ºoº "Epcot's Candlelight Processional 2005 F.A.Q. & Information,let's share our info.

[Maridw]

My DH asked me recently if there was anything else that we could try to do on this trip (Thanksgiving weekend) and I mentioned CP. So we are going to try and book for either the Fri or Sat after Thanksgiving. Plan on booking Le Cellier for after the first show. We figure we usually do a little snacking so we can hold out until after the first show for dinner.

After a trip in 01, I found out my brother had wanted to go and see this but no one else did. He didn't mention it to me, otherwise I would have gone with him. He did buy the CD and really enjoys it.
Can't wait to see who the narrators will be for the first week.

 

[sodaseller]

How special is the Tree Lighting and Winter Lights? We only make EPCOT one day during the Holidays and usally book the early CP due to my eight year old. Is it worth selecting a later CP to see the Tree Lighting and Winter Lights?

 

[RaySharpton]

How special is the Tree Lighting and Winter Lights? We only make EPCOT one day during the Holidays and usally book the early CP due to my eight year old. Is it worth selecting a later CP to see the Tree Lighting and Winter Lights?

Hi, sodaseller. Well, speaking for myself, I love christmas lights and christmas trees and holiday music. So based on that I think that is very special. And when I leave Epcot after Illuminations, I always stop by the christmas tree and look all the way to the top. And then I turn around and watch the Lights of Winter arch sparkle and blink to the holiday music with the fountains dancing in the distance and with spaceship earth as a backdrop.

But everyone has there own feelings of what might be special and what may not be special.

Here a excerpt from the 2004 Festival Guide - November 26 to December 30, 2004:

Mickey's Tree Lighting Treat
JoinMickey as he gathers some friends to celebrate an array of traditions during this special time of the year. You'll hear international holiday music that will get your toes tappin! You're bound to feel the Peace and Goodwill.
Daily at 6:00 P.M.

Lights of Winter
The center walkway that links Future World and World Showcase is spanned by the Lights of Winter. As evening descends, they transform into a dazzling musical display of lights that twinkle and dance to inspirational holiday music. For an added treat, watch as the fountain performs in step with this glistening interlude.

Usually a pair of Cast Members comes out on the small stage surrounding the base of the Epcot Christmas Tree, and start the audience in singing holiday songs.

Then a bus full of Mickey's friends arrives behind the christmas tree and are quickly escorted to the stage. Their is Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck, Pluto, Goofy, Chip, and Dale.

And several Cast Members from each one of the countries also join everyone on stage to sing holiday songs.

Then at the end of the 20 minute show, they light the christmas tree in stages, starting at the bottom of the tree all the way to the top until the christmas tree topper, which looks like an angel holding the world in her hands is finally lit.

Then more music as the Lights of Wonder arch is also lit and starts dancing to the music.

To me this is very special and magical.

Sincerely, Ray

 

[RaySharpton]

Thank you, everyone. I really enjoy reading everyone's reviews and suggestions.

Does anyone have any photos that they would like to share that I could put on the first page?

Sincerely, Ray

 

[triplefigs]

Ray, I'm having trouble fitting all this fun stuff in at Epcot!~ Any suggestions on ADR times, CP times to do both CP package and the tree lighting in one night? Eating EARLY is fine with us, as the kids do better.

Thanks! Did you get the scooter situation straightened out?

 

[RaySharpton]

Ray, I'm having trouble fitting all this fun stuff in at Epcot!~ Any suggestions on ADR times, CP times to do both CP package and the tree lighting in one night? Eating EARLY is fine with us, as the kids do better.

Thanks! Did you get the scooter situation straightened out?

Hi, triplefigs. Me, too. I think that this is what everyone is trying to figure out.

There is one thing that I know for sure. If you figure out what time that you want to dine and where you want to dine, and what night you want to go to the Candlelight Processional, then buy your package as early as possible.

I always used to wait to late, and either the restuarant was sold out or the times did not fit into my schedule.

I used to wait to see who the speaker was going to be. One year, Roy Disney was going to be CP narrator. So I waited and waited, and then I bought my package. I didn't get the time nor the restaurant that I wanted. Then a about a week or more before Mr. Disney was to be a narrator, he had to cancel. I still enjoyed the the CP. I always do.

So this year, I'm not going to plan around a narrator. I'm going to make plans around the other DIS meets, and Mousefest meets.

I might try to get a Le Cellier CP package for about 4:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M., and then take my time to see the 6:00 P.M. Mickey's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Lights of Winter.

Then I will take my time around the world, and see the various Santas or their representations of the holiday, and go to the 8:15 P.M. Candlelight Processional.

I need to remember to try and plan ahead of time to find a different spot to watch the 9:30 P.M. Illuminations as so will everyone else leaving the CP show and those already at their own Illuminations spot.

I'm sure there are a lot of other combinations. But since I love Le Cellier, and I want to do everything else, the only thing that I want have time to pick will be an Illumination's spot.

Here is some comments about planning ADR's for CP from Deb Will's site:

Do I still need a Priority Seating?

