Ringer/Performer Registration costs begin at $599. Your fee can be paid upfront or in installments. Complete breakdown of costs and what is included is available on Eventbrite where you can purchase your tickets and other amenities. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-great-christmas-ring-at-walt-disney-world-registration-152192683413
NO! Any ringer can participate. All you need is two bells. A music stand and your music will be provided.
YES! We encourage whole or partial choirs and ensembles to participate. To make your Disney dreams come true – just fill out the information request form on our website and we will be in touch about registering your group..
Each participant needs 2 natural note bells from the standard handbell assignments (C3-C8). You can bring your own, or you can make arrangements to rent bells from us (available on a first-come, first-served basis) If you are bringing your own bells, we highly recommend you purchase one of our handbell gig bags to protect everything. It alleviates having to travel with a case. You can find them for standard size bells, or extra large size for bells C4 – A4 at our amazon store. Go to staffordhandbells.org for a direct link
Yes! You are encouraged to bring your own bells. We highly recommend you purchase one of our handbell gig bags to protect everything while you travel and move around the resort and concerts. You can find them here – standard size, or here – extra large size for bells C4-A4
White Chapel, Malmark and Schulmerich bells are all wonderful and we love them all. Because of tuning issues, we are not able to accommodate other handbell brands.
Maybe. If you, and your friend, are ringing two consecutive positions, we will try to place you in the same proximity on the risers, but cannot guarantee this due to height considerations. There will be plenty of time to fellowship with your friends at the welcome reception, the brunch, the post-concert dessert and firework social and on the busses. The only way to guarantee you can stand next to someone in particular is to register as a whole choir.
We use the following standardized method for assigning parts. Position 1 – C4/D4, Position 2 – E4/F4, Position 3 – G4/A4, Position 4 – B4/C5, Position 5 – D5/E5, Position 6 – F5/G5, Position 7 – A5/B5, Position 8 – C6/D6 (D7 shelly optional), Position 9 – E6/F6 (E7/F7 shelly optional), Position 10 – G6/A6 (G7/A7 shelly optional), Position 11 – B6/C7 (B7/C8 shelly optional)
Yes. All parts will be assigned by standard position.
Yes. If you want to play C3 – B3, there are separate assignments for the big bells. Please contact us. We have several sets of the 3s to loan for low bass players. We cannot guarantee which manufacturer’s bells you will have.
No. All parts must be performed on bells
We don’t encourage bell cases for bells C4 and above – they are bulky, hard to transport, and the venue does not have storage for them back stage. We sell gig bags for your bells both standard size, and extra large size. Or you can wrap them carefully in padded sleeves (socks work) and carry them in a purse or tote bag. You only need two! You can go to staffordhandbells.org to buy your gig bag.
Friday night welcome reception, Saturday rehearsal with Kevin McChesney, Saturday night Great Christmas Ring Concert at nearby venue (tbd), Sunday Brunch, Sunday dress rehearsal at Epcot, Sunday performance at Epcot, Dessert and Premium Fireworks viewing following performance, Complimentary transportation to and from Orlando International Airport (if staying at conference hotel), Conference Hotel guests also receive: Complimentary transportation to all rehearsals, performances, and events, and throughout the Disney complex for you and your guests, Complimentary wifi, and Complimentary health club admission, Great Christmas Ring Music, Portable Music Stand (yours to keep), Performance shirt (long sleeve knit polo shirt embroidered with logo), Great Christmas Ring commemorative buttons for both performances
Friday night welcome reception, Rehearsal admission on Saturday, Ticket to Saturday night Great Christmas Ring Concert, Sunday Brunch, Admission to Epcot via backstage entrance on day of performance, Sunday performance at Epcot, Dessert and Premium Fireworks viewing following performance, Complimentary transportation to and from Orlando International Airport (if staying at conference hotel), Conference Hotel guests also receive: Complimentary transportation to all rehearsals, performances, and events, and throughout the Disney complex, Complimentary wifi, and Complimentary health club admission
Yes. We have a ‘performance only’ ticket. Be advised that if your guests are not planning to purchase Epcot tickets for that day – they will HAVE to ride the bus with the group from the hotel to the park. Bus tickets are included for VIP guests and guests staying at the hotel. Non- hotel guests will need to purchase separate bus tickets through us in order to gain admission to the concert. Bus and ‘Concert’ only tickets are available through EventBrite
No. Disney requires that all concert goers arrive backstage by the provided coach transportation from the event hotel or have park admission and enter through the park. Once at the park, however, Uber and Disney transportation are available back to the hotel where you can pick up your car.
Bells that are rented from us can be returned immediately following the concert. Bells you bring must stay with you.
We will have knowledgeable staff on hand who are able to make minor repairs. We recommend you thoroughly check, and, if possible, service your bells before coming. Carrying a couple of extra springs in your bag is always a good idea. We also recommend a Sunshine cloth for wiping off your bells between rehearsals and performances.
No. Your music stand will be provided. You will not need tables, pads, mallets, or any other supplies. Gloves are optional, but recommended. If you are renting bells from us, gloves (with no dots) are required.
No. You will have your own copy of the music and your own stand. There are no page turns, so stand partners are not necessary. If you CHOOSE to share music with a partner, you may.
YES! The Walt Disney Company has given us all the space we need to ensure everyone is properly spread out. We will follow all local guidelines for masking and social distancing throughout the event. Capacities at the venues are limited by current health guidelines.
Every attendee will have the opportunity to indicate dietary preferences and needs when they place their order for the Sunday Brunch.
Walt Disney World is fully accessible for all disabilities. Please communicate with our staff so we can ensure your needs are met.
A performance shirt will be provided as part of your registration. You will be able to pick you size. You will need black pants or a black skirt for the performance
The event hotel is the Coronado Spring Resort in Walt Disney World They have given us a deeply discounted rate of $209/night -- and that includes transportation to and from the airport, all event transportation throughout Disney property, transportation to and from the concert venues, dicounted park tickets, free wi-fi and health club access. To make room reservations at this rate, you may call Disney Directly at (407) 827-6777. and tell them you are with The Great Christmas Ring 2021 at the Coronado Springs -- or, to book online, use Disney Events (mydisneygroup.com) This weblink is full of helpful information, including links to book your Magical Express transportation from the airport.
The first event of the weekend starts Friday at 2 p.m. for registration and that runs through 7 p.m. and then there is a welcome reception with desert. Saturday morning registration for those arriving late starts at 8 a.m. with the first rehearsal starting at 9 a.m. Lunch break from Noon to 1:30 and the Magical VIP luncheon (special ticket required) followed by rehearsal from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday evening at 5:30 p.m. there is a GCR performance in Orlando (hosted by Magic of Bronze and transportation provided for all event hotel registrants). Sunday morning Brunch at 10:30 a.m. for all ringers, 12 Noon we ride the buses to the performance area, Dress rehearsal at 1 p.m., Concert at 4 p.m. then dessert and park time after the concert with the VIP fireworks viewing for all performers and VIP's at 9 p.m.
The Magical Ringer Experience includes a small catered luncheon with Kevin McChesney and the Composer of the Great Christmas Ring on Saturday, November 27 at the event hotel. This experience is available to Ringers and their guests.