{"id":35605,"date":"2014-12-12T13:00:51","date_gmt":"2014-12-12T18:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/?p=35605"},"modified":"2022-05-04T20:35:34","modified_gmt":"2022-05-05T00:35:34","slug":"candlelight-processional-dinner-package-worth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/candlelight-processional-dinner-package-worth\/","title":{"rendered":"The Candlelight Processional Dinner Package: Is It Worth It?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Candlelight-choir1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-35619\" src=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Candlelight-choir1-400x318.jpg\" alt=\"Candlelight choir\" width=\"400\" height=\"318\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Candlelight-choir1-400x318.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Candlelight-choir1.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The Disney holiday season is already in full swing at the Disney parks and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/walt-disney-world\/planning\/events\/candlelight-processional\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Candlelight Processional<\/a> at Epcot is one of my favorite holiday events. \u00a0Each night, a celebrity narrator tells the traditional Christmas story, accompanied by a full orchestra and choir. \u00a0You will have the chance to watch, listen, and sing along with some of your favorite Christmas and holiday tunes. \u00a0If you plan to visit Epcot this holiday season, this is a show that the entire family will enjoy.<\/p>\n<p>The show is free with park admission, but since this is a very popular event, you will need to plan ahead. \u00a0Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis (a line often forms hours before the performance) or you can purchase the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package if you want to ensure that you will have a seat for the show.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_35615\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-35615\" style=\"width: 400px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/processional-line.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-35615 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/processional-line-400x220.jpg\" alt=\"The line for the 6:45 show had already formed long before the 5:00 performance concluded\" width=\"400\" height=\"220\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/processional-line-400x220.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/processional-line.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-35615\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The line for the 6:45 show had already formed long before the 5:00 performance concluded<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Not sure if the Dinner Package is right for you? \u00a0Here is some basic information about the package to help you and your family decide:<\/p>\n<p>What is the Dinner Package?<\/p>\n<p>Think of the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package as \u201cDinner and a Movie\/Show&#8221; or purchasing dinner and receiving a FastPass to return for the show. \u00a0You will choose from one of the many participating Epcot restaurants (list below) and make a reservation through the <a href=\"https:\/\/disneyworld.disney.go.com\/plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">My Disney Experience<\/a> website or by phone. \u00a0You will need to specifically choose the \u201cCandlelight Processional Dinner Package\u201d when making the reservation. \u00a0Each meal includes an appetizer, entree, dessert, and drink (non-alcoholic) at a pre-set price.<\/p>\n<p>The participating restaurants are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/walt-disney-world\/dining\/menus\/biergarten-menu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Biergarten<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/walt-disney-world\/dining\/menus\/chefs-de-france-menu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chefs de France<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/walt-disney-world\/dining\/menus\/coral-reef-menu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Coral Reef<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/walt-disney-world\/dining\/menus\/garden-grill-menu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Garden Grill<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/walt-disney-world\/dining\/menus\/la-hacienda-de-san-angel-menu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">La Hacienda de San Angel<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/walt-disney-world\/dining\/menus\/nine-dragons-menu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nine Dragons Restaurant<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/walt-disney-world\/dining\/menus\/restaurant-marrakesh-menu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Restaurant Marrakesh<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/walt-disney-world\/dining\/menus\/rose-and-crown-menu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rose and Crown<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/walt-disney-world\/dining\/menus\/san-angel-inn-menu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">San Angel Inn<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/walt-disney-world\/dining\/menus\/teppan-edo-menu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Teppan Edo<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/walt-disney-world\/dining\/menus\/tokyo-dining-menu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tokyo Dining<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/walt-disney-world\/dining\/menus\/tutto-italia-menu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tutto Italia<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/walt-disney-world\/dining\/menus\/via-napoli-menu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Via Napoli<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you have not yet made a reservation for this year, there are still some seats available.\u00a0 The more flexible on the date and time that you wish to attend the show, the better chance you have making the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package a reality.<\/p>\n<p>The time of your restaurant reservation will determine which show you will see. \u00a0For example, if you make a lunchtime reservation at Via Napoli (between 1:45 and 2:45), you will be asked to return for the 5:45 pm show. \u00a0Your reservation time should allow plenty of time to eat a leisurely meal and make it to the show on time.\u00a0 You are then given a ticket to return for a specific show, cutting your wait time down to a minimum. (If you want to be front and center, you will still want to line up prior to the show.)<\/p>\n<p>One thing that you should be aware when you arrive to obtain your Candlelight Processional seat of is that there is a separate line for those with dining package reservations. Make sure you are standing in the correct line and not the standby line.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Candlelight-processional.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-35621 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Candlelight-processional-400x165.jpg\" alt=\"Candlelight processional\" width=\"400\" height=\"165\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Candlelight-processional-400x165.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Candlelight-processional.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>There are three Candlelight Processional performances each night at 5:00 pm, 6:45 pm, and 8:15 pm. The narrators change every few days.