened for this brand-new F&B offering at Magic Kingdom Park. This experience begins at 9:30 p.m. on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party nights, and includes a tasty hors d’oeuvres and a dessert buffet at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant. At 11 p.m., you’ll have access to a special reserved viewing area for the truly enchanting “Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade” as it makes its way down Main Street, U.S.A. Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party continues until 12:30 a.m., even longer than Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Both a Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket and reservations for Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party are required to attend. More details and bookings here.

Presented in the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot, Candlelight Processional is one of the most beloved holiday traditions at Walt Disney World Resort. Featuring a joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a glorious mass choir, this festive performance takes place annually in November and December. Show times are at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. Epcot is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

“The Candlelight Processional” Dining Packages at Epcot – “The Candlelight Processional” is a holiday tradition for many Disney guests and families. See the show with ease thanks to a “Candlelight Processional” dining package, which gives you breakfast, lunch or dinner at a tasty Epcot restaurant plus priority seating for the show. Each meal includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert or one full buffet or family-style dining (where applicable), along with a non-alcoholic beverage. Check out this year’s list of narrators – which includes newcomers Auli’i Cravalho and Alfonso Ribeiro, as well as returning favorites Neil Patrick Harris and Gary Sinise – here.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Not only does this delicious dessert party dish up mouth-watering sweets, but dessert party reservations give you priority viewing for not one, but two of Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ nighttime shows – “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” and “Disney Movie Magic,” as well as a greeting with a Disney character! Sneak a peek at the delicious menu and make your reservations here.

New Year’s Eve Celebration Reservations – Three unforgettable New Year’s Eve experiences – Pixar Party: A New Year’s Eve Celebration, Disney Countdown to Midnight: A New Year’s Eve Celebration, and Disney Ink & Paint Club – are already on sale. Don’t miss out!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

And, last but not least … no trip to Walt Disney World Resort during the holiday season would be complete without picking up an adorable holiday Minnie Snowflake Ears Headband or Santa Mickey Mouse Ear Hat. Several new styles were just released this fall. Grab them now at ShopDisneyParks.com before they’re gone!

Full List of Celebrity Narrators for 2017 Candlelight Processional at Epcot

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(Mariah Wild, photographer)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Disney has finally confirmed the full list of this year’s celebrity narrators for the 2017 Candlelight Processional, part of the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, which includes both new faces and returning favorites.

Disney Legend Kurt Russell, who has starred in Disney films from the 1960s to 2017’s “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” will read the Christmas story this year – as well as gold- and silver-medal-winning gymnast Laurie Hernandez. Two veterans of the event – actress/comedienne Ana Gasteyer and Jodi Benson, voice of Ariel in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” – have now completed this year’s list.

As previously announced, new narrators for this year’s lineup include Matt Bomer (“White Collar,” “The Last Tycoon,”); Star Wars fan favorite Warwick Davis, who played Wicket the Ewok in “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi;” Daytime Television Legend Pat Sajak and TV star CCH Pounder, who was recently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the grand opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar.

And returning this year are everyone’s favorite hard-driving Dr. Bailey from “Grey’s Anatomy,” Chandra Wilson – and newly-named Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of ABC’s “The View.”

Here is the full list of celebrity narrators for the 2017 Candlelight Processional (everything subject to change, of course):

  • Nov. 24- 26 – Laurie Hernandez – NEW!
  • Nov. 27-28 – Matt Bomer – NEW!
  • Nov. 29 – 30 – Ana Gasteyer
  • Dec. 1-3 – Whoopi Goldberg
  • Dec. 4-5 – Pat Sajak – NEW!
  • Dec. 6-8 – Jodi Benson
  • Dec. 9-11 – Kurt Russell – NEW!
  • Dec. 12-14 – Warwick Davis – NEW!
  • Dec. 15-17 – Trace Adkins
  • Dec. 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
  • Dec. 22-24 – CCH Pounder – NEW!
  • Dec. 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
  • Dec. 28-30 – Chandra Wilson

The Candlelight Processional presents the traditional story of Christmas in truly spectacular fashion – with a celebrity narrator, a 50-piece orchestra and a massed choir.

The processional is performed three times per night (5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the America Gardens Theatre. These packages, available on select nights, include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Availability is limited.

In addition to lunch and dinner packages, breakfast options are available at some favorite restaurants in and near Epcot like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and The Garden Grill. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort,** with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk.

Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at $35 plus tax per person for adults and $21 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at $44 plus tax per person for adults and $15.50 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.

Epcot provides an extravaganza of holiday entertainment, merchandise, food, beverages and festivities where guests can celebrate at Epcot throughout the holiday season. Time-honored traditions come alive through the sights and sounds of the countries of World Showcase, and live performances enliven the park throughout the day.

Visit the booking page to book a Candlelight Processional dining package, or to find out more information, call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

*Narrators and entertainment are subject to change without notice. Epcot admission is required and not included in the dining package price.

