2026 Candlelight Processional at EPCOT: Dates, Info & Tips
Candlelight Processional at EPCOT will occur from late November to December 2026 at Walt Disney World. This covers the narrator lineup, celebrity appearance dates, whether the dining package is worth the money, and our review of this Christmas-time show.
For those unfamiliar with it, Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World is the telling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator with music sung by a mass choir and performed by a 50-piece live orchestra. It’s one component of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, which also includes the World Showcase Storytellers and Holiday Kitchen food booths.
Walt Disney World has not yet officially announced 2026 Candlelight Processional dates or details. If you want to be notified when official dates, celebrity narrators, or dining packages for 2026 are released, subscribe to our FREE email newsletter. The good news is that we can make some predictions with a high degree of certainty…
Candlelight Processional follows a familiar pattern every year–it’s a highly likely that Candlelight Processional will return November 27, 2026 through December 30, 2026 as part of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.
It almost always runs Black Friday through the day before New Year’s Eve, which means it’ll be one day longer in 2026 than last year. With that said, Walt Disney World is always looking for ways to increase revenue, so perhaps Candlelight Processional will start earlier. We highly doubt that–it’s never happened in the past–but it’s possible.
That’s not the only thing it’s possible to predict about this year’s event, either! The other thing we can fairly safe forecast is that the lineup of celebrity narrators and dining package details will be one of the very last things released for Christmas 2026.
For each of the last few years, Walt Disney World has revealed almost everything for the holiday season in June and July. At that time, they’ve also confirmed Candlelight Processional would return, but provided zero other details.
In the last few years, it hasn’t been until September or October that Disney has finally released Candlelight Processional dining package details and the celebrity narrator schedule. For reference, the narrator lineup was announced last year on September 18th, which is about average.
It didn’t used to be this way. Back in 2019 and earlier, Walt Disney World would release a partial list of narrators in late summer along with dining package details, and then give another update around early fall.
Our assumption is that this changed both due to uncertainty in celebrity schedules and Walt Disney World reducing the ADR window from 180 days to 60 days. That makes it easier to accommodate the later release of narrator names and dates, especially since dining packages will sell out with ease, regardless.
We mention this because it becomes a very common question by late summer, with fans worrying that Walt Disney World has “forgotten” about Candlelight Processional, is cancelling it, or something of that sort.
While it’s possible things could go back to the 2019 normal for the 2026 Candlelight Processional, we doubt it. To the contrary, this strikes us as a permanent change and one that’s good on balance. While anxious planners may dislike it, having greater certainty and releasing the narrator lineup all at once as opposed to piecemeal is preferrable, from our perspective.
Just letting you know that now so you don’t start worrying when August 2026 rolls around and Walt Disney World still hasn’t provided any concrete details. That’s the new normal. For now, here’s everything else you need to know about the 2026 Candlelight Processional…
Candlelight Processional performances are held in the America Gardens Theatre across from the American Adventure in World Showcase. Showtimes for the Candlelight Processional are 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. These are different from prior years, which is something to keep in mind if you’re a longtime Candlelight Processional attendee.
There’s a reason one of the most popular events of the Christmas season at Walt Disney World is the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT: it’s a beautiful show that many guests find to be a moving and spiritual experience. Many diehard Disney fans are annual attendees who have been seeing performances of Candlelight Processional for years, if not decades. Some have favorite celebrity narrators that they make a point of seeing every single season.
Calling Candlelight Processional one of the most popular events is no exaggeration–long lines plus expensive dinner packages can make it a challenge to see. It’s something that can be a huge hassle if you don’t have a dining package or don’t mind watching from outside the theater. We typically watch Candlelight Processional multiple times each Christmas, but only buy the dining package once.
Here’s everything else you need to know about Candlelight Processional…
Candlelight Processional Celebrity Narrator Schedule
Again, the 2026 Candlelight Processional narrator schedule has not yet been released for any dates from late November through the end of December. Even once it is, it’ll be subject to change due to scheduling conflicts (that happens from time to time with the celebrities, but is pretty rare).