<\/p>\n<p>Here are the narrators that are scheduled to appear this year:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Jodi Benson<\/b> \u2013 November 28 &#8211; 29<\/li>\n<li><b>Neil Patrick Harris<\/b> \u2013 November 30 &#8211; December 2<\/li>\n<li><b>Jonathan Groff <\/b>\u2013 December 3 &#8211; 4<\/li>\n<li><b>Whoopi Goldberg<\/b> \u2013 December 5 &#8211; 6<\/li>\n<li><b>Levar Burton<\/b> \u2013 December 7 &#8211; 9 (Dec. 7 shows only at 6:45 and 8:15)<\/li>\n<li><b>Edward James Olmos<\/b> \u2013 December 10 &#8211; 11<\/li>\n<li><b>Joe Morton<\/b> \u2013 December 12 &#8211; 14<\/li>\n<li><b>Chita Rivera<\/b> \u2013 December 15 &#8211; 17<\/li>\n<li><b>Ana Gasteyer <\/b>\u2013 December 18 &#8211; 20<\/li>\n<li><b>Marlee Matlin<\/b> \u2013 December 21 &#8211; 23<\/li>\n<li><b>Isabella Rossellini<\/b> \u2013 December 24 &#8211; 25<\/li>\n<li><b>Blair Underwood<\/b> \u2013 December 26 &#8211; 27<\/li>\n<li><b>Steven Curtis Chapman<\/b> \u2013 December 28 &#8211; 30<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_35625\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-35625\" style=\"width: 266px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Jodi-Benson.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-35625\" src=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Jodi-Benson-266x400.jpg\" alt=\"Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel, tells the Christmas story to the captivated crowd\" width=\"266\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Jodi-Benson-266x400.jpg 266w, https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Jodi-Benson.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 266px) 100vw, 266px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-35625\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel, tells the Christmas story to the captivated crowd<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Is each show the same?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes and no. The story and the music do not change from show to show. The narrator changes every few days. \u00a0The choir singers are comprised of both cast members and high schools who come from all over the country to perform, so the performers change but you are unlikely to notice this (unless you happen to know a family member or friend who is performing). The biggest difference is how dark it will be for the show. It is not quite dark at the start of the 5:45 performance, especially on the earliest show dates. If you want it to be dark so that you can see the full effect of the candles, you will need to choose a later show. These seats, of course, are the fastest to fill up.<\/p>\n<p><strong>So, is it worth it?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>With an average price of $50-$60 per person, the cost can add up quickly for a family. \u00a0If you are on a tight budget, this may be one expense you don&#8217;t care to add to your vacation. The benefit, however, is that there is no need to stress over getting a seat. \u00a0The Dinner Package ensures that you will have a seat at your designated show. Weekend shows and shows with more popular narrators (think: Neil Patrick Harris) often draw larger crowds than some of the weeknight shows. \u00a0If you are willing to wait in line for several hours before the show, this may not be a problem, but if you wish to spend your time visiting the other attractions, spending a chunk of your day waiting around is not ideal.<\/p>\n<p>The Dinner Package allows you to relax and enjoy a nice meal with your travel companions. \u00a0After a day full of rides and attractions, it is nice to sit back, relax and watch the hustle and bustle go by rather than being caught up in it.<\/p>\n<p>The Dinner Package can make a really nice gift! I speak from experience on this one. I booked the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package last year as a Christmas gift for my mother (a singer, music teacher, and choir director). She loved it so much that she requested another trip this year. I was more than happy to agree. \u00a0Just like that, it has become a mother\/daughter tradition!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Pasta-Via-Napoli.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-35612\" src=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Pasta-Via-Napoli-400x200.jpg\" alt=\"Pasta Via Napoli\" width=\"400\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Pasta-Via-Napoli-400x200.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Pasta-Via-Napoli.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_35616\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-35616\" style=\"width: 266px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Dessert-Via-Napoli.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-35616 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Dessert-Via-Napoli-266x400.jpg\" alt=\"Dinner and dessert at Via Napoli\" width=\"266\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Dessert-Via-Napoli-266x400.jpg 266w, https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Dessert-Via-Napoli.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 266px) 100vw, 266px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-35616\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dinner and dessert at Via Napoli<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you are still unsure, here\u2019s some quick advice&#8230;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If you know you will be back at Epcot soon and don&#8217;t mind the wait, save the money and take your chances in the stand-by line. Soarin&#8217; and Test Track will still be there on your next visit. If you are willing to stand, there is also a limited amount of standing space behind the seating as well.<\/li>\n<li>If this is a special occasion or a once-in-a-lifetime trip, go ahead and splurge! It will be a really enjoyable holiday experience!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Can&#8217;t make it to Epcot this holiday season? Like most other restaurant reservations, you are able to reserve up to 180 days in advance. \u00a0If you want to have first choice of restaurants and show times, you will need to remember to book in early July. The earlier you book, the better. If you are like me, the holidays will be the last thing on your mind while you are laying by the pool or building sand castles on the beach, so mark your calendars now! \u00a0I already have an alarm set on my phone to remind me. \u00a0I\u2019ll do my best to remind you too!\u00a0 I hope that you all have a wonderful and joyous holiday season!<\/p>\n<p><em>Have you tried the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package?\u00a0 What did you think?<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; The Disney holiday season is already in full swing at the Disney parks and Candlelight Processional at Epcot is one of my favorite holiday events. \u00a0Each night, a celebrity narrator tells the traditional Christmas story, accompanied by a full orchestra and choir. \u00a0You will have the chance to watch, listen, and sing along with&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":91,"featured_media":35619,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1688,1695,9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-35605","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wdw-dining","category-theme-parks","category-walt-disney-world"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35605","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/91"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35605"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35605\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":84668,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35605\/revisions\/84668"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35619"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35605"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35605"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35605"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}