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.Credit: DisneyThe Candlelight Processional returns this year as part of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, with Disney revealing a celebrity narrator lineup that mixes familiar names with first-timers like Robin Roberts, Jason Kelce, and Lacey Chabert. Disney has also announced this year’s dining packages, ranging from $43 to more than $100 per adult. Now the lineup has been revised, and the change affects opening weekend.Candlelight Processional Returns to EPCOTThe 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 MagicThe 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 WeekendThe 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: DisneyDisney 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.New Narrators: Benjamin Bratt and Josh GrobanDisney has also filled two of the previously unannounced dates. Benjamin Bratt will narrate on December 2–3, while Josh Groban takes the December 13–14 slot.Groban’s addition is likely to attract particular interest given his musical background, which aligns naturally with a production built around choral and orchestral performance.2026 Celebrity Narrator LineupThe current schedule reads as follows:November 27–28: To be confirmedNovember 29–December 1: Gary SiniseDecember 3–5: Benjamin BrattDecember 4–5: Whoopi GoldbergDecember 6–7: Robin Roberts (debut)December 8–9: Jason Kelce (debut)December 10–12: Neil Patrick HarrisDecember 13–14: Josh GrobanDecember 15–16: Lauren DaigleDecember 17–19: Ralph MacchioDecember 20–21: Henry WinklerDecember 22–23: Lacey Chabert (debut)December 24–25: Jodi BensonDecember 26–27: Simu LiuDecember 28–30: Eva LongoriaCredit: Jeff Kern, FlickrWhy Dining Packages MatterStandard Candlelight Processional seating operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and popular dates can fill quickly. Dining packages provide access to a reserved seating section for one of that day’s performances.Guests should still arrive early, as packages do not include assigned seats. The main benefit is certainty, which is especially valuable for anyone traveling to see a particular narrator.What Guests ReceivePackages 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: DisneyDining Package PricesPrices 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 / $31Spice Road Table: $63 / $26Rose & Crown Dining Room: $68 / $31Nine Dragons Restaurant: $70 / $30Via Napoli: $71 / $33Biergarten Restaurant: $75 / $40Coral Reef Restaurant: $82 / $34Shiki-Sai: $85 / $40Tutto Italia: $85 / $36La Hacienda de San Ángel: $86 / $37Akershus Royal Banquet Hall: $87 / $59Chefs de France: $89 / $37Teppan Edo: $89 / $40Le Cellier Steakhouse: $109 / $44Garden 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, FlickrYou Don’t Need the Most Expensive PackagePaying 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 YouIf 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 Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!The post Disney Princess Now Removed From Disney World Theme Park appeared first on Inside the Magic.