For those who are going to WDW in December, here is the schedule for the candelight processional. I have gone for the past 2 years and its wonderful. Lots of Christmas music, it gives you "goosebumps".
Candlelight Processional
The Candlelight Processional is an annual event at the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase at Epcot. It consists of a celebrity narrator presenting the Biblical Christmas story, plus a large choir and an orchestra performing traditional religious Christmas carols. The Processional is an explicitly Christian religious presentation with a "church service" feel to it.
In 2011 it will be offered from November 25 through December 30. There are normally three performances each night, at 5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 pm. Each show runs about 40 minutes. You'll need to line up at LEAST 45 minutes prior to the show if you want to have any hope of getting in (or buy the Dining Package for guaranteed entry).
There is no additional charge for the performance over and above your Epcot admission.
2011 Candlelight Processional Narrators (subject to change)
11/25/11-11/27/11 - Mira Sorvino
11/28/11-12/1/11 - Michael W. Smith
12/2/11-12/3/11 - Whoopi Goldberg
12/4/11-12/6/11 - TBD
12/7/11-12/9/11 - Isabella Rossellini
12/10/11-12/12/11 - Neil Patrick Harris
12/13/11-12/15/11 - TBD
12/16/11-12/18/11 - TBD
12/19/11-12/21/11 - Trace Adkins
12/22/11-12/24/11 - Susan Lucci
12/25/11-12/27/11 - Blair Underwood
12/28/11-12/30/11 - Marlee Matlin
Candlelight Processional Dining Package
You can purchase a special Candlelight Processional Dining Package. With this special package you pay a flat rate for a sit-down meal at an Epcot restaurant and you receive "preferred seating" for the Candlelight Processional, plus access to a preferred viewing area for IllumiNations that evening.
Based on my experience, getting the package may be the only way you'll get a seat at all, particularly on weekend nights. Expect to wait in a significant line to enter the show, even if you have the package.
You must schedule your Candlelight Processional Dining Package BEFORE the performance you will attend. There is a Lunch Package for those attending the 5:00 performance and a Dinner Package for those attending the 6:45 or 8:00 performances. You must eat during the following time periods with this package:
5:00 show: lunch between 1:45-2:45 pm
6:45 show: dinner between 3:30-4:30 pm
8:15 show: dinner between 5:00-6:00 pm
The participating restaurants are usually priced in three tiers. Package meals generally include appetizer, entree, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage. Admission to Epcot is NOT included in the package price. 2 credits from the Dining Plan can be used to pay for your meal.
2011 Candlelight Processional Dining Packages went on sale July 26. Call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463) to reserve.
Evelyn