However, since many narrators are the same from year to year (and return around approximately the same dates), here’s last year’s Candlelight Processional at EPCOT narrator schedule for reference:
- November 28-29 – Constance Wu (NEW)
- November 30 through December 2 – Jordan Fisher
- December 3-4 – Susan Egan (NEW)
- December 5-6 – Ashley Eckstein
- December 7-8 – Ralph Macchio
- December 9-10 – Leslie Uggams (NEW)
- December 11-13 – Marlee Matlin
- December 14-15 – Henry Winkler (NEW)
- December 16-17 – Lauren Daigle (NEW)
- December 18-19 – Gary Sinise
- December 20-22 – Brendan Fraser
- December 23-24 – Luis Fonsi
- December 25-26 – Joel Smallbone (NEW)
- December 27-28 – Brie Larson (NEW)
- December 29-30 – Sheryl Lee Ralph (NEW)
Celebrity narrators, dates and other entertainment are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Thankfully, Walt Disney World has several local back-up celebrities on speed dial who can be called on to perform should there be a last-minute cancellation. (One year, Ashley Eckstein made it to narrate on two hours’ notice!)
There were eight (8) new celebrity narrators who joined the Candlelight Processional lineup, which is the most I can recall seeing in a long, long time. In some ways, new is good–it’ll be nice to see Constance Wu, Jennifer Garner, or Henry Winkler (that last one is who has us most excited!).
There are also a number of conspicuous omissions. These include (but are not limited to) Josh Gad, Neil Patrick Harris, Jodi Benson, Whoopi Goldberg, Pat Sajak, Gloria Estefan, and Edward James Olmos (who narrated Candlelight Processional a record 15 times). Of the time-tested favorites, it’s basically just Gary Sinise and Marlee Matlin as the last longstanding performers. Both have narrated Candlelight Processional 14 times!
Olmos, Sinise and Matlin have been narrating Candlelight Processional almost every year since we started attending in 2007. Here’s hoping that Olmos returns in 2026, but we suspect he has retired.
Two years ago was the best narrator lineup we’ve seen since we’ve been attending Candlelight Processional EPCOT, roughly 15 years ago. There was something for everyone here, with big-name newcomers like Eva Longoria, Sterling K. Brown, Brendan Fraser, having huge fan-followings.
Many of the newcomers from two years ago did not return last year. Which is honestly fine, as there were still plenty of time-tested fan favorites. It was basically the “play the hits” lineup of tried and true narrators, and there’s still someone for everyone with it. Disney fans love Josh Gad, Neil Patrick Harris, Jodi Benson, and Gary Sinise. (We might try to see that last one–Gary Sinise has narrated several times, but I don’t recall ever seeing him. He has a good voice and presence, and I really respect his charitable work.)
Then there are returning fan favorites like Josh Gad and Neil Patrick Harris. These are arguably two of the most popular Candlelight Processional narrators of all-time–right up there with John Stamos (our favorite narrator), who did not return. It helps that these are big Walt Disney World fans themselves, and can frequently be spotted in the parks during their weekends, which I appreciate as a fan.
It’s also nice to see ‘old school’ narrators like Edward James Olmos and Pat Sajak make their returns. I thought both might’ve been done for good, enjoying their respective retirements. I’m glad to see that’s not the case! All in all, a really good lineup with a lot of range that we’re guessing Candlelight Processional fans will appreciate!
Candlelight Processional Dining Packages
Candlelight Processional Dining Packages have been released, and like always, they filled up fast.
In each of the last few years, just about every single date sold out the day that Candlelight Processional Dining Packages were released. The vast majority of ADRs were gone on day one. It’s very important to book ASAP when reservations go live, which is something to keep in mind if you’re already thinking about the 2026 Candlelight Processional.
In the here and now, one thing we should note is that Walt Disney World plays “games” with Candlelight Processional Dining Package ADR availability. Suffice to say, it still might be possible to score reservations. See Secret for Scoring Sold Out Candlelight Processional Dining Packages for tips on finding availability, even at the last minute.
Choose from a variety of EPCOT eateries that offer Candlelight Processional Dining Packages. Here’s what’s included with your meal:
- At Spice Road Table: 2 small plates, a shared tagine, a shared dessert platter and a nonalcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage for Guests 21 and older)
- At Other Participating Restaurants: An entrée and dessert, or a full buffet (where applicable)—as well as a nonalcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage for Guests 21 and older)
Plus, you’ll get one (1) guaranteed seat per person to one Candlelight Processional performance on the same day.
