Disney Princess Now Removed From Disney World Theme Park
Walt Disney World is preparing for another holiday season at EPCOT, and one of its longest-running traditions is already seeing changes before a single performance has taken place.
The 2026 Candlelight Processional runs from November 27 through December 30, 2026, marking the show’s 55th year at Walt Disney World and its 32nd at EPCOT.
Credit: Erica Lauren, Inside the Magic
The presentation follows its traditional format, featuring a celebrity narrator retelling the Christmas story, a 51-piece orchestra, the Voices of Liberty, and a choir of more than 150 Disney cast members and community singers. Performances take place three times nightly at 4:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8 p.m.
Because the narrator rotates every few days, many guests plan their EPCOT visit around a specific name. That makes any change to the schedule significant.
Auli’i Cravalho Removed From Opening Weekend
The biggest development is the removal of Auli’i Cravalho from the November 27–28 slot. The voice of Moana had been scheduled to open this year’s Candlelight Processional, a booking that tied the show to one of Disney’s most recognizable modern princess characters.
Credit: Disney
Disney has not publicly detailed the reason for the change, and a replacement narrator for opening weekend has not yet been confirmed. Guests who were planning to attend specifically to see Cravalho should keep a close eye on the official schedule ahead of booking.
The timing matters. With dining package reservations opening October 14, guests are likely to be making decisions in the coming days, and the opening weekend traditionally draws strong demand as the first chance to see the show.
Packages combine a meal at a participating EPCOT restaurant with reserved seating. Most include an entrée and dessert, or buffet access where applicable, along with a nonalcoholic beverage. An alcoholic option is available to guests 21 and older. Spice Road Table offers a different structure built around small plates, a shared tagine, dessert, and a beverage. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner options vary by location.
Credit: Disney
Dining Package Prices
Prices for adults and children are as follows:
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: $43 / $26 (same-day availability only, not eligible for the Disney Dining Plan)
La Crêperie de Paris: $59 / $31
Spice Road Table: $63 / $26
Rose & Crown Dining Room: $68 / $31
Nine Dragons Restaurant: $70 / $30
Via Napoli: $71 / $33
Biergarten Restaurant: $75 / $40
Coral Reef Restaurant: $82 / $34
Shiki-Sai: $85 / $40
Tutto Italia: $85 / $36
La Hacienda de San Ángel: $86 / $37
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall: $87 / $59
Chefs de France: $89 / $37
Teppan Edo: $89 / $40
Le Cellier Steakhouse: $109 / $44
Garden Grill Restaurant also participates, bringing the total to 16 restaurants. Most packages require one Disney Dining Plan table-service credit, while some require two.
Credit: Reinhard Link, Flickr
You Don’t Need the Most Expensive Package
Paying more does not improve seating. Every package grants access to the same reserved section, so the choice comes down to budget, cuisine, existing dining plans, and preferred date. Guests focused purely on securing a seat can opt for Regal Eagle or La Crêperie de Paris.
What This Means for You
If you planned your trip around Auli’i Cravalho’s opening weekend appearance, now is the time to reassess before reservations open. Dining packages become available on October 14, and with Benjamin Bratt and Josh Groban joining a lineup that already includes Jason Kelce, Neil Patrick Harris, and Jodi Benson on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, several dates are likely to see heavy demand. Pick your narrator, set a reminder for October 14, and book early.
How do you feel about the removal of Auli’i Cravalho from the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT? Let Us know in the comments down below!
