Candlelight Processional 2019: Updated with Narrator List

The Candlelight Processional is personally one of my favorite holiday events that takes place at Disney World's Epcot. There's nothing like seeing a favorite celebrity read off the story of a savior being born, accompanied by an orchestra and a choir to fill you with the holiday spirit. This is a must for anyone who is not in the holiday spirit and might need a little help. My family has enjoyed each time,  as each narrator and restaurant makes each experience unique. It is a must do at least once. So to help you and your family enjoy this event we have compiled some information.

What is the Candlelight Processional?

The Candlelight Processional is the biblical telling of a savior born in Bethlehem. The story is narrated by a celebrity.  It also includes a fifty piece orchestra and a full choir who enhance the story by filling the amphitheater with amazing music and beautiful harmonies. 

Where is the Candlelight Processional located?

First you need to head to Epcot. Then head back to the World Showcase. Next make your way  to the American Pavilion. It is located at the American Garden's Theater.

What is the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package?

The Candlelight Processional Dinner package is where you or your travel agent will call and make an advanced dining reservation (ADR) to one of the participating restaurants. You can book these packages up to 180 days in advance of your arrival. You will dine at your selected reservation time at the restaurant you choose from the participating restaurants. The package includes a 3 course meal or a full buffet for lunch or dinner depending on the restaurant you choose. At that time you will also select your show time.  You will then pay for the package at the restaurant  or use your dining plan.  Prices for the packages start at around $52 plus for lunch and $57 plus for dinner and may be higher depending on restaurant. If you choose to use your dining plan it will be two table credits. You will receive a sticker that you wear that has your showtime on it when you pay. This package will get you a guaranteed seat inside the pavilion to see the show. Just remember some narrators are more popular than others and those packages tend to sell out quicker.

Participating Restaurants:

Ale & Compass*
Biergarten 

Chef de France

Coral Reef Restaurant

The Garden Grill* 

La Hacienda de San Angel

Nine Dragons
Restaurant Marrakesh

Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room

San Angel Inn Restaurante
Spice Road Table

Teppan Edo

Tokyo Dining
Trattoria al Forno* 

Tutto Italia Ristorante

Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
*Breakfast Package Available

What if I don't do the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package?

I just want to say from experience that skipping the package may hurt your chances of being able to see the show. At the American Garden's Theater there will be two lines. One line is for those that have bought the dinner package and will be guaranteed a seat. They will be let in first. The second line in the stand-by line. If the theater does not fill up they will let the standby line in to stand in the back. However, I have seen them turn standby lines away before.

Narrators for 2019:

• Ming-Na Wan
• November 29 through December 1
• Neil Patrick Harris
• December 2 through December 5
• Whoopi Goldberg
•  December 6 and 7 
• Isabella Rossellini
• December 8 through 10
• TBD 
• December 11 through 12 
• Gary Sinise
• December 13 through 15
• Pat Sajak
• December 16 through 18
• TBD
• December 19 through 21
• Steven Curtis Chapman
• December 22 through 24
• Edward James Olmos
• December 25 and 26
• Marlee Matlin
• December 27 and 28
• Lisa Ling
• December 29 and 30

Other Tips:

• This event does not require a separate ticket. However you will need admission to Epcot and that admission price is not included in your dining package.
• Seating at the Candlelight Processional is first come first serve unless you have reserved a Candlelight Processional Dinner Package.
• The show times are at 5 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:15 PM 
• Narrators are subject to change
• For best pictures of your narrator do not sit in the first three rows and sit more towards the middle.

I have personally seen Neil Patrick Harris,Trace Adkins and Edward James Olmos. All of the gentleman were amazing in their telling of the story. I do not think you can choose a bad narrator because they are telling a beautiful story. Our first year we chose to dine at Rose & Crown. The food was delicious but my children were not crazy about it. The next two times we ate at Via Napoli and that was a hit with my children. We are going this year as well. Our narrator again is Edward James Olmos and we will be choosing Via Napoli. Have you been to the Candlelight Processional? I would love to know who your narrator was and where you chose to eat for your package? Will you be attending this year?

Amanda Hansel is a self proclaimed Disney nerd who has 2 boys. She is also a travel agent with Snapshot Getaways. You can find her on Facebook and on Twitter. She would love to hear from you or chat about Disney with you.

A 7 Year Old's Review of 7D

Photo Courtesy of Disney Wiki

My son Andrew wanted to give you a review of his new favorite show on Disney Jr. and Disney XD. The 7D!  These are his own words, typed by me because a 7 year old types REALLY slow
-Maria

The show is about the 7D's who work in a mine.  A "D" is a dwarf who lives in a dwarf kingdom works for the dwarf queen. The "D's" are:

• Doc-He is like the main "D" and he is good at making inventions for the queen.  Because they mostly work for the queen.
• Grumpy-He may not look that grumpy, but if you listen to his voice he does sound really grumpy.  Plus some of his actions are grumpy.
• Dopey-He can not speak, but he whistles and Doc translates for the rest of the "D".
• Sleepy-He likes to sleep day and night and when he speaks he falls asleep.  He grabs for jewels in the mine than when he is awake. 
• Bashful-He likes to hide and whenever someone tries to take off his hat he runs to find something to cover up his head.
• Happy-He likes to sing songs and whenever he sings songs the animals come.
• Sneezy-He sneezes a lot and during the Fall his sneezes blow the leaves away like a leaf blower.