Here’s the full list of participating restaurants for last year’s Candlelight Processional Dining Packages:
- Biergarten Restaurant – Germany Pavilion
- Chefs de France – France Pavilion
- La Crêperie de Paris – France Pavilion
- Coral Reef Restaurant – The Living Seas
- Garden Grill Restaurant – The Land Pavilion
- La Hacienda de San Angel – Mexico Pavilion
- Le Cellier Steakhouse – Canada Pavilion
- Nine Dragons Restaurant – China Pavilion
- Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (same-day only) – American Adventure
- Rose & Crown Dining Room – United Kingdom Pavilion
- Spice Road Table – Morocco Pavilion
- Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya – Japan Pavilion
- Teppan Edo – Japan Pavilion
- Tutto Italia Ristorante – Italy Pavilion
- Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria – Italy Pavilion
If you’re not able to score elusive ADRs for Candlelight Processional sit-down dining packages, fear not. You may be able to purchase a same-day dining package, which allows you to:
- Dine without reservations at Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue that day
- Enjoy guaranteed seats to a Candlelight Processional performance later that day
To check availability for same-day dining packages, visit Regal Eagle’s Distinctly Patriotic Smokehouse: A Salute to All Foods, But Mostly Barbecued Meats ~ A Sam Eagle Craft Drafts & BBQ Joint. Same-day Candlelight Processional Dining Packages are subject to availability and may not be available on peak dates.
For everything else you need to know, including answers to common questions, see our Guide to Candlelight Processional Dining Packages. We address everything: price increases, changes to what’s included, standby line & alternatives, what time to be ready to book ADRs, and whether these dinner plans are “worth it” in the first place…
Sometimes, both Regal Eagle and Spice Road Table regularly had same-day availability. For most dates, it was relatively easy to score Candlelight Processional viewing via these walk-up restaurants than by booking Advance Dining Reservations at the eligible table service restaurants.
The difference is that there were only 5 table service restaurants last year, and this year there are 8. That’s still far fewer than 2019 or prior years, when there were 16 (!!!) participating table service restaurants in EPCOT and the Crescent Lake Resorts. Not only that, but 3 of those 16 restaurants offered breakfast dining packages in addition to lunch and dinner.
Don’t stress out if you’re shut out of ADRs and are “forced” to do the same-day Candlelight Processional dining packages. While the uncertainty might be unpleasant, the options are good. We are fans of Regal Eagle, but it’s not our ideal way to eat around World Showcase during the holidays.
Spice Road Table is without a doubt the way to go if you’re to do a same-day Candlelight Processional Dining Package. Yes, it’s $12 more expensive, but it offers at least that much more bang-for-buck, with a menu that’s more approachable than you might think.
We recently did lunch at Spice Road Table and had a fantastic meal. In fact, we think Spice Road Table might be EPCOT’s best Candlelight Processional Dining Package spot. It’s certainly one of the most cost-effective!
On the table service front, we highly recommend Biergarten Restaurant. This is always our top pick thanks to its jovial Christmas atmosphere, music, and value for money. Read Our Christmas Feast at Biergarten Restaurant for what the holiday time experience is like there.
If you’re wondering whether it might be worth doing plus some ideas for making the most of the Candlelight Processional Experience, we have some tips & tricks and a review in this post…
Candlelight Processional Viewing Tips
While the America Gardens Theater where Candlelight Processional is held can seat over 1,000 guests per performance, between 50% and 75% of these seats are reserved for guests who purchase dinner packages. All of these dinner package guests are guaranteed seats in one of the three nightly Candlelight Processional performances.
The higher the percentage allocated to dining packages, the more “competitive” the standby line for Candlelight Processional performances. Ridiculously long.
So long that if you’re a tourist or visiting on vacation, you should get a lunch or dinner package for the Candlelight Processional, especially when a popular narrator is presenting. When Neil Patrick Harris last presented, we saw people lining up for the 5 p.m. performance of Candlelight Processional around noon!
The dinner packages include a meal consisting of an appetizer, entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage (or full buffet “experience,” where applicable) and reserved seating at one performance of Candlelight Processional. For what you get, the dining package is not that expensive (or at least the cost is not badly inflated).
Your time on vacation is definitely worth the price. I know the three hours or so of waiting in line that we’ve saved by purchasing the dining package has been well worth it–to us at least!
If you elect not to do the dinner package and don’t want to wait hours in line, you have a couple of options. First, show up to the standby line ~15 minutes before the last show of the night starts. Depending upon the popularity of the narrator and how busy EPCOT is that evening, sometimes this last showing will still have seating. If not, at least you didn’t waste a ton of time standing in line.
