Candlelight Processional, Disney News, Disney Parks, Disney World Tips, Opinions and Commentary, Reviews, Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World Tips

Candlelight Processional Review

The Candlelight Processional provides an opportunity to enjoy the inspirational story of the birth of Jesus. The story is narrated by a guest celebrity reading lines of scripture alongside a 50-piece orchestra, the Walt Disney World Cast choir, and the Voices of Liberty. Walt Disney World runs 3 performances daily during the Festival of Holidays at the America Gardens Theater, located at the American Pavilion in Epcot.

You have two options when trying to obtain a seat for the Candlelight Processional. First, you’re able to reserve a Candlelight Dining Package which pairs a guaranteed seat and a fine dining experience. Second, you can wait in a standby line like a dope and hope to get a seat. (Note: You’d be waiting in line with about 600 other dopes). This is a highly popular event and I didn’t want to miss an opportunity to see the guest narrator Gary Sinise. I opted to pay for the dining package. We made an ADR for Germany’s Biergarten, located in the German Pavilion, and one of the cheaper options available. There were 4 of us and the bill with tip was around $200, which seemed like a shit ton of money for dinner and a show. I mean, I could watch this shit on YouTube for free.

I was having reservations on spending that much, but that all changed when the orchestra started to play ‘Joy to the World,’ led by Dr. Jeffrey B. Redding. The choir then marched down towards the stage, accompanied by the Voices of Liberty singing ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.’

Gary Sinise, most known for his role in Forrest Gump as Lieutenant Dan, was announced as he walked on stage to a rousing ovation. More importantly, he is known for the Gary Sinise Foundation. His foundation provides support for veterans, First Responders, their families, and those in need. He was incredibly humble and sincere in his delivery of the narration of the Christmas Story.

Throughout the night, the orchestra played as the choir sang along to many Christmas classics, such as ‘O Come All Ye Faithful.’ The crowd sang simultaneously with the choir, throughout the night. In addition, they also played ‘Away in a Manger,’ ‘O Holy Night,’ and ‘Silent Night.’ It lasted over an hour. Subsequently, they ended the night with a kickass rendition of Handel’s ‘The Hallelujah Chorus.’

Overall, this experience was fantastic! In fact, I compare the Candlelight Processional to the your local Symphony. The quality of this show is indeed that damn good. Specifically, the orchestra sounded amazing. The $200 price tag is comparable to a nice dinner and tickets to the symphony. But at Disney it includes a guest celebrity narrator! This is without a doubt a hell of a value at Walt Disney World.

In closing, I would highly recommend this experience if this is your cup of tea. On the other hand if you don’t like symphonies and a show such as this one, I’d stay the hell away.

Leave a Reply