If you were planning on a chill EPCOT day tomorrow, we need to talk.
We’re not kidding about the crowds!
EPCOT is about to be noticeably more crowded than usual, and it all comes down to one very specific reason. Brendan Fraser is the Candlelight Processional narrator tomorrow as part of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. That combination alone is enough to draw massive crowds, so let’s break down what’s happening and what you should expect if you’ll be in the park.
First, a quick refresher in case this event is not already on your radar. The Candlelight Processional is one of EPCOT’s most beloved holiday traditions, and for good reason.
Josh Gad narrating the 2024 Candlelight Processional
Each night during the Festival of the Holidays, a celebrity narrator retells the Christmas story alongside a massed choir, a 50-piece orchestra, herald trumpets, and the Voices of Liberty. It is held at the America Gardens Theatre, and performances happen nightly at 5 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:15 PM from November 28th through December 30th.
Candlelight Processional
Now here is where tomorrow becomes the issue. Celebrity narrators matter a lot when it comes to crowd levels, and Brendan Fraser is one of the biggest draws on this year’s list. He is scheduled to narrate on December 20th, 21st, and 22nd, which means fans are already planning their EPCOT days specifically around seeing him. If you grew up watching The Mummy, George of the Jungle, or basically any 90s movie, you are not alone in wanting to see this in person.
©IMDB
Because of that, we expect EPCOT to feel extra packed tomorrow, especially in World Showcase and specifically around the America Pavilion. People will start lining up early for the Candlelight Processional performances, and that crowd does not stay neatly contained in one area. It spills into nearby walkways, dining locations, and festival booths, which can slow everything down.
Line backed up in China
It is also important to remember that this is all happening during the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, which already draws big crowds on its own. Between holiday kitchens, seasonal entertainment, and guests squeezing in last minute pre Christmas trips, EPCOT is already operating at a higher baseline crowd level. Adding a wildly popular narrator on top of that is a recipe for long lines and busy pathways.
End of the line all the way in Norway
If you are unfamiliar with how the seating works, Candlelight Processional performances can and do fill up. Seating is first-come, first-served unless you have a Candlelight Processional Dining Package. Guests without a package often start lining up well before showtime, sometimes an hour or more in advance, especially on nights with high-profile narrators like Brendan Fraser. That means guests standing, sitting, and waiting around the America Gardens Theatre long before the show actually begins.
Crowds waiting for The Beach Boys
Dining packages are one way guests can guarantee their spot. These packages include breakfast, lunch, or dinner at select EPCOT restaurants like Biergarten Restaurant, Garden Grill, Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, and others, along with guaranteed seating for the Candlelight Processional that evening.
Menu for Rose and Crown dining package
There is also a same-day walk-up dining package option available at Regal Eagle Smokehouse. That option includes an entree, dessert, and a non alcoholic beverage or an alcoholic beverage for guests of age, plus guaranteed seating. The walk-up package costs $41 for adults and $24 for children ages 3 to 9, or one Table Service credit on the Disney Dining Plan.
Regal Eagle Dining Packages
Even with dining packages available, plenty of guests will still try their luck with standby seating, which only adds to the congestion in that area. If you do not plan on seeing the Candlelight Processional tomorrow, you should still be prepared for delays and crowd backups near the America Pavilion during the evening hours.
Lines for Candlelight Processional
So what does this mean for your EPCOT day tomorrow? Expect heavier crowds than usual, particularly later in the day. World Showcase will likely feel more cramped, food booth lines may be longer, and navigating around the America Pavilion could be frustrating during peak performance times. If you are hoping for a slower-paced EPCOT visit, tomorrow might test your patience.
Crowds for Candlelight Processional for EPCOT Festival of the Holidays
That does not mean you need to cancel your plans, but it does mean adjusting expectations. Try tackling attractions and festival booths earlier in the day. Consider grabbing food at off-peak times. If you want to avoid the biggest bottlenecks, you may want to steer clear of the America Pavilion during the late afternoon and evening unless you are committed to seeing the show.
EPCOT Candlelight Processional
As always, we are here to help you prepare before you set foot into the parks, especially on days like this when crowd levels can surprise you. Stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog for more updates, tips, and everything you need to know about EPCOT and the Festival of the Holidays.
FULL MENUS Announced for the 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays
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Are you heading to EPCOT tomorrow, or are you planning your visit around a specific Candlelight Processional narrator? Let us know in the comments!
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