For many years now we have take 4 days out of our busy December schedule to visit Walt Disney World. It used to be that the first weekend in December was one of the lowest attended times of the year, and we were spoiled. Now that is no longer the case 🙁 This year we will be visiting later than usual due to work commitments. Our mini-vacation with be December 11-14. Since the focus of this trip is to celebrate Christmas we will be attending the Candlelight Processional on the 11th and seeing the new Jingle Bells, Jingle Bam show on the 13th. Also on the 13th we will venture to Disney Springs to check out the holiday happenings there.
Our favorite Disney Christmas activity is going to see the Candlelight Processional each year. This year 7th grade Cindy will be swooning as she sees Robby Benson aka Beast read the Christmas story! For us, the narrator is so important to making this show great. Over the past 20+ years we have seen some great and some not-so-great narrators. So far my top 5 Narrators have been: 1. James Earl Jones 2. Michael W. Smith 3. Trace Adkins 4. Sandy Patti 5. Phylicia Rashad. Unfortunately, none of them are narrating this year. From this year’s list of narrators I would recommend Steven Curtis Chapman, Neil Patrick Harris, Robby Benson, and Jodi Benson.
2016 Candlelight Processional Schedule
The Candlelight Processional shows take place 3 times a day: 5:00pm, 6:45pm, and 8:15pm in the American Gardens Theater in Epcot from November 25-December 30.
2016 Candlelight Processional Narrators: (narrators are subject to change)
- Steven Curtis Chapman November 25 to 27, 2016
- Neil Patrick Harris November 28 to December 1, 2016
- Whoopi Goldberg December 2 to 3, 2016
- Edward James Olmos December 4 to 6, 2016
- Anthony Mackie December 7 to 9, 2016
- Robby Benson December 10 to 12, 2016
- Meredith Vieira December 13 to 15, 2016
- Jim Caviezel December 16 to 18, 2016
- Joe Morton December 19 to 21, 2016
- Ming-Na Wen December 22 to 24, 2016
- Jodi Benson December 25 to 27, 2016
- Cal Ripken, Jr. December 28 to 30, 2016
Epcot admission is required to see the show. Seating is first come, first served so get in line at least 45 minutes before the show. If you would like a reserved seat you can purchase a Candlelight Dinner Package in advance through your travel agent or directly with Disney. Dining packages range from $39.00 to $76.50 per adult depending on the restaurant and time of day.
Have you attended the Candlelight Processional before? Who is your favorite narrator?
My daughter and I attended opening weekend of the Candlelight processional last year. Gary Sinise was the narrator. I bought the dinner package so we could get in first. Loved it. So beautiful. The music was amazing. Just a great evening!
I performed in my first Candlelight Processional last night with Stephen Curtis Chapman. I am a cast member at Disney, and being a tall tenor, I was in the front row of the tree standing 2 singers from Mr. Chapman. What an experience! For 20+ years I’ve watched and listened to the show, so you can imagine how choked up I was being part of it for the first time. I will also perform with Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi, Robbie Benson, Jodi Benson, Ming-Na Wen, and Anthony Mackie. What a way to start the Christmas season. As Mr. Chapman said last night, “If this doesn’t start a fire in you, your wood is wet!”
Jim,
How exciting! I would love to sing at Candlelight! Stephen Curtis Chapman is awesome. I got to chat with him a few years ago when he was performing at Night of Joy. He loves being a part of the Candlelight Processional. Thanks for sharing your experience. Merry Christmas!
Is it possible to meet the narrator at the end of the show, to get autographs? I’m going December 1st, and i’m a huge fan of Neil Patrick Harris!
Michael, Unfortunately there are no meet and greet opportunities with the narrators.