Siemens and Disney to End Partnership; 2017 Candlelight Processional Dining Packages

Siemens and Disney to End Partnership:

Yesterday, it was reported that Siemens was pulling away its sponsorship away from Walt Disney World after a 12-year relationship. Today, it was made official with a statement release from Siemens. Siemens has sponsorships to two well-known attractions and shows in Epcot in Spaceship Earth and Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. Here is the statement:

“For the last 12 years, Siemens and The Walt Disney Company have enjoyed an exciting marketing and technology alliance that has brought tremendous visibility to the Siemens’ brand and joy to its employees,” said Siemens spokesperson Darren Sparks. “The Siemens/Disney sponsorship has evolved with the company’s changing portfolio since 2005 and has exceeded expectations. The sponsorship will reach its mutually-agreed upon end date October 2017. This successful relationship has truly been a fusion of creativity and innovation between the two organizations.”

It doesn't appear as a new sponsor will be named for either as Disney is trying to pull away from sponsorships from its attractions. This also makes sense since rumors have been swirling that a new nighttime spectacular will be replacing Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. We expect big announcements for Epcot in the coming weeks at the D23 Expo which occurs July 14-16 in Anaheim.

2017 Candlelight Processional Dining Packages Now Available:

Today, the 2017 Candlelight Processional Dining Packages were released and a tentative schedule for celebrity narrators were also released. Newcomers include Pat Sajak and CCH Pounder. Returning as one of the fan favorites include Neil Patrick Harris. This year's Candlelight Processional will run November 24 through December 30.

• Nov. 24- Dec. 3 – To Be Announced
• Dec. 4-5 – Pat Sajak
• Dec. 6-14 – To Be Announced
• Dec. 15-17 – Trace Adkins
• Dec. 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
• Dec. 22-24 – CCH Pounder
• Dec. 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
• Dec. 28-30 – To Be Announced

The processional is performed three times per night (5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the America Gardens Theatre. Here is the information on the Processional Dining Packages:

As with last year, in addition to lunch and dinner packages, breakfast options are available at some favorite restaurants in and near Epcot again this year like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and The Garden Grill. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort,** with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk. 

Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at $35 plus tax per person for adults and $21 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at $44 plus tax per person for adults and $15.50 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.

To book Candlelight Processional Dining Packages visit here or by calling 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

Source: Disney Parks Blog