Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

The Best Christmas Stuff at Disney World You Can’t See Anymore – Tom’s Top 7

WDWNT on November 8, 2016

Welcome to another edition of Tom’s Top 7, a continuing countdown of my favorite (and occasionally, least favorite) things at the Disney Parks around the globe. Why seven? Because seven ate nine. Wait…

With the Christmas season looming, along with the debut of some new holiday offerings at Walt Disney World this year, I though it might be fun to look back at some of the holiday stuff that you can’t see anymore. From extensive light displays to parades and shows from Holidays past, let’s take a spirited trip down memory lane. The best part? We actually have video of each of the offerings so you can relive them all one more time.

While it may seem a bit early to start celebrating, here are my Top 7 Christmas Shows that you can’t see at Walt Disney World anymore.

1. The Lights of Winter & Epcot Tree Lighting Ceremony

While it was never quite the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, people did really love the Lights of Winter as part of the Holidays Around the World at Epcot. I more so miss watching the tree lighting ceremony with characters that they used to do here, illuminating the tree and the Lights of Winter every evening around dusk. There was never any real reason given for the removal of the Lights of Winter, other than Disney claiming it was old technology. Still, it was a nice atmosphere piece.

2. Celebrate the Season

What began as a show at the Top of the World at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in the early 1990’s became the longest running Cinderella Castle stage show in the history of Walt Disney World. Celebrate the Season packed more performers in than any other show to ever perform at the venue and was for the most part enjoyed by everyone who saw it. That being said, it probably was time for it to go. Celebrate the Season will be replaced by Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration on November 9th at the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

3. Cinderella’s Holiday Wish

Since replaced by a Frozen Holiday Wish, the original Cinderella Castle lighting show was Cinderella’s Holiday Wish. When the Cinderella Castle Holiday Dreamlights debuted in 2007, they were an immediate hit with guests. It’s hard to deny the magic of the holiday lights on the castle, but was the Cinderella lighting show better than Frozen? I’m not so sure. I’m not one to jump on the Frozen hype train, but Elsa creating a layer of shimmering ice on the castle makes a lot of sense. Regardless, the old show was still good, maybe just because it was the first time ever that we got to see the Castle decorated for the holidays in some significant fashion.

4. Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade

What seemed to some like a haphazard overlay of a parade to give Animal Kingdom some sort of holiday season offering was actually a pretty clever concept. Costuming and music changes, as well as the addition of a hot chocolate smell coming from Donald’s truck, made Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade a tremendous amount of fun. I still believe that every version of this parade was vastly underrated and I wish they would ring it back. Last I heard, all of thew floats were still in one piece. Glad to hear that they didn’t “SpectroMagic” this one…

5. The Country Bear Jamboree – Christmas Special

A true classic that it is hard to believe has been gone for 10 years now. There were three versions of the Country Bear Jamboree show at the Magic Kingdom, the original (1971-1986, 1991-present), Country Bear Vacation Hoe-Down (1986-1991), and every holiday season starting in 1984, the Country Bear Jamboree Christmas Special. Supposedly, the budget from this went into the Cinderella Castle Dreamlights, which without a doubt more guests see every year than ever saw this show. Regardless, I would still love to see this return someday (a version of it can still be seen at Tokyo Disneyland though).

6. Mickey’s Twas the Night Before Christmas

Perhaps the greatest character stage show ever presented at the Magic Kingdom Mickey’s Twas the Night Before Christmas combined live musicians, dancers, and Disney characters for a fun retelling of a holiday classic. The show ran for many years at the Galaxy Palace Theater before the theater was torn down. In its place, the often despised “A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas” was created.