In many scenarios, that strategy will work just fine. You may not have the best seats, but you’ll still be able to see the show and have a seat. If the theatre is already full, we recommend trying to watch from the walkway behind the America Gardens Theatre.
Cast Members will manage crowd flow back here in the walkway, but you can simply stand behind the theater (not in the walkway) and watch the show. This is actually a really good view for Candlelight Processional. Think of it as sitting (well, standing) in the balcony of the America Garden Theatre.
While we strongly recommend the dining package for those wanting good, guaranteed seats, if you’re on a tight budget or Candlelight Processional is not as much of a “must-do,” we think those strategies are good alternatives to save a bit of money, which can be spent on other holiday entertainment at Walt Disney World.
Candlelight Processional Review
A lot of people absolutely love the Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World. We like it quite a bit, but we aren’t absolutely gung-ho, call Disney Dining the very first day the packages go on sale, crazy about it like some people. It’s very beautiful, but definitely not the highlight of our trip.
Our favorite narrator for Candlelight Processional is Neil Patrick Harris. We’ve seen him a couple of times, and as NPH fans, we enjoyed this. I cannot say he really invigorated the show–it’s pretty solemn irrespective of host–but it was cool to see him.
One time, we booked the package and arrived at the return line early in order to see John O’Hurley, or J. Petermann, as fellow Seinfeld fans may know him. We also had reserved seating to see Whoopi Goldberg, because seating was included with a D23 package. Whoopi Goldberg was okay, but on the “cool scale” she just doesn’t stack up to NPH or J. Petermann for us.
Overall, Candlelight Processional, at the bare minimum, has “do it at least once” status. Some people love it to the point that it’s their favorite Christmas offering at Walt Disney World. Others find it too dry and slow, and are not moved by the story. I don’t think it’s quite fair to compare Candlelight Processional to a Christmas Eve church service, and I think there’s a good chance that even those who are not religious will enjoy it.
You really don’t know until you try it–and in order to try it, you really should book one of the dinner packages. With that said, if your budget doesn’t allow for both Candlelight Processional and the Christmas Party, I’d recommend the latter over the Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages without hesitation.
For comprehensive tips for planning your Christmas-time trip to Walt Disney World, check out our Ultimate Guide to Christmas at Walt Disney World. Additionally, you can download our free eBook, Vacation Kingdom at Christmas, which offers tips for visiting Walt Disney World during the holiday season. This eBook is 75+ pages, with 100+ photos, and tons of great recommendations & information! For more details on how to get this totally-free ebook, click here.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
Are you a fan of Candlelight Processional? Which narrator have you seen for Candlelight Processional? Do you usually book the dining package or wait in line? Do you have any strategy for seeing Candlelight Processional without waiting in line? Do you agree or disagree with our advice? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
We are going this December and are on a budget, so will only be eating one meal in the Park (mainly so we can get seats for the Candlelight Processional). Which restaurant would you recommend (we have a 7 year old and a 4 year old)? Also, is there a big difference (in views, ambiance, etc.) between the 5:00 and 6:30 showing? Thanks!
Hi Katie, Three notable differences I can think of between the 5:00 and later shows are:
(1) If you do not attend the 5:00 show, you will hear most, if not the entire show while you are waiting in the line, even if you have the dining package (you still need to be there at least 30 minutes before your show).
(2) If you attend the 5:00 show, the sun will not set until late into the show; the lighting isn’t quite as nice as in the dark. It will be dark by the end though and it is still beautiful. I only mention it because I have read comments of others disappointed by this.
(3) You probably require a dinner reservation for the two later shows – not positive – but I think this is true. Lunch is less expensive than dinner.
Having said this, I like the 5:00 for reasons 1 and 3.
Regarding restaurants: Definitely look at the menus and reviews to see if your kids will like something. Here is where I will take my picky kids and are less expensive options:
Biergarten – buffet and fun show for kids, if nothing else kids will make bread and cold meat buns.
Via Napoli – menu service, popluar with families, as long as kids like pizza or Italian.
Garden Grill – buffet – never actually been but the menu looks do-able for kids; also they offer the package with breakfast which is a bit cheaper.
Hope this helps!