** (NOTE: Captain’s Grille is currently under refurbishment. Candlelight Packages will be available once it reopens.)

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Candlelight Processional 2017 Dining Packages Now Available

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Candlelight Processional is always a popular holiday event at Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort. As a part of Holidays Around the World at Epcot, the Candlelight Processional presents the traditional story of Christmas in truly spectacular fashion – with a celebrity narrator, a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir. Even with three shows held every night beginning Thanksgiving weekend, it is always hard to find a seat for these incredible performances which is why the Candlelight Processional 2017 dining packages can be invaluable!

Candlelight Processional dining packages include a meal at a participating delicious restaurant in or around Epcot and then reserved seating for one of the three shows that evening. Candlelight Processional 2017 dining packages are available with the Disney dining plan for two table service credits.

Newcomers to the celebrity narrator spotlight this year include Daytime Television Legend Pat Sajak and TV star CCH Pounder, who was recently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the Grand Opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar. Returning favorites include television, film and stage superstar Neil Patrick Harris, country megastar Trace Adkins and Contemporary Christian music artist Jaci Velasquez.

Here are the Candlelight Processional 2017 narrators confirmed so far:*

  • Nov. 24- Dec. 3 – To Be Announced
  • Dec. 4-5 – Pat Sajak
  • Dec. 6-14 – To Be Announced
  • Dec. 15-17 – Trace Adkins
  • Dec. 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
  • Dec. 22-24 – CCH Pounder
  • Dec. 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
  • Dec. 28-30 – To Be Announced

The Candlelight processional is performed three times per night (5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the America Gardens Theatre. These Candleight Processional 2017 dining packages, available on select nights, include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Availability is limited.

As with last year, in addition to lunch and dinner packages, breakfast options are available at some favorite restaurants in and near Epcot again this year like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and The Garden Grill. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort,** with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk.

Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at $35 plus tax per person for adults and $21 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at $44 plus tax per person for adults and $15.50 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.

Holidays Around the World is an extravaganza of holiday entertainment, merchandise, food, beverages and festivities where guests can celebrate at Epcot throughout the holiday season. Time-honored traditions come alive through the sights and sounds of the countries of World Showcase, and live performances enliven the park throughout the day.

Click here to book Candlelight Processional 2017 dining packages or to find out more information, call
407/ WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

Holidays Around the World, including the Candlelight Processional, runs November 24 – December 30, 2017 at Epcot.

*Narrators and entertainment are subject to change without notice. Epcot admission is required and not included in the dining package price.

**  (NOTE: Captain’s Grille is currently under refurbishment. Candlelight Packages will be available once it reopens.)

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Ten New Holiday Treats at Epcot for Holidays Around the World

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Epcot is home to two great annual holiday events, Candlelight Processional and Holidays Around the World. Candlelight Processional is a moving re-telling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator who is accompanied by a mass choir and fifty piece orchestra. Holidays Around the World celebrates the holiday festivities in countries all over the world and the differences in each country. As part of Holiday Around the World, there are ten new holiday treats at Epcot that you can try.

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You can try a Turkey Waffle at Promenade Refreshments. This “all in one holiday dinner” is a sweet potato waffle topped with turkey and green bean casserole.

Next up is pecan-maple bark in the Canada pavilion which is a tribute to their maple sugar production.

Then, you will pass through the United Kingdom pavilion where they have hot applejack cider with whiskey and a blend of seasonal spices. It’s a great treat to sip while you listen to stories of Father Christmas.

The France pavilion offers bûche de noël au chocolate (chocolate cake shaped like a log) at Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie. Another delicious treat in the France pavilion is glace au apin d’epices (gingerbread ice cream) at L’Artisan des Glaces.

The Japan pavilion is serving teriyaki chicken karaage, a Japanese version of crispy fried chicken bites with teriyaki sauce, at Kabuki Cafe. Plus, you can listen to the story of the Daruma doll and Japanese customs of the New Year.

At American Adventure, there are a number of classic holiday treats such as freshly baked gingerbread men, chocolate chunk cookies and sugar cookies, hot chocolate, hot apple cider and peppermint bark at the Sugar and Spice Holiday Bakery. You can find Santa and Mrs. Claus along with holiday carolers here as well as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebrations.

The Italy pavilion offers panettone, the sweet bread loaf served at the Gelato kiosk, along with sweet moscato wine and hot chocolate while you meet La Befana, a kind-hearted witch who arrives on the eve of the Epiphany to grant gifts to good children.

In Germany, you can have fruit cake with hot spiced wine as you hear Helga tell the story of the first Christmas tree.

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Over in the Norway pavilion, you can learn about the Christmas gnome and try the traditional rice cream at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe.

Siera is a Disney travel specialist. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Request your free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information. 

