Quiet Changes

Today I learned that Edward James Olmos will not be a celebrity narrator for the 2022 Candlelight Processional, and that Chita Rivera will be there those evenings instead. That got me thinking about quiet changes.

Celebrities have become part of all four festivals at Epcot. These are real people and things happen, the person or act that you were hoping to see might not be there. Sometimes, like with Edward James Olmos, the change happens well in advance. Other times, it’s last minute. I’ve shown up at Epcot and noticed a sign that stated that there was a change that day. It happens.

While it can be disappointing to not see someone who you wanted to see, go anyway. Some of the best concerts that I’ve seen at Epcot have been by bands that I wasn’t overly familiar with. Disney takes pride in picking outstanding artists, so you know that you’ll get a memorable show, no matter who is performing.

While Disney does not really announce a change in celebrities, there is one time when you might hear from them. If you have a Dining Package and there is a change, you might be notified. I’ve heard of emails telling people that a band had canceled and a new one was scheduled, and that the guest could cancel with no charge. That only seems fair, since some will book a Dining Package specifically to see that evening’s performer. That said, don’t count on the email.

The best way to learn of any quiet changes is to keep checking the Walt Disney World website. That was how I learned about Chita Rivera. If I see a change, I’ll update the list on Disney Over 50, but I’m only one person and I can’t catch everything.

And as I said, if there is a change in performers, go anyway. You might just end up with a new favorite artist.