Hi Tom,
First time poster who absolutely ADORES your blog! Your honest opinions and astute insights are truly invaluable. Do you know when tickets typically go on sale for the Candlelight Processional @ Epcot? My party of 3 be there Dec. 1 and I’m on the fence about attending. We already have 8:00 ADR @ La Hacienda for Illuminations viewing. Do you think it would be better to do an earlier dinner for the VIP CP seating and just winging it for Illuminations viewing?
From what I’ve heard, the dining packages should open up some time next week (people are saying the 7th).
Thanks! 🙂
Unfortunately, no more fireworks viewing area, I’m sorry to say. It’s been replaced by Illuminations Dessert Party. Some CMs near the theater thought there still was a viewing area. I found out differently from the CMs working FP+.
Tom, did you buy your Candlelight Processional CD at Epcot? I see your link to Amazon but was wondering if I can buy that in park when we visit this December. Love your blog and photos. Spot on.
I bought mine on eBay. At one time they did sell them in the park, but I haven’t seen them in a while. Doesn’t mean that they aren’t still available (maybe I’ve missed them), though.
Are you able to get a discount on the packages with a tables in wonderland card at all? Thinking about the Biergarten one. What were the prices on the packages running last you knew?
I love the procession! We saw it 2x on our recent dec. trip with two different narrators. Have seen it in previous trips as well. We have never gotten the package! We have usually been in line an hour before and gotten in. As a Christian the reading of THE story is beautifully done and the highlight of our December visits. We activated our annual pass to make sure we can return next Dec as well!
My daughter is singing at the CP next week! So excited!
My daighter is singing at the CP next week! So excited!
I would like to book a dinner dining package, but I don’t get it. I am on the website doing the find a table thing. It will only let me change the date and rest. not the time or the number of guests. Also, I have searched with the info that it puts in over several days and it says nothing available on ANY rest. Could this be correct?
Try calling the Disney dining reservations. The first time I called, all of the packages were completely booked for the weekend that we will be in town. I kept calling every few days and was finally able to make a dining reservation yesterday. Keep trying!
Last year (2012) was our first Christmas at Disney experience and we had the best time. We signed up for a candlelight processional package, at the urging of our travel agent, and were so glad we did. We had a late lunch at the Biergarten (which was fabulous, by the way) then caught the 5 pm concert with Gary Sinise. He did an excellent job with the narration a then when the performance was over, spoke to the crowd a bit on a more personal level and we really enjoyed it. He came across as someone who sincerely wanted to be there. I will say that I’m glad we purchased the package because people were lined up HOURS before it even began, trying to get a seat. I can’t imagine standing in line that long. I don’t know if we will make it back to Disney for Christmas again but if we do I would definitely see it again.
Hi Tom/Sarah,
Very informative post, thanks. We will be at WDW Nov 27th-Dec 11th next year (2014), and I’m looking forward to seeing this. Think we will take the advice of booking a dinner package. We are on the DDP so as far as I know this would cost us 2 table service credits. To this end we will look at booking for a restaurant we had already planned to go to, so probably La Hacienda de San Angel. Do you think this package is a good use of 2TSC?
The Candlelight Processional is one of my very favorite things at Disney!! I have seen Blair Underwood and Trace Adkins. Trace blew me away, his voice is so awesome telling the story. Some of the kids from one of the choirs rode our bus back to the hotel that night and sang to us on the dark ride. It made a magical night last a little longer!!!
The Candlelight Processional is one of my favorite events at Disney. I have only seen it 2 years back to back (2000 & 2001), but I happened to see it both times with Gary Sinse. I thought he was good. I think I was more excited to finally get my hands on the CD the 2nd year so I could listen to it any time I wanted! It is definitely on my list of things to do on our next visit. I will for sure take your advice on the dining option because I don’t remember the lines being that bad 10 years ago. I don’t remember having a problem getting in but I’m sure that has changed!
Celebrity changes are no joke- Whoopie has been replaced with Geena Davis for Dec 2-3 already this year.
We have enjoyed the reserved seating and dinning in the past, however we will be traveling with our 2 year old who does not sit for long periods of time. So this year we are just going to be listening from the outside. I agree it’s not that exciting to watch, but it’s all in what you hear with the music and the reciting of the story. That is one of things I love about this, you don’t have to have seats and actually view it to enjoy it.