Celebrity Narrators at Epcot’s 2014 Candlelight Processional

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There are plenty of great events at Disney World during the holiday season from Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom to The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Hollywood Studios. One of the great holiday events at Epcot is the Candlelight Processional where a celebrity narrator tells the Christmas story accompanied by a choir and orchestra. Disney always brings in some big names like Neil Patrick Harris and Whoopi Goldberg for the event. The most recent celebrity addition for the 2014 Candlelight Processional is Jonathan Groff from Disney’s hit “Frozen.”

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Jonathan Groff is best known as the voice of Kristoff in Disney’s “Frozen,” but is also a Tony-nominated veteran of the Broadway stage (“Spring Awakening”) and TV (“Glee”).

The 2014 Candlelight Processional is just part of the Holidays Around the World celebration at Epcot. This joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a glorious mass choir is a “must see” event if you are visiting during the holiday season.

  • Jodi Benson – 11/28 – 11/29
  • Neil Patrick Harris – 11/30 – 12/2
  • Jonathan Groff – 12/3 – 12/4
  • Whoopi Goldberg – 12/5 – 12/6
  • LeVar Burton – 12/7 – 12/9
  • Edward James Olmos – 12/9 – 12/11
  • Joe Morton – 12/12 – 12/14
  • Chita Rivera – 12/15 – 12/17
  • Ana Gasteyer (New) – 12/18 –12/20
  • Marlee Matlin – 12/21 – 12/23
  • Isabella Rossellini – 12/24 – 12/25
  • Blair Underwood – 12/26 – 12/27
  • Steven Curtis Chapman – 12/28 – 12/30

The 2014 Candlelight Processional will be presented three times each night (5:00 pm, 6:45 pm, and 8:15 pm) at the American Gardens Theater at Epcot. If you would like reserved seating for the show, you can book the Candlelight Processional dinner package.

Siera is a Disney travel specialist. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Request your free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information. 

Celebrate the Holidays at Disney World

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disney holidays

Are you looking to do something special for the holidays this year? The holiday season is the most magical time of year at the Walt Disney World Resort. There are numerous special events including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights, Candlelight Processional, and Holidays Around the World. You can enjoy fun-filled seasonal events, sparkling lights, dazzling decorations and joyful music, and even great rates on vacation packages! Plus, there’s still plenty of time to book your holiday getaway. Most of these exciting events and decorations begin by November 8 and extend through early January so you have plenty of dates to plan your family’s perfect vacation. There are exciting events planned for New Year’s Eve as well you won’t want to miss.

You can take advantage of up to 30% off your resort stay this holiday season when you book by November 3, 2013. For instance, a family of four could enjoy a 7-day, 6-night package in December including tickets and dining for as little as $2,575.34!

Plus, if you book your holiday vacation with me, each of your kids will receive a stocking full of Disney goodies, including an autograph book, Disney lanyard, and more! Plus, mom and dad will receive Disney lanyards as well.

Siera is a Disney travel specialist and would love to help you plan your next Disney World vacation at no cost to you! Request a free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email spreadingmagic@gmail.com for more information! 

Candlelight Processional Dinner Package Now Available

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The Candlelight Processional is an annual tradition at held Epcot every December, leading up to Christmas. The Candlelight Processional is a beautiful reading of the story of Christmas by a celebrity narrator who is accompanied by a 50 piece orchestra and mass choir.

Here is the schedule of celebrity narrators participating that has been released so far:

  • 11/29-12/1-To Be Determined
  • 12/2-12/3: To Be Determined
  • 12/4-12/5: Ashley Judd
  • 12/6-12/7: Whoopi Goldberg
  • 12/8-12/10: To Be Determined
  • 12/11-12/13: Dennis Haysbert
  • 12/14-12/16: James Denton
  • 12/17-12/19: Edward James Olmos
  • 12/20-12/22: Trace Adkins
  • 12/23-12/25: To Be Determined
  • 12/26-12/28: Blair Underwood
  • 12/29-12/30: Amy Grant

You can enjoy reserved seating, a delicious lunch or dinner at Epcot, and VIP Illuminations fireworks viewing when you purchase a Candlelight Processional Dinner Package. Advanced dining reservations for the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package will be available beginning tomorrow, July 9, 2013.

Here is a list of the participating restaurants:

  • Biergarten Restaurant
  • Chefs de France
  • Coral Reef Restaurant
  • The Garden Grill
  • La Haceinda de San Angel
  • Nine Dragons Restaurant
  • Restaurant Marrakesh
  • Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room
  • San Angel Inn Restaurante
  • Teppan Edo
  • Tokyo Dining
  • Tutto Italia Ristorante
  • Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria

The Candlelight Processional is performed three times per night throughout the holiday season, November 29–December 30, 2013. Please note, park admission is required and not included with the Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages.

Siera is a Disney travel specialist and would love to help you plan your next Disney World vacation. Plus, when you book your vacation with her, she can make all of your dining reservations for you! Contact her at spreadingmagic@gmail.com for more information!