Disneyland Candlelight Ceremony - 1987

[@talia9525]

Fun fact: my dad is in this video and every year he gets very nostalgic talking about it -- the dramatic narration, the tunnels under the park, the orchestra... I think it was a life changing experience for him

[@GeorgeFinchJr]

I love hearing this Talia! Thank you for sharing. It was a very wonderful experience. I remember it to this day as well and love sharing it with my kids. I can still pick myself out in this video!

[@sinflowercin1]

I enjoyed watching this. It brings back so many memories of being there with my high school, Arlington High School. Thank you for sharing.

[@GeorgeFinchJr]

I was with Ramona Riverside, very near!

[@landyboatwrighr1963]

I do indeed remember this unforgettable night at Disney Land. I remember preparing for this concert. Not every school qualified to participate in this momentous occasion, your high school choir had to audition to participate, and your choir had to be good to be chosen. I attended Ft. Pierce Central High school at this time, and our school choir was under the direction of Mr. Earl Little. He was a tough and good chorus teacher. I remember the day he asked me to participate in this occasion I was so excited. Being a black kid back in those days, anytime we had the chance to be a part of something like this was very welcoming. Looking back on this moment brought tears to my eyes, although I wasn't able to see myself or hardly any other black people in this video, I still am overwhelmed to be a part of this event. Don't get it twisted there were many black people that attended this event on that night but somehow the camera missed us. Thanks for saving these memories I will always be grateful for this experience.

[@GeorgeFinchJr]

I love your story so much! Thank you for sharing

[@charlenesevilla5318]

Oh wow! Thank you George for posting this! I have been searching the internet as I wanted to find this performance to show my daughter who is 6 years old that her mommy sang at Disneyland and here it is! Now I can show her! This was my first year performing in this. What an amazing experience. I still remember it like it was yesterday! Our high school went on to perform in this for a number of years and were able to be the honor choir that stood next to the Disney choir. I just watched the entire thing and I saw myself and many of my choir members as well. This has brought back such incredible memories so thank you!!!! The very best to you and your family during this very difficult time. Happy Holidays!!!

[@GeorgeFinchJr]

Thank you for the reply, Charlene! This was my second time performing in this, and I got the opportunity one more time after this. I am glad you get to share it with your daughter and relive those good memories. Please have a great Holiday and health to you and your family!

[@deloysterns]

This year 1987 was how i was introduced to this Great tradition at Disneyland..My High School Choir and Bell Choir was in this..So it's always fun to pull this out find those I knew..

[@GeorgeFinchJr]

Deloy Sterns Great to hear you were there too. I can pick myself out in many shots, and remember exactly where I was standing that night.!

[@deloysterns]

@@GeorgeFinchJr Actually the first one I saw in person was the next year in 1988..But this tv presentation was the one started it for me..)..

[@darr1954]

My choir at Arlington HS in Riverside was in this, December of 1987. The conductor was the late and great Sheldon Disrud!

[@GeorgeFinchJr]

Then we were there together! Hope this brought back good memories 🤘🏻

[@GeorgeFinchJr]

Oh, and my Choir was Ramona High School, Riverside 😁

[@darr1954]

George Finch with Rick Woodbury no doubt!

[@GeorgeFinchJr]

Yes sir!

[@patrickbump5955]

Pretty sure I worked “guest control” for this performance. 👍😎 Beautiful and inspirational. Christmas was always my favorite season at Disneyland. Thank you for sharing this wonderful video. Merry Christmas!! 👍❤️🎄

[@GeorgeFinchJr]

Thank you for the comment Patrick! I really enjoyed being in this (actually in it on three different occasions!). This is the only one that got the television production treatment. Thank you for the work you did to make the event come together. 🙏

[@suzannelan]

Great, thanks for sharing! My school did this, too. I was in it in 76-79. The songs changed a bit. So much fun!

[@kimopuppy]

+Suzanne Lanoue My 1st year in 75, we started singing and I passed out. I don't remember what we sang

[@DravenGal]

Ah, my high school choir was in this! I can't remember if my first year was '87 or '88. I was in it all four years. One year, James Earl Jones was the narrator. Little did we know, that Darth Vader would one day be a Disney thing!

[@GeorgeFinchJr]

Thank you for sharing!

[@JennyBurkeAirSupplyAirhead]

I was in it in 1986.

[@jameslewis9269]

That was my first year on The Living Christmas Tree! So memorable!

[@GeorgeFinchJr]

I am glad to hear you were there too. This video is an awesome keepsake of that evening. 😃

[@NathanLeeJames]

Thanks so much for posting this! I saw this on TV as a kid and have always wanted to have it to watch yearly! Finally saw the candlelight ceremony in person a few years ago at EPCOT, hosted by Sigourney Weaver, and last year by Joe Morton.

[@GeorgeFinchJr]

Thank you Nathan. It was so exciting to be part of this back in the day. Glad you have good memories of it too!

[@rippinglipfishing]

this was my moms year she was in this

[@GeorgeFinchJr]

It was a great experience for me, and I bet your mom too!

[@fretlessb]

I was there for that. I remember the rehearsal in the back lot where Toontown is now and also thinking that the director was completely nuts! He wasn't, of course, but he was very... enthusiastic! Thanks for posting! Do you remember the date of the performance in 1987 or the date that it aired in 1988?

[@GeorgeFinchJr]

My best guess / estimate for the performance date was December 13, 1987. I performed on Sunday and I am all over in this video so this has to be it. Yes, Mr. Disrud was very enthusiastic for certain. Gotta respect that he put us all together with about 4 hours of group practice! And YES it was in the back where Toontown is now. Glad you found it and enjoyed it!

[@billsav57]

So was this actually filmed where Toontown is, or was that just for the rehearsals? I've never seen it live and always assumed it was at Main Street ... But looking at it, how could you all have fit there? :)

[@fretlessb]

@@billsav57 Toontown wasn't built until the 90s. The rehearsal for the processional in 1987 (this one) was held in a lot behind the park where Toontown is now. The performance started with all of us in that lot, then we went under the train tracks and behind the Fantasyland stage, then out the gate to the west of what is now the Small World toy shop. Then it turned and went thru Fantasyland and down Main Street, all the way to Main Street Station. The performance in this video is taken with everyone at Main Street Station, but the parade is why it's called. "processional."

[@mrtodd3620]

Can you see yourself in the video?

[@GeorgeFinchJr]

Many times!

[@Emmanuellezameta]

Wasnt even born yet. Ive been in the cast choir.

[@snowcub7139]

Is that from 1987 or 88?

[@GeorgeFinchJr]

Recorded in December 1987, Broadcast on Disney Channel December 1988