Posts Tagged ‘Illuminations: Reflections of Earth’

Beginning July 26, 2011, tickets will be available for the 2011 season of EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional Dinner package.  Performances will begin on November 25^th and run through December 30^th, with three shows daily at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m.

This annual favorite features a beautiful performance of seasonal music by a large chorus comprised of the wonderful Voices of Liberty, a cast member choir, and numerous guest choirs from around the country, accompanied by a full orchestra.  The highlight of each show is the reading of the Christmas story by a special celebrity narrator.

Prices are tiered to reflect both the dining venue and choice of lunch or dinner.  Guests with either the Magic Your Way Plus Dining or the Magic Your Way Plus Deluxe Dining plans can use two table-service credits.   Those on the Premium and Platinum plans can substitute the dinner package for one of their meals.

We’ve provided a downloadable document with complete details including a current list of guest narrators and a pricing chart for the various restaurants participating in this year’s package.

We invite you to review past posts for more information about the Candlelight Processional programs.

This is a question asked frequently by our clients and showing up often in searches.  As with so many choices, this one is not completely straightforward, but dependent upon several factors. There are three performances of the Candlelight Processional each evening:  5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m.  For guests who are NOT reserving the Candlelight Processional Dining Package, the first performance of the evening is nearly always the least-crowded, offering the best chance of a seat.  You must still be prepared to get in line at least an hour before showtime; much earlier if it’s a weekend or during the peak Thanksgiving and Christmas periods.  We suggest checking the length of the standby queue a couple of hours before your chosen performance.  Cast members are keeping track of the number of guests already waiting and you can ask about your chances of a seat if the line looks daunting.

The downside of the first performance is that it isn’t truly dark yet; so much of the impact of the candle-lit processing is lost.  On the other hand, you won’t be standing in line listening to the same show that you’ll be watching later that evening!

If you ARE reserving the Candlelight Processional Dining Package, then your dining reservation time will determine which performance you will attend.  Those paying out-of-pocket rather than using credits from the Disney Dining Plan may wish to maximize their dollar and book lunch (and the 5:00 p.m. performance) at the Tier 1 Biergarten (the Garden Grill is not open for lunch). For guests using two of their Table Service credits for the package, it makes more sense to choose the Tier 3 restaurants and enjoy the more-expensive dinner.

Since the Dining Package also includes access to a reserved viewing area for Illuminations:  Reflections of Earth, some might opt for the second performance at 6:45 p.m. which will give them plenty of time to make their way to the front of the World Showcase and claim a good spot.

Even with the Dining Package, you should be in line at least 30 minutes before the show.  The number of guests already lined up will seem enormous, but once allowed entrance, the crowds move quickly into the theatre.  Fifteen minutes before the performance begins, guests in the standby line are permitted to enter and fill the remaining seats.

Don’t forget that the music is audible even if you’re not sitting in the America Gardens Theatre.  If you’re too late to get a seat, or don’t have the patience for a long wait in line, grab a drink and a chair in the outdoor dining area of Liberty Inn, located right across from the theatre.

#2 Illuminations Dessert Party

Lasers and lights, fireworks and flames; Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is a spectacular nightly event at EPCOT’s World Showcase.  You can guarantee a premier view and enjoy it in an uncrowded and festive fashion by arranging an Illuminations Dessert Party.

Although it’s not inexpensive, it is one of the least-pricey private events making it one of the most popular, as well.

The party generally lasts about an hour with guests meeting at, or being escorted to, the chosen location for a half hour of grazing before the show begins.  Because this is a custom event, there are endless possibilities for 10 to 2,000 guests.

There are a number of standardized charges including a flat fee for the venue, a minimum per-person food and beverage charge, a viewing fee for anyone not entering with a park ticket, and an additional service charge and sales tax.

The menu can be expanded to include a variety of cold items and a limited number of hot items; cordials and other alcoholic beverages; and custom cakes and desserts.  Floral and decorative accents can also be provided.

While this is often a “stand-up” event, smaller parties can opt for tables and chairs at an added cost.  Parties may be required to utilize the services of Disney hosts or private Disney transportation, depending upon their arrangements.

Locations include several wonderful waterside terraces around the World Showcase Lagoon where the fireworks seem close enough to reach out and touch.  Planning an intimate celebration for two?  No problem – smaller parties are welcome but must pay charges for the minimum number of guests required at the venue.

She’s a beautiful sight skimming across the water of Crescent Lake, her spray sparkling in the Florida sun.  The wonderful Breathless II, a reproduction of a Chris-Craft mahogany runabout, circa 1930, is docked at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club marina waiting to make memories for some fortunate guests.

While there are a number of specialty boating experiences available at the Walt Disney World Resort, the Breathless II offers a uniquely exhilarating ride.  Up to seven passengers have an opportunity to fly through the water at speeds of more than sixty miles per hour.

An onboard CD player adds musical ambiance as guests cruise the lake and the canal to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and travel close to the World Showcase Lagoon, enjoying close-up views from a new perspective.  Fun details include an easel at the water’s edge with a painting of the International Gateway.

Named for the Dick Tracy character Breathless Mahoney, the Breathless II is available for half-hour and hour-long daytime outings as well as Illuminations cruises at night.  Embarkation can be arranged from Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, or Disney’s Boardwalk.

Due to its small size, food options for the cruise are limited, but guests looking for a romantic add-on can order champagne and strawberries. Newlyweds searching for an unusual photo opportunity might consider flying a “Just Married” flag during their wedding-day cruise!