The show is about the witches who are called "Glooms" always trying to make spells so they can become the queen of Jollywood (the name of the kingdom).  The 7D's try to stop them.  It can be mostly funny and about 2% scary.  My favorite episode is called the 8th "D" and it's about Dopey bringing critters home.  Doc says "no more critters" but the ones that are there can stay, but no new ones.  Then Dopey goes out to the woods and he hears a baby elephant crying because there was a porcupine on his foot.  The elephant followed Dopey home and when he got home the elephant went in the house with him.  Then when he saw Doc. running by (without his glasses) he quickly dressed the elephant like a lampshade.  Doc couldn't see very well so he thought it was a lamp.  Dopey took the elephant upstairs to his room and dressed him in "D" clothes.  Grumpy came up and he said "it smells like a circus in here".  Dopey whistled that "this is my new friend prmfffhhh" (insert elephant noise here).  All the "D's" found out he was an elephant so he to go.      

Andrew Huff is in 2nd Grade and lives in Philadelphia, PA.  He has loved to go to Disney since he was 2 years old.  His mom can help you plan your trip so you should email her at maria@snapshotgetaways.com.

Disney Devoted Kid Review: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

From a Disney Devoted kids point of view...

As you may know, the Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Orlando, Florida has opened a new ride as a part of the New Fantasyland Expansion. This new ride, based on Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs, takes passengers through the dwarves' mines. It resembles Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, due to its b oth indoor and outdoor track and with its quick drops and curves. But it differs Big Thunder through many of its attributes. For example, while both share sudden drops, twists, and turns, Mine Train is a much more controlled ride than Big Thunder. That was one the first things my mom and I noticed. Since the ride's less clattered and rickety, it's definitely quieter and milder than Big Thunder Mountain. This control softens the overall intensity of the coaster, which is great for riders who are scared of heights or drops. Even though the ride is much less intense compared to many others, it can still can the adrenaline running nonetheless. 

Another mentionable feature is the interactive queue. At the end of the outdoor part of the line and beginning of the indoor part, there are three interactive "games". The first is a drag and match game where different colored and shaped gems travel down the screen like a conveyor belt. Then you have to drag and match them into the correct holes (as the name suggests). The second, which is the most interesting in my opinion, is a motion activated water fountain set up like a sink with jewels set at the bottom. So when you put your hands out and let the water run down, it's as if you were washing the jewels from the mines. The third is a line of barrels that light up and play music when you spin them. Also, when they light up, an animation of each of the characters is projected on the ceiling. I think these were a nice addition to the queue but ultimately led to a longer wait time (because everyone was taking hours to wash their hands in the fountains). 

When my mom and I rode, we went on the 23rd of May, 5 days before the scheduled opening date. Our approximate wait time was an hour (a half hour shorter than the average wait at the time) but turned out to only be 20-30 minutes or so. I have no idea how long the waits have been recently but I assume no better than when we went, due to the ride's newness and advertising. Overall the 7 Dwarfs Mine Train is a terrific family ride to go on with your party, and I highly recommend you try it out on your next trip to the Magic Kingdom. 

Kerrigan is 13 year old Disney super fan. She has been been to Walt Disney World multiple times since her first birthday trip at 5 years old. She love to give a kid/teens perspective on the happiest place on earth.  Leave your article ideas for Kerrigan in the comments section below!

LeFou's Brew

LeFou Who?  LeFou's Brew!  Fans of Beauty and the Beast are flocking to the New Fantasyland for Be Our Guest dining.  Well right next door is Gaston's Tavern with a water fountain statue of the man himself in front.  Inside you will find a signature drink named after his ever-present sidekick LeFou.

LeFou's Brew is a non-alcoholic drink available in Gaston's tavern, along with Roasted Pork Shank and Cinnamon Rolls.  For $4.49 or a snack credit, you can enjoy your concoction in a plastic cup.  Pay $9.99 and you will enjoy your drink in a souvenir stein or goblet.

So what is LeFou's Brew made of?  Well, you might be better off not reading this part.  It's no-sugar added frozen apple juice, toasted marshmallow and topped with a mango/passionfruit foam.

You either love or hate this drink as it is a little different.  Let us know in the comments section your review of LeFou's Brew!

Maria (aka Mickey Mom) actually liked LeFou's Brew and you can follow her Facebook page.