7. (Yeah, Seven) The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

I know this one still looms heavy in the hearts of many, myself included. The Osborne Lights were a staple of the Studios before they ever danced, but once the display moved to Streets of America and was sychirmnoized to music, it became an indelible piece of Walt Disney World history. It was everything the holidays at the parks should be: larger than life, covered in lights, a display of cutting edge technology, all while still being incredibly heartwarming. Will they ever return to Walt Disney World? With the amount of money being left on the table by not offering this, I can’t imagine a Walt Disney World theme park won’t someday host the lights one more time.

Sadly, the display was a victim of where it was. The only thing that made the display possible was a large, mostly underutilized empty street towards the back of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Not to defend Disney, but there is nowhere that logistically could make this work today. Disney Springs would be overcrowded as the offering would be made free, no resort hotel has the parking area large enough, and no park currently has a space that could handle it. The only hope I see is a custom built area that is an expansion of a park, otherwise the Osborne lights will likely never return to Disney World.

Thanks for joining us on our Jingle Jungle holiday adventure! – Mickey Mouse

While these offering can not be seen anymore at Walt Disney World, it still promises to be an exciting holiday season with a new castle stage show and new fireworks spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Before we get into the new, I was feeling particularly nostalgic, so I wanted to give everyone a refresher course on the older offerings so as we can compare them to the new once they debut. Here’s hoping for a merry and bright holiday season at Walt Disney World, even without the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.

What do you think? Which of these was your favorite? Are there any you missed that you wished you had seen in person? Let me know in the comments below.

Annual Passholders Receive Special Glasses to View Final Osborne Lights on Mondays and Wednesdays

WDWNT on October 7, 2015

The Walt Disney World Passholders Facebook group announced the following today:

Add a dash more dazzle to your holiday cheer with special specs! Amidst a flurry of “fa-la-la-la-las,” Passholders can celebrate the last year of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights with a yuletide souvenir—exclusive spectacles that brighten the shine and create sparkling snowflake effects!

To pick up your complimentary pair, simply stop by Sid Cahuenga’s One-of-a-Kind at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (directly to your left upon entering the park, just beyond Guest Relations). Offer valid after 5:30 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays during the final season of Spectacle of Dancing Lights, which runs from November 6, 2015 to January 3, 2016. One per Passholder while supplies last—Passholder card and photo ID required.

While they have done this promotion before, it is nice to see it return one more time, even if it is on select evenings.

Osborne Lights Dancing for the Last Time

WDWNT on September 3, 2015

This season will mark the 20th Anniversary of the Osborne Family Spectacle of (Dancing) Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Sadly, it will also be their farewell dance.

From the Orlando Sentinel:

After 20 years of millions of bright lights and holiday cheer, Disney announced Friday it is pulling the plug on The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.

“The display of lights has enjoyed a successful run at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, going all the way back to when it first appeared on Residential Street,” Disney wrote on its official blog.

This will be the display’s 20th and final year, Disney said.

Disney said it plans to end the show to make room for new expansions and attractions, including Toy Story Land and Star Wars-themed land.

Walt Disney Co. Chief Operating Officer Tom Staggs announced Thursday the company will break ground for the new Star Wars attraction in 2016.

“Our heartfelt thanks go out to the family of Jennings Osborne for letting us share their family tradition year after year,” reads the post. “And thank you to all of you for being part of the spectacle with us.”

The light show will display nightly from Nov. 6 through Jan. 3.

VIDEO: Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Preview Including “The Nightmare Before Christmas” Song, New For 2014

WDWNT on November 25, 2014

Last night was the cast preview for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and we were lucky enough to attend the event and share with you what’s new and exciting for tea annual offering in 2014.

The Spectacle is brought to you by Siemens this year

One new song was added for the lights to dance to in 2014, and interestingly enough Walt Disney world is continuing on its “The Nightmare Before Christmas” kick rather than Frozen. The new sequence is beautifully choreographed to Jack Skellington singing “What’s This?” from the 1993 film:

The “Made with Magic” Minnie Mouse Bow was recently released, just in time to dance with this year’s spectacle:

Not much else is new for this year, but the impressive light canopy on San Francisco street seemed to be working much better than in years past. You can see the canopy in action in our highlights video:

Merry Christmas!

