As the conductor raises his baton and the trumpets sound, a hush falls over the audience. Moments later, the stage fills with a golden-robed choir, their voices blending into a powerful yet gentle harmony. This is the magic of EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional—one of Walt Disney World’s most beloved holiday traditions.
Each year, hundreds of cast members don these golden robes to sing alongside a 50-piece orchestra, the Voices of Liberty, and celebrity narrators, retelling the Christmas story to millions of guests from around the world.
Participating in this tradition is more than just a performance for many cast members—it’s a labor of love. Michael Wallace, a bass and systems analyst at Walt Disney World, has been part of the cast choir for 15 years. This year, he’s joined on stage by his wife Sandi and son Parker.
The journey to becoming part of the cast choir is no small feat. Each summer, cast members attend selection sessions, performing sections of holiday classics accompanied by a pianist. Out of thousands of hopefuls, approximately 1,500 are chosen to join the choir. From September through November, they rehearse to ensure they’re ready for the holiday season.
For Parker Wallace, also a systems analyst, this tradition is more than a performance—it’s a core family memory. “It’s an honor to carry on our family’s unique holiday tradition,” he shares.
The Candlelight Processional began at Disneyland Resort in 1958, later expanding to Walt Disney World in 1971. Over the years, this tradition has become a cornerstone of Disney’s holiday celebrations, showcasing the talent, dedication, and holiday spirit of cast members.
And as for how many times the Wallace family has performed the “Hallelujah Chorus” over the years? Sandi estimates at least 250 times—and every one of them, she says, has been unforgettable.
This holiday season, EPCOT invites guests to experience the magic of the Candlelight Processional for themselves, where the spirit of Christmas truly comes alive through the voices of Disney’s own cast members.
