The Candlelight Processional is a hot (free) ticket at Disney World during the holidays. Anybody with an admission to Epcot can go watch a celebrity narrator and chorus share the story of the birth of the Savior. So is it worth it to purchase a Candlelight Processional Dining Package? If you don’t like to stand in line, then yes.
Which Candlelight Dining Packages Are Worth the Cost?
If you were already planning on eating a sit-down meal at Epcot, then the Candlelight Processional Dining Packages are completely worth it. However, time is money. If you don’t mind standing in line and waiting, then you can save yourself a lot of money.
The Candlelight Processional Dining Packages range from $64 per adult to $100 per adult, with Le Cellier as the most expensive restaurant. However, included in the dining package is reserved seating to one of the Candlelight Processional and a soft drink or coffee plus an appetizer, entree, and dessert.
The Candlelight Processional lasts about 45 minutes and takes place 3 times a day (5:15 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8:30 p.m.) at Epcot in the outdoor America Gardens Theatre.
How Do the Candlelight Processional Dining Packages Work?
First you need to make a Candlelight Processional Dining Package reservation. You can’t just make a regular dining reservation at Le Cellier and get a Candlelight pass. Go to Disney’s site to book the packages.
Disney’s website may say that the Candlelight Dining Packages are sold out, but I have tried the night before and the day of and had luck finding packages on the My Disney Experience app.
If there isn’t availability, you can always try to walk up at Regal Eagle Smokehouse (quick-service) in the American Adventure Pavilion to inquire whether any packages are left, but they sell out quickly, so the earlier the better. If it’s a popular narrator, then most likely they won’t have any, but it never hurts to ask.
We ate at Rose & Crown and were able to choose our appetizers, entrees, and desserts.
After you finish your meal and pay, your server will give you your Candlelight Dining Package ticket for you to use to get in to the reserved section. Sometimes the reserved section varies, depending on how many dining packages they sell. For really popular narrators like Josh Gad and Neil Patrick Harris, standby seating is really limited.
Our narrator was Raul Esparza ( who was fantastic), and we got in line in for the reserved section at 8:00, and there was already a good size line formed.
What Are the Best Seats for Candlelight Processional?
I don’t recommend sitting in the very front rows, because you won’t be able to see the Narrator for Candlelight Processional or a lot of the stage. The best seats for Candlelight are the center and a little back where trees won’t block your view. You’ll have to line up early even with the dining package for those seats.
This was our view from the left side (looking at the stage) and in the last few rows before the next section of seats.
Is It Necessary to Buy a Dining Package to Enjoy the Candlelight Processional?
If the Candlelight Processional is important to you and you want a good view, then yes, you need a dining package to avoid waiting in line for more than an hour or two. For Josh Gad, there was already a huge standby line forming before 2 pm and not everyone got in.
For other narrators though, I have gotten in line an hour before in the standby line and was able to get a seat. You can also stand outside the theater and listen to the beautiful music, especially if you just want a peek and don’t want to stay for the entire performance.
I think the show is beautiful. If you’re a regular to Candlelight, you may have noticed some of the changes to Candlelight Processional for 2022.
Enjoy!
If you’re looking for more holiday fun at Disney World, then check out Olaf’s Scavenger Hunt in Epcot, the best holiday decorations at Disney World Resorts, and the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll!
And if you’re headed to Magic Kingdom at night don’t miss these Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tips and where to find the characters at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.