Dirk Wallen’s 11/3/14 WDW Photo Report (Walls Down at Disney Springs, New Concept Art, Big Hero 6, Christmas Merch, ETC)

WDWNT on November 25, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Disney Springs, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot this week and he has a ton of newsworthy photos to share with us in this HUGE photo report, so let’s get started:

Plenty of roadwork still to be done for Disney Springs

A new piece of elevated track is rising on the West Side, between Splitsville and Wolfgang Puck

We now know this large building with be the Boathouse

Disney announced this new restaurant concept last week

They wasted no time in adding ads to the walls for the restaurant

Concept art for the faÃ§ade of the Boathouse

The small waterside park in The Landing opened this weekend

A nice little area for relaxing and live entertainment

Some of the buildings are out from behind construction walls in The Landing

New concept art for the area now on construction walls

There is a giant inflatable Baymax from Big Hero 6 on the West Side…

These storefronts in The Landing are just about done

The bridge in the Marketplace is also nearing completion

Two small, temporary stores operated by Something Silver opened by Fulton’s recently

The Marketplace bridge with the Rainforest CafÃ© faÃ§ade refurbishment in the background

Shifting gears, Christmas merchandise has invaded the resort

Ornaments

Some Star Wars holiday pins were released

Plenty of Big Hero 6 merchandise is available around the resort

2015 calendars available

New “I Conquered” shirt

Iron Man and Captain America shirts

New Star Wars character glasses

New Darth Vader t-shirt

Some new merchandise was released at the Art of Animation Resort

Over at Epcot, walls finally came down around the area that was closed when a water main was hit after the Flower and Garden Festival

No visible progress at Norway’s Frozen attraction

We tweeted these weeks ago, but if you haven’t seen, some new retro EPCOT Center merchandise has been released

A quick stop at Animal Kingdom reveals work walls near Pangani Forest and Kilimanjaro Safaris

No visible changes at AVATAR, it’s impossible to see from inside the park

Moving to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, work continues on Starbucks and the Trolley Car CafÃ©

Nah nah nah nah, nah nah nah nah, hey hey hey…

Big Hero 6 merchandise carts replace the Frozen carts

Banners up in the Animation Courtyard

Work has finally begun on the Big Hero 6 meet and greet inside The Magic of Disney Animation

Big Hero 6 billboard by The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow

Let’s journey inside the new Wandering Oaken’s

Purchase with purchase Frozen bag available

Jim Shore has released some Frozen statues

Osborne Lights are ready to go

No more Backlot Tour…

“Glow with the Show” To Become “Made With Magic”, Interactive Wands, Hats, and Gloves Coming Soon to Disney Parks

WDWNT on October 24, 2014

Goodbye Glow with the Show! Starting with the release of some new interactive, light-up items at Disney Parks, all Glow with the Show technology and the use of it with now be referred to as “Made with Magic”. Shows that offer Glow with the Show currently will be referred to as “Made with Magic” enabled entertainment.

“Made With Magic” items will interact just as Glow with the Show ears have with select experiences at the Disney Parks. The original Glow with the Show ear hat first introduced a few years ago will continue to be offered, but there will also be new items including a Minnie Mouse-inspired headband, a Mickey Mouse glove, and a magical wand before the end of 2014.

The Sorcerer Mickey wand will have multiple light-up functions and will give guests the ability to change the light patterns of other newly-titled “Made With Magic” items. Guests can also place the Made With Magic items in a color-changing demo mode, when they aren’t watching or near a “Made With Magic”-enabled event.

As with the ear hat, all Made With Magic items will interact with experiences at Disney Parks around the world regardless of where the items were originally purchased. Each item will have a retail of $25.00.

Guests should look for the Minnie Mouse headband to arrive in late October and early November in select merchandise locations at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. The Mickey Mouse glove