We’re excited to share an update on the 2017 Candlelight Processional at Epcot®.
Our maestros of Christmas cheer have been working overtime to secure two new celebrity narrators – and two returning favorites for the holiday celebration.
New to this year’s lineup include Matt Bomer (“White Collar,” “The Last Tycoon,”) and Star Wars fan favorite Warwick Davis, who played Wicket the Ewok in “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.”
And returning this year are everyone’s favorite hard-driving Dr. Bailey from “Grey’s Anatomy,” Chandra Wilson – and newly-named Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of ABC’s “The View.”
Presented in the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot, Candlelight Processional is one of the most beloved holiday traditions at Walt Disney World Resort. Featuring a joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a glorious mass choir, this festive performance takes place annually in November and December. Show times are at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. Epcot is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kent Phillips, photographer)
Newcomers to the celebrity narrator spotlight this year include Daytime Television Legend Pat Sajak and TV star CCH Pounder, who was recently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park for the grand opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar.
Returning favorites include television, film and stage superstar Neil Patrick Harris, country megastar Trace Adkins and Contemporary Christian music artist Jaci Velasquez.
Here are the narrators confirmed so far:*
- Nov. 24- 26 – To Be Announced
- Nov. 27-28 – Matt Bomer
- Nov. 29 – 30 – To Be Announced
- Dec. 1-3 – Whoopi Goldberg
- Dec. 4-5 – Pat Sajak
- Dec. 6-11 – To Be Announced
- Dec. 12-14 – Warwick Davis
- Dec. 15-17 – Trace Adkins
- Dec. 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
- Dec. 22-24 – CCH Pounder
- Dec. 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
- Dec. 28-30 – Chandra Wilson
The processional is performed three times per night (5 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the America Gardens Theatre. These packages, available on select nights, include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Availability is limited.
As with last year, in addition to lunch and dinner packages, breakfast options are available at some favorite restaurants in and near Epcot again this year like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and The Garden Grill. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort,** with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk.
Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at $35 plus tax per person for adults and $21 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at $44 plus tax per person for adults and $15.50 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.
Epcot provides an extravaganza of holiday entertainment, merchandise, food, beverages and festivities where you can celebrate throughout the holiday season. Time-honored traditions come alive through the sights and sounds of the countries of World Showcase, and live performances enliven the park throughout the day.
Contact your Mousekeplanner today to book your Candlelight Dining Package for your upcoming holiday trip!
*Narrators and entertainment are subject to change without notice. Epcot admission is required and not included in the dining package price.
** (NOTE: Captain’s Grille is currently under refurbishment. Candlelight Packages will be available once it reopens.)
