Candlelight processional... is it for young children? About This Page:

[DisneyLuv]

thinking about adding this to our must see list, but not sure how my two very active younger DS's (4 and 6) will enjoy it. Is it more than just a group of people singing and reciting? (which don't get me wrong, I would love to hear it, just not sure if my boys will view this as entertainment or torture! )

[jimmymac]

It's a fabulous show, but for the most part it is a choir singing, so it might be be a bit much for younger kids

[Carousel96]

The young kids in the audience when we saw it were pretty antsy.

I know we're in the minority, but DH and I were actually disappointed in the CP. We both grew up in churches with fabulous music programs, and I didn't think it was any better than the Christmas eve services I'd witnessed as a kid. I doubt we'll do it again -- I know for sure we're skipping it this trip.

[pntsmom99]

My daughter who was 9 last year when we saw it, enjoyed it enough. But her review was it too long, and too loud. We were in a row with a tumpeter on the end (About 20 feet away!) and it almost brought you to tears it was so loud. In my honest opinion, we'd skip it the next time around.

[HiddenMickey]

My DD saw it at age 5. She spent most of her time looking around at the audience. And when it started raining shortly after the choir was all in place, we got up and listened from back in the American pavillion.

[Katara81]

I'm interested to see the replies to this. We are taking DD, who is 2. I think she will be fine. SHe is a VERY active kid, but music is the one thing that stops her in her tracks - when we attend church with DH's family, the only part of the service when she is still and quiet is during the singing. LOL

Originally Posted by Carousel96

The young kids in the audience when we saw it were pretty antsy.

I know we're in the minority, but DH and I were actually disappointed in the CP. We both grew up in churches with fabulous music programs, and I didn't think it was any better than the Christmas eve services I'd witnessed as a kid. I doubt we'll do it again -- I know for sure we're skipping it this trip.

I think I may feel the same way. I was raised in a church with top-notch music (we even had a few people in the music program who worked in the music industry in Nashville), so the CP doesn't blow me away. However, DH's father is a minister, and they don't believe in instrumental music, choirs, or anything of the sort in church services, so this will be totally something new for them. Something they literally have never seen before, except on TV.

[eff051102]

You might want to use that night as a date night and have your DSs go to a kids
program at a resort. You could even explore another park with your DH while
they are having their own fun.

My DD(2) loves singing and will sit through our church service but I think this
would be hard on her so we are going to wait until she older say around 8.

[Caldercup]

If you think they're up for it, try it.

But, out of deference to the guests enjoying the show around you, be prepared for someone to exit the show with a squirmy child if they become distracting.
Eileen

[Colexis Mom]

My kids were 5 (DD) and 2 (DS) their first time. I think they did very well. The music entralled them, and they kept pretty good attention!

[yalibrarian]

The program is mostly singing and a dramatic reading of the Christmas story. It is similar to something a very large church might have. The program does last about an hour or so, plus whatever time you spend waiting in line, etc. I don't think alot of kids younger than school age will find it easy to sit through, unless they are used to attending worship services. Some may even fall asleep!

Consider sitting near the back in case you need to leave and to avoid that overloud issue too. You can still hear the music even if you need to walk a kid around for the last half. Hang over the rail by the water or eat an ice cream and sit in front of the American pavilion. Or do as someone else has suggested and leave your child with in-room childcare or at a resort program, and enjoy dinner & a show with your spouse.

We thought the music was very professionally done, although my husband, always the critic, didn't care for the arrangements. But then, we were really there to see Rita Moreno...

[carters_mom]

You know your children best, but I wouldn't take my son to it even now at age 7. He would be bored and complaining and I would be so stressed out keeping him content that I wouldn't enjoy myself.

[DisneyLuv]

Originally Posted by eff051102

You might want to use that night as a date night and have your DSs go to a kids program at a resort. You could even explore another park with your DH while they are having their own fun.

Great idea! That never occurred to me. It sounds like this may be the way to go should we decide to put this on the list.

If you think they're up for it, try it.

But, out of deference to the guests enjoying the show around you, be prepared for someone to exit the show with a squirmy child if they become distracting.
Eileen

That's exactly what I'm afraid of (seeing as how it would most likely be ME exiting with that squirmy child)!

[WDWJAMBA]

My kids were 10 and 7 when we saw it and I thought they did remarkably well. You know your child best. If you're worried about it, I'd err on not going and waiting until the whole family is a bit older. It gives you something else to look forward to on a return trip.

[WeRDisneyFanatics]

I think it depends on the child but I can tell you my experience from last year with a 3 1/2 year old. She was not able to sit still through it. We did the dinner package at Le Cellier so we wouldn't have to wait in line for the show, but the downside was after sitting through a long-ish dinner she was just not able to sit still some more for the show. I spent most of the time trying to keep her still and quiet so as not to disrupt those around us because I knew people had either waiting in line a long time or paid alot for the dinner package. If we go again we won't do this until she's older or in the Kids' club at the hotel.

[joshuasmom]

My plan is to have DS's DS with headphones with us. He will play with that thing anywhere & DH & I can enjoy the show.