It’s a private event, but the celebrity-hosted Candlelight Ceremony is in a very public part of Disneyland. So, visitors should expect extra crowds near the park entrance this weekend.
More than 4,000 people are expected to attend the annual Candlelight Ceremony’s four shows in Disneyland’s Town Square on Saturday and Sunday nights, said Betsy Sanchez, a Disneyland Resort spokeswoman. This year’s event is set to be hosted by actor Jon Voight.
The tradition dates back to 1958 when Walt Disney started the event to thank community leaders and groups during the season. The performances, including holiday music and the telling of the Christmas story, will have about 650 choir members from across the country.
The stage is already up and set-up will continue until the events, Sanchez said.
Although the ceremony takes place in the heart of the park, only invited guests and paying Disney-fan club members are set to take seats in front of the train station.
But the crowds could come from beyond the special guests: Extra visitors traditionally flock to the park during holiday season weekends. A media event is bringing in more people. And the entrance area will be squeezed by the ceremony seating and stage area.
About 400 tickets were made available for the first time to members of D23, the official Disney fan club, for $275 each. Less than 10 tickets were still available as of Wednesday midday, said Paul Roeder, a Walt Disney Co. spokesman. In previous years, Disneyland sold dining and ceremony packages.
General Disneyland visitors can try to find a place to watch the show beyond the reserved seats. A roped-off area will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, Sanchez said. A few benches will be there, but it’s mostly standing-room only. There will be no stand-by line.
Guests also can see a procession of choir members along the parade route. Before the first show, the procession will go from near “it’s a small world” all the way down Main Street U.SA.. For the second show, the singers only can be seen along Main Street. Disney workers will clear the walkways, so there are only certain places where visitors can stop to watch.
The shows are scheduled for 5:30 and 8 p.m. each night.
MousePlanet, an unofficial Disney fan site, suggests that visitors who want to stake out a spot should get to the park before noon, bring a blanket and look for a place that isn’t blocked by speakers or lights. Click HERE for more information from MousePlanet.
Check back this weekend for full coverage of the Candlelight Ceremony.
Read my blog post from 2007 about the Candlelight Ceremony HERE.
Photo of 2007 Candlelight Ceremony from Disneyland Resort.
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Post from: Around Disney
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