YES! When you call to order your dinner package tickets, you will be asked to select a restaurant and priority seating time.

According to WDW Dine:

For the 5:00 p.m. show, you should make your dinner pririty seatings for 7:00 p.m. or later;

For the 6:45 p.m. show, you should make dinner priority seatings for 4:45 p.m. or 8:45 p.m.;

For the 8:15 p.m. show, you should make dinner priority seatings no later than 6:15 p.m.

Be sure to allow sufficient time to dine and get to the back of World Showcase. I recall having a 5:30 p.m. priority seating at Le Cellier for the 8:15 p.m. show. For whatever reason, we weren't seated at Le Cellier until 6:00 p.m. and at 8:05 p.m. had to run (just about) to the American Gardens Theatre to catch the show. The "reserved" seating area had already been opened up to non-package guests.

Sincerely, Ray

 

[Me&Mic]

Ray - Thanks for being such an expert on the CP! You are a wealth of knowledge.

Can you tell me why I would have to make my dining reservations at 7:00 or later for a 5:00 CP? I thought I read that the show is :40 long. I had planned to see the 5:00 show and scoot over to Germany in time for a 6:00 ot 6:15 dinner. Will this not work?

Thanks

 

[RaySharpton]

Ray - Thanks for being such an expert on the CP! You are a wealth of knowledge.

Can you tell me why I would have to make my dining reservations at 7:00 or later for a 5:00 CP? I thought I read that the show is :40 long. I had planned to see the 5:00 show and scoot over to Germany in time for a 6:00 ot 6:15 dinner. Will this not work?

Thanks

Hi, me&mic. Please don't call me an expert...lol. I am not an expert in anything, especially in CP. I'm just like you and others that like to plan. I do go to WDW primarily every December because of all of the holiday decorations, lights and shows.

And all those that know me, know that I have to write everything down, because I am so forgetful. I am really bad at remembering names. So every year I like to put everything in one place, like this thread so I can remember everyones various tips and suggestions.

I am really enjoying reading everyones suggestions.

I just love this time of year.

I don't see why you couldn't plan on seeing the 5:00 P.M. CP show and then dine in Germany.

The quote of suggestions in the above post was suggestions from WDW to help you plan and not be disappointed if you were late, I guess.

Based on the last paragraph of the quote above about not being able to eat on time is a good example.

Also, they may take into account someone wanting to eat at the Future World Coral restaurant. I don't think that anyone could walk that fast after the CP show to make it to the Coral restaurant using your dining time.

And then the ADR requires that you try to be at the restaurant at least 15 minutes before your ADR.

And then the CP theater is pretty large and the huge choir has an exit processional after the CP show that comes up both of the outside ailses, across the main walkway to their dressing area somewhere behind the American pavilion. Most people wait and let the kids finishing walking in single file until all of them are across before trying to continue walking.

And the CP theater is pretty big with probably everyone else trying to exit and wanting to go somewhere.

So the CP show does last 45 minutes, but maybe WDW just wants to prepare you for the delay of getting around in the crowds.

I still think that you will probably be able to make it to Germany by 6:15 P.M. to dine.

Now if you had to go to the Coral restaurant...well, that is all the way on the opposite side of the Epcot park.

Or if you were going to try and eat first, then the message of the guest in the last paragraph of the quote in the previous post shows what can happen if you don't get to dine on time.

Have a great time.

Does anyone have any experience of placing their CP package and the WDW Cast Member on the phone said that you couldn't place a ADR at a certain time?

I was just wondering.

I remember several times that the WDW Cast Member was adament that I could only place a CP package ADR for a certain time period based on which CP show that I was going to see.

I don't know if it was because I was usually late in purchasing a CP package and making an ADR, or they were trying to enforce a certain time frame.

I vaguely remember the WDW Cast Member saying that they had certain ADR times set aside for the CP package and that I had to choose between these certain times based on which CP package I chose.

I think that one year, I even made a separate ADR the same day just so that I could dine when I wanted to. I don't remember if that worked, but I think that it did. So this might be a suggestion to try if the same thing happens to you.

Sincerely, Ray

 

[Maridw]

I will be booking our ADR's around the 26th of this month. Do you think I will be able to book a CP package at that time? I would hate to miss getting the date & times we want.

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

I was at a conference where Marlee Matlin was the guest speaker (she was fabulous) and at the end you could ask her questions/take pictures etc. I asked her partner (he interprets for her) whether she would be doing CP and he said they were but now of course I can't remember the date he thought they would be in. I know it is after our trip which bummed me out. One day I'll see her. He was hysterical though - he told the story about the first year they performed and the Disney folks sent him the CD when he realized it was a subtle hint to be more dynamic (hahahaha) so he said every year he is more dramatic.

Oh, that is too funny!!

