Bear with me, this is my first trip report!
Well, the family and I were lucky enough to be selected to attend the 7:30 Candlelight last night (Our first). We arrived around 2:30pm and checked in through the main gate ticket booth (specifically booth 4 closest to DCA). They first checked the email and highlighted portions of it, sent us a little further down the line where they checked all the adult ID's, and then the last folks in line put on the ID bands. Ours were Yellow, indicated the second show (I think the first show was orange). I asked about line up points and was directed to ask the CM inside the park at Main street.
So into the park we go and they are just putting out the ropes for the show lines. I asked a CM what time the line up was allowed for the second show and they said no earlier than 6:15. Now in the past some events have said a specific line up time but never kept it. So my husband and I were doubtful, but we did not want to wait in line too long. After all, our seating was already reserved, so the line was simply where in the seating we would go.
We walked through the park enjoying the ambiance. The Christmas decoration were wonderful as usual. We strolled down main street in time to watch some candy cane making. What fun it is to watch them create the beautiful canes. We walked through Frontierland and rode BTMRR. the park was nice, because although it was somewhat busy, the crowds were very manageable. Yay for Mondays!
We went over to New Orleans Square and rode the HMH and Pirates. We had wanted to ride the train, but just missed the last one prior to them shutting it down for the Candlelight performances. So we walked back through Main street and had fun riding Space Mountain and Star tours. By then it was about 5 and the 6 year old was starving. Since we had time to kill until our performance, we stopped at Plaza Inn and got her the kids chicken dinner plate. I like the changes with this, as now it comes with mashed potatoes and green beans and is more of a meal. It's something I might get too, next time I am here if I want a lighter meal. This break that took us to about 6pm. We left the restaurant and made our way slowly up main street. The first performance was going on, and while I heard the music, I tried not to pay attention to much. I really wanted to take it in as we did it.
We arrived back in the front of the park by the ticket booths. There are two sides you can choose. Each going under a tunnel. We decided on the left side by City hall, because that would put us on the side with our narrator. At about 6:15 they walk us to the end of the rope waiting area to await entering our seats. The first show had just finished. My family was about 8th in line and where we stood was right across from where the tour building is. Well suddenly there is a flurry of CM's holding back people. Then passing about 10 feet from me and being escorted was Kurt Russell!! He was being taken to the back to await the second show I think. That was pretty terrific! Now we were super excited and were chomping at the bit to sit. First they led the disabled and the VIP seating folks in and then finally our turn. We were led single file to our seats only to find we were in the front of the whole show and almost in line with the narrators seat. (I will post the few pictures we took later today). The VIP section is further back but they are raised up so in fact their view is a bit better. I would describe the show, but since there are many looking to see it, I do not wish to spoil it. The choirs walked in singing (and I am told it is a much shorter processional than years past). The music and singing were beautiful and Kurt read the selections with great feeling and it was all very moving. I wish we had been a couple rows back, as we would have seen Kurt a bit better. But our daughter could see everything without someone in front if her, and that allowed her to quietly sit there and enjoy it which was a blessing. Although almost an hour long, it seemed to end way to quickly. Before we knew it, we were standing for the Hallelujah chorus and applauding all the performers. It truly was a special, magical night.

Well, the family and I were lucky enough to be selected to attend the 7:30 Candlelight last night (Our first). We arrived around 2:30pm and checked in through the main gate ticket booth (specifically booth 4 closest to DCA). They first checked the email and highlighted portions of it, sent us a little further down the line where they checked all the adult ID's, and then the last folks in line put on the ID bands. Ours were Yellow, indicated the second show (I think the first show was orange). I asked about line up points and was directed to ask the CM inside the park at Main street.
So into the park we go and they are just putting out the ropes for the show lines. I asked a CM what time the line up was allowed for the second show and they said no earlier than 6:15. Now in the past some events have said a specific line up time but never kept it. So my husband and I were doubtful, but we did not want to wait in line too long. After all, our seating was already reserved, so the line was simply where in the seating we would go.
We walked through the park enjoying the ambiance. The Christmas decoration were wonderful as usual. We strolled down main street in time to watch some candy cane making. What fun it is to watch them create the beautiful canes. We walked through Frontierland and rode BTMRR. the park was nice, because although it was somewhat busy, the crowds were very manageable. Yay for Mondays!
We went over to New Orleans Square and rode the HMH and Pirates. We had wanted to ride the train, but just missed the last one prior to them shutting it down for the Candlelight performances. So we walked back through Main street and had fun riding Space Mountain and Star tours. By then it was about 5 and the 6 year old was starving. Since we had time to kill until our performance, we stopped at Plaza Inn and got her the kids chicken dinner plate. I like the changes with this, as now it comes with mashed potatoes and green beans and is more of a meal. It's something I might get too, next time I am here if I want a lighter meal. This break that took us to about 6pm. We left the restaurant and made our way slowly up main street. The first performance was going on, and while I heard the music, I tried not to pay attention to much. I really wanted to take it in as we did it.
We arrived back in the front of the park by the ticket booths. There are two sides you can choose. Each going under a tunnel. We decided on the left side by City hall, because that would put us on the side with our narrator. At about 6:15 they walk us to the end of the rope waiting area to await entering our seats. The first show had just finished. My family was about 8th in line and where we stood was right across from where the tour building is. Well suddenly there is a flurry of CM's holding back people. Then passing about 10 feet from me and being escorted was Kurt Russell!! He was being taken to the back to await the second show I think. That was pretty terrific! Now we were super excited and were chomping at the bit to sit. First they led the disabled and the VIP seating folks in and then finally our turn. We were led single file to our seats only to find we were in the front of the whole show and almost in line with the narrators seat. (I will post the few pictures we took later today). The VIP section is further back but they are raised up so in fact their view is a bit better. I would describe the show, but since there are many looking to see it, I do not wish to spoil it. The choirs walked in singing (and I am told it is a much shorter processional than years past). The music and singing were beautiful and Kurt read the selections with great feeling and it was all very moving. I wish we had been a couple rows back, as we would have seen Kurt a bit better. But our daughter could see everything without someone in front if her, and that allowed her to quietly sit there and enjoy it which was a blessing. Although almost an hour long, it seemed to end way to quickly. Before we knew it, we were standing for the Hallelujah chorus and applauding all the performers. It truly was a special, magical night.
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