Jodi Benson Shares Behind-The-Seens Magic From Disney’s Candlelight Processional 2024
The voice of Ariel reflects on her cherished role as narrator at Walt Disney World's holiday event.
Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a content writer, covering parenting and films. She writes for Hollywoodjunction and Momjunction. Her interest in journaling and writing made this biotechnology postgraduate to take up content as her full-time profession.
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Disney Legend Jodi Benson, best known as the voice of Ariel in “The Little Mermaid,” has taken to Instagram to share her experience narrating the 2024 Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World. In a heartfelt post that comes four months after the event, Benson offered fans a glimpse into one of Disney’s most beloved holiday traditions.
The Candlelight Processional, a long-standing Disney Parks holiday tradition, features a celebrity narrator telling the Christmas story accompanied by a mass choir and orchestra. Benson’s post showcases her on stage in her elegant narrator’s role, standing before the assembled choir and orchestra at EPCOT.
“I am always so honored & thrilled to narrate our beautiful Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World,” Benson wrote in her caption. “Thank you to my incredible family & friends for all of your love & support.”
The images reveal the grandeur of the event, with Benson dressed in formal attire against the backdrop of the illuminated choir dressed in traditional robes and holding candles. The orchestra can be seen positioned in front of her, creating the magical atmosphere that has made this event a must-see for Disney visitors during the holiday season.
Benson’s photo carousel includes several touching moments with her family and support team. Various images show her embracing loved ones backstage and posing with the creative team responsible for bringing the production to life.
“So grateful to our creative team, conductors, orchestra, crew and cast choirs for creating such magic each year,” she continued in her caption, acknowledging the collaborative effort behind the spectacular event.
The voice actress tagged several family members and friends in her post, including her daughter Delaney Benson and other close associates who were part of her support system during the performance.
With a touch of humor, Benson acknowledged the delayed nature of her post, writing, “I know this post is 4 months late… oh well, I do my best!” The candid admission adds a relatable touch to the Disney legend’s social media presence.
2024 has been a significant year for Benson in her ongoing relationship with Disney. Earlier this year, she was prominently involved in the 35th anniversary celebrations of “The Little Mermaid.” In February, she participated in a promotional shoot at The Walt Disney Studios Feature Animation Building for the milestone anniversary of the animated classic that defined her career.
“‘The Little Mermaid’ 35th Anniversary Celebration promo shoot at The Walt Disney Studios Feature Animation Building,” she shared in a February post. “Thank you to all of our incredibly talented creative team & crew for such a magical day on set.”
Benson has also been expanding her Disney involvement beyond her iconic role as Ariel. In March, she hosted on the red carpet for Disney D23 at the premiere of “Snow White,” calling it an “incredible honor” and expressing gratitude to Disney executives Bob Iger and Asad Ayaz for their support.
“For the first time ever, I had the incredible honor of hosting on the red carpet for the Disney D23 stage and the entire experience was truly magical!” she wrote following the premiere.
Jodi Benson’s relationship with Disney spans decades, beginning with her breakthrough role as Ariel in 1989’s “The Little Mermaid.” Her interpretation of the character and performance of songs like “Part of Your World” helped usher in Disney Animation’s renaissance period.
Beyond Ariel, Benson has lent her voice to other Disney projects, including as Barbie in the “Toy Story” franchise. Her contributions to Disney earned her the prestigious Disney Legend status in 2011.
The Candlelight Processional represents another facet of Benson’s Disney legacy, allowing her to participate in a tradition that dates back to 1958 at Disneyland and has been a staple of EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays since 1994.
Fans of Benson can look forward to more Disney magic from the performer, including her upcoming mother-daughter concert with Delaney Benson at The Ritz Theatre in Winter Haven on July 5, which she recently promoted on her Instagram.
With her continued involvement in Disney celebrations and her heartfelt appreciation for the magic created at events like the Candlelight Processional, Jodi Benson remains one of Disney’s most beloved ambassadors, bringing the same warmth and authenticity to her public appearances that she brought to her animated characters.
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