Since 1958, the story of Christmas has been told in a beautifully musical way in Disney Parks. The tradition of the Candlelight Processional began at Disneyland. It then grew when Walt Disney World Resort opened in 1971 and the tradition was brought over there. Each year, hundreds of cast members join the mass choirs at Disneyland and Walt Disney World to be a part of the choir that helps with the musical telling of the story of the first Christmas. They are joined by an orchestra, a celebrity narrator, and the Voices of Liberty in Florida.
As Disney Festival of the Holidays begins at EPCOT this year, Disney has shared about how cast members are a part of this beautiful presentation. Check out this special story here:
The conductor raises his baton. The trumpets sound. And with that, the music of the Christmas story rings out.
And then, there’s a hush about the theater as a sea of golden robes flow down the aisles, filling the cavernous stage with hundreds of voices harmonizing into one powerful, yet gentle chorus. These sopranos, altos, tenors, baritones and basses represent the cast members of Walt Disney World Resort in one of our most cherished traditions – the annual Candlelight Processional at EPCOT.
Over the years, Disney has invited hundreds of thousands of cast members to the selection sessions for the role of a lifetime – being part of the volunteer choir. Each year, approximately 1,500 make the cut and join a 50-piece orchestra, the Voices of Liberty and celebrity narrators as they all retell the story of Christmas to millions of guests from around the world.
“I’ve been so humbled to be part of this magical tradition for the past 15 years,” said bass Michael Wallace who is a systems analyst for Walt Disney World. He, his wife Sandi and now his son Parker are all part of this year’s cast choir. “I just cross my fingers because it’s truly so special and surreal to share the stage with my wife and now my son.”
Like thousands of other cast members who attend the selection sessions, the Wallaces start warming up their vocal cords in late summer. Everyone receives music from the same section of a holiday classic and sings their vocal part accompanied by a pianist. Those selected for the choir then join rehearsals that are conducted September through November.
“We don’t take our spots in the choir for granted,” said Michael’s son Parker who is also an analyst at Disney World. “It’s an honor to carry on our family’s unique holiday tradition – it’s become a core memory for all of us.”
And if you’re wondering how many times the Wallace family has sung the “Hallelujah Chorus” over the past 15 years in the cast choir, Sandi thinks it’s easily 250 times! Now that’s something to sing about.
As one of the oldest traditions at Disney theme parks, the Candlelight Processional started at Disneyland Resort in 1958 with guest choirs and carolers, and later expanded to Walt Disney World in 1971.
Be sure to check out the vocal talents of the Wallace family, and hundreds of other cast members, singing during this year’s Candlelight Processional – part of the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth. Performances continue through Dec. 30, with three shows nightly at America Gardens Theatre at EPCOT.
What do you think of the Candlelight Processional? Have you seen it in person at EPCOT or at Disneyland? What do you like most about it? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
Mr. Daps is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Daps Magic! Find Mr. Daps regularly at Disneyland with his trilby and bow tie taking pictures and simply enjoying the Happiest Place on Earth. He is the weekly host of GEEKS CORNER and your reporter for all that Disney And Positive Stuff. Find videos of all of that one the Daps Magic YouTube channel. Mr. Daps is also a Brand Ambassador with Her Universe! Find Mr. Daps on Twitter,Instagram, and Threads! If you see Mr. Daps in the parks, be sure and say hi!