I went last year for the first time. Corbin Bernsen was the narrator and it seemed a little flat. However, humor was added by the young (tone-death) boy next to me singing along. Also I told my friend that it was the Christmas Story with music. About two songs in she asked me where was Ralphie and his Red Ryder BB gun. I broke out in one of those uncontrollable laughs and was like “no…it’s the other Christmas Story.” At that point any deep and moving experience was lost! I am going to try it again this year just to see what NPH will do with it!
“Brick-Pick” – I love it!!!!!!!
I was there for Whoopie in Dec 2010 (maybe we were there the same day??). I had never been to the Processional before and I loved it. I did the dinner package at Nine Dragons (which was pretty good).
You seem to think it’s a bit too stuffy, but that’s what I like about it. Everything in WDW is so based on “magic” and “fantasy” etc, it’s nice to have something grounded in reality. And given the subject matter, I think the Processional deserves to be a solemn event. When I go back to WDW for xmas (prob 2012), I will def get another dinner package.
I absolutely agree with John B! The Processional is like a Christmas Church Service for those of us who are far away from our own Church during the second most important day of the year for Christians. What Tom calls “stuffy” is in fact just treating God with the respect and awe that He so rightfully deserves. That anyone could wish to make a comedy out of the greatest gift that He ever bestowed on the world, His Son Jesus Christ, is a real tragedy and downright shameful disrespect. This show will always be our very favourite thing to experience in Epcot, if not all of Disney World!
I’m not suggesting a change in tone, just reviewing it from my perspective. Regardless of your beliefs, you have got to realize that not everyone visiting Walt Disney World is a Christian, and even those who are Christians aren’t always looking for a “church service.”
Doing something akin to a church service at Walt Disney World does not appeal to me at all. I’m sure others agree with me. It appeals to you a lot. I’m sure others agree with you. That’s the great thing about Walt Disney World–there is a lot of variety and something for everyone.
However, to slam my straightforward review as ‘downright shameful disrespect’ is fairly close-minded, I think.
I saw NPH in 2008 and he was good. That was my first experience with the Candlelight Processional and I’ve decided it’s something I need to do every year. It’s my favorite thing at WDW. I’ve seen Steven Curtis Chapman twice and although different from NPH, still very good. This year it’s Susan Lucci. I don’t think anyone can do a bad job narrating though, it’s a beautiful show.
Yes! I think Tom underrates Candlelight Processional. I really love it, no matter who the narrator!
“I don’t think anyone can do a bad job narrating though, it’s a beautiful show.”
Would you believe a drunk Edward James Olmos? Well, I assume he was because of how he thought a Disney audience was going to remember how to respond to the call-and-response from Battlestar Gallactica (“so say we all!”) which fell over dead… and because of the line fluffs and forgetting the name of the conductor he was overenthusiastically lionizing during the last show of the evening.
NPH was great, but don’t expect much more than a straight reading of the text and a personal anecdote of how great it is to bring his kids to DW… and a little winking and swaying during one of the lighter non-religious songs.
Very good info! I saw John O’Hurley, Jodi Benson, and Brad Garrett last year. It is quite amazing how different it can make the show feel. John by far had the best voice for it, but Brad got a lot of hilarious one liners in there. Neil Patrick Harris would definitely be the one I would highlight for this year as well. I’m sure he’ll be quite creative with working comedy in. I will add on that note though, that the various narrators do tend to influence crowd levels. Combined with the time of day, week, and month, seating reservations may not be needed. It seems like the early and late shows are least busy, and dates in the beginning and middle parts of the month don’t fill up as much either. The Jodi Benson show we went to was an 8:15, mid-week, beginning of the month and we walked right up at 8:10 and got pretty good seats. I guess it just depends if you want to roll the dice or not!
My two favorite narrators that I have seen so far (I sing in the processional) are John o’hurley and Steven Curtis chapman (he gave me a hug!)
We’re going to the Candlelight Processional for the first time this year. We’ll be there when Trace Adkins is scheduled as the narrator. I’ve been to WDW more than 20 times, but never for the Christmas activites. So excited! We’ve booked the lunch dining package for Nine Dragons – we’ve never eaten there before. I’m glad to know that you think the dining package is well worth the money. I was concerned that it might be a waste of money. I’ll let you know how it is!
Thanks for your wonderful blog – I look forward to reading it everyday and looooooove your pictures.
You will love it! I perform in it again this year! I already performed in one this year! <3 favorite thing on earth. Then again, singing in it is more fun than watching it I'm sure 🙂