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2020 was a year we to remember… or maybe forget totally… depending on who you ask! It was no surprise that Walt Disney World made the decision to cancel EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional as the pandemic hit. Thankfully, we’re slowly seeing the return of entertainment favorites, such as the fresh announcement that Yehaa Bob Jackson is returning to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort. Disney has already announced some holiday excitement returning to the Parks this year including a new special-ticketed event replacing Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The new party, “Disney Very Merriest After Hours” is boasting the return of a parade, “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade”, as well as holiday-themed fireworks, “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks.” The big question for many Disney fans, however, is what holiday entertainment can we expect over at EPCOT? Specifically, what’s the word on the popular Candlelight Processional previously featured in EPCOT’s World Showcase America Gardens Theatre?
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Recent rumors are flurrying that may provide some insight on what’s to come for EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional. According to BlogMickey, a message has been sent to former Candlelight Processional Cast Choir participants. The message reportedly shares that Walt Disney World is currently exploring ways to bring EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional back for the 2021 holiday season. While still in the early planning stages, the focus of the message is to see what the interest is among the former Candelight Processional participants. Depending on the response, this could provide the final decision on if we’ll see the return of the special EPCOT Christmas entertainment.
With the required vaccination for all Disney Cast Members, we’ve seen entertainment slowly returning to the theme parks. Guests are flocking back to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to experience Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage which has seen some major modifications in the performance including no touching of Disney characters, no dancing together, and no saving kiss from Belle. Likewise, over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you can expect much fewer animal Cast Members dancing around the theater and no tumble monkies, to name a few adjustments. We are curious if Candlelight Processional were to return, how Disney would be able to adjust accordingly if they returned the mass choir Christmas tree.
We are personally hoping all signs point to the return of EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional. The Candlelight Processional page is still up and active on the Disney Park website with the remaining note: “We have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Candlelight Processional.” The page goes on to describe the popular entertainment with: “Each night, a celebrity narrator tells the biblical tale of a savior born to a virgin in Bethlehem. All the while, gorgeous choral pieces are woven into the production as an orchestra and choir provide an inspirational backdrop with songs of hope and joy.”
What do you think? Will this year’s Candlelight Processional returns once again share the Christmas story in such a stunning way? We’ll keep our fingers crossed that this theme Park rumor to return a holiday tradition to EPCOT is soon enough confirmed by Disney!
