Walt Disney was famous for taking a good thing and “plussing” it; or kicking it up a notch, so to speak. When I first started visiting Walt Disney World in the early 1970’s, most people chose to vacation in Orlando during the pleasantly warm winter months or during their own summer vacation. Spending Christmas at Walt Disney World was virtually unheard of; until, that is, the “plussers” consciously made Disney Parks a holiday destination. From classic Disney Resort decorations,
to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party,
to unique Park entertainment,
and enchanting Park decorations,
today the reasons to plan for a holiday trip are too many to list. Case in point- Walt Disney World Holidays has their own Facebook page! BUT, of course, every family has their favorites…
In 1995, the Little Rock, Arkansas Osborne family lost their battle to continue to decorate their estate with over 3 million lights (a struggle which reached the United States Supreme Court). The publicity caught the attention of Walt Disney World Project Director John Phelan, and Disney MGM Studios became home to the electric light extravaganza. Now showing on The Streets of America (it first opened on Residential Street, which was demolished to build Lights! Motors! Action! Extreme Stunt Show), the display has grown to over 5 million LED lights, includes about 50 Hidden Mickeys, 66 snow machines, and new this year, Santa Goofy! The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights plays from early November to early January; from dusk to closing. These lights “dance” and twinkle to 8 holiday songs, approximately every 10 minutes.
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| Hot chocolate (in light-up mugs that we still use). |
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| It’s snowing! |
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| GREAT family photo ops! |
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| Jennings Osborne’s globe |
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| The light canopy |
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| Each year, Cast Members hide “The Cat” in a new spot. |
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| The lights are previewed for runners during the Wine & Dine Half Marathon 2011. |
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| This year, I had my camera ready! 2012 Wine & Dine Half Marathon |
Whether touring, spending time with family, or “running through” we find that you can easily loose yourself in Disney’s Hollywood Studios when Santa and the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights come to town; worth a trip to Florida in itself!
Thank you for joining us today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail is Delightfully Disney.
Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:
1st Stop~ DIStherapy (You are here.)
2nd Stop~ Delightfully Disney
3rd Stop~ Magical Mouse Schoolhouse
4th Stop~ Return to Disney
Final Stop~ Magik Mouse
I am with you. That light show makes you stop in your tracks every time.
Yes Mary, one-of-a-kind!!
We will miss the Osborne lights this year, but will still enjoy the Holiday atmosphere!
I'm sure you will! (Hope the photos hold you over until you make it there again.) :D)
Love it! I hope to get to WDW for the holidays next year. Can't wait to see it in person!
Oh my goodness- it's been 6 years since we did Christmas at WDW, and it's all we talk about! Can't wait to go back for that week someday… Good luck in your quest!
Those lights are completely amazing – I had no idea there was such a story behind them. Thanks for sharing it!
Isn't it just like The Walt Disney Company to come to the rescue?!! Thanks Tricia-
I love the lights too! Very festive!
You said it P. T.- Happy Holidays!!
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