I don't know how many years ago was the first time for him, but we saw them both Dec/2002. I wasn't sure what to think being that I knew I wouldn't hear Marlee Matlin's "voice"............you are hearing his. Anyway, IT WAS FANTASTIC! I don't know if it was because you have him reading the story but at the same time she is signing it with great energy, or if I was just so into the moment........I don't know, but the whole thing "just worked" if you know what I mean. My DH and I were crying...........the only thing better than the Christmas story is the Easter story. We were very moved.

And thank you, Ray for starting this. I was about to lose my mind if I didn't see any info starting on these boards about CP. Of all the things at WDW, this is by far my family's favorite thing. And this year I'm bringing 7 others in my family to join us!

 

[sodaseller]

Oh, that is too funny!!

Of all the things at WDW, this is by far my family's favorite thing. And this year I'm bringing 7 others in my family to join us!

We share your sentiments

 

[RaySharpton]

I will be booking our ADR's around the 26th of this month. Do you think I will be able to book a CP package at that time? I would hate to miss getting the date & times we want.

Hi, Maridw. It sure would be nice if the CP package would be available for your August 26th booking.

Last year, I think that they started the first week of September.

Good luck.

Sincerely, Ray

 

[poohangel]

Ray, We will be at WDW Dec. 1-8th and will be our first time in Dec. and was wondering if I could plan my ADR for about 4, see the tree lighting at 6 and the CP at the 8:15 show. If this has been asked before I didnt see it. I am very excited about going in Dec. with my job I am not able to get off at this time of year but my boss said he would do it for me this year, so I may never get the chance to come back in Dec. and want to do everything that I can that is related to Christmas.

 

[RaySharpton]

Ray, We will be at WDW Dec. 1-8th and will be our first time in Dec. and was wondering if I could plan my ADR for about 4, see the tree lighting at 6 and the CP at the 8:15 show. If this has been asked before I didnt see it. I am very excited about going in Dec. with my job I am not able to get off at this time of year but my boss said he would do it for me this year, so I may never get the chance to come back in Dec. and want to do everything that I can that is related to Christmas.

Hi, poohangel. This is exactly what I plan to do this December. I was going to choose Canada's Le Cellier restaurant, which is very close to the christmas tree. Le Cellier starts its dinner at 4:00 P.M.. You'll have to check the restaurant that you would like to dine at to see what time they start dinner and how far of a walk it would be to get from point A to point B.

And I plan on ordering my CP package as soon as I find out about it. Let us know how you do with your plans.

I'll keep this thread next year so people can report their experiences and relate it to next year.

Sincerely, Ray

 

[poohangel]

Ray,
Thanks for your quick reply and I will most definately post. Have a great day.

 

[panthergirl]

Here is the info that is posted at disney.com

Candlelight Processional

One of the most beloved and joyous Disney traditions since 1958, the Candlelight Processional enthralls you as a Celebrity Guest* narrates the Christmas story, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a glorious mass choir. Guest choirs travel from as far away as the UK to sing with over 400 performers each evening. The Candlelight Processional takes place in the American Gardens Theatre and is included with Park admission.

Showtimes: 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m. & 8:15pm

2005 Schedule of Narrators:

Rita Moreno Nov 25-27
Phil Donahue Nov 28-30
Haley Joel Osment Dec 1-3
Cicely Tyson Dec 4-6
Jim Caviezel Dec 7-9
Eartha Kitt Dec 10-12
Lou Diamond Phillips Dec 13-15
Harry Hamlin Dec 16-18
Marlee Matlin Dec 19-21
Gary Sinise Dec 22-27
Steven Curtis Chapman Dec 28-30



Candlelight Dinner Packages

The best way to enjoy the Candlelight Processional is with the Dinner Package, which includes preferred seating for the Candlelight Processional and dinner at select Epcot® restaurants.

Dinner Packages‡

Tier 1
Guests Ages 10 & Up: $30.99 / Guests Ages 3-9: $12.99 (Plus Tax)

The Garden Grill Restaurant – The Land
Biergarten Restaurant – Germany
Tier 2
Guests Ages 10 & Up: $38.99 / Guests Ages 3-9: $12.99 (Plus Tax)

San Angel Inn – Mexico
Restaurant Marrakesh – Morocco
Nine Dragons Restaurant – China
Rose & Crown Dining Room – United Kingdom
Tier 3
Guests Ages 10 & Up: $45.99 / Guests Ages 3-9: $12.99 (Plus Tax)

Chefs de France – France
L’Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante – Italy
Le Cellier Steakhouse – Canada
Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki Dining Room – Japan
Coral Reef Restaurant – The Living Seas
Call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463)† to make reservations. Dinner packages go on sale August 15, 2005

 

[panthergirl]

Woo hoo! I get to see Harry Hamlin. Not too bad on the old eyes, eh girls?

 

[poohangel]

We will get to see Jim Caviezel

 

[CheshireVal]

Looks like we'll be seeing Gary Sinise for the third year in a row. He must really like participating in this thing!

 

[twotoohappy]

thanks Panthergirl!

Now we can choose between
Haley Joel Osment Dec 1-3
Cicely Tyson Dec 4-6
Jim Caviezel Dec 7-9

I'm thinking it'll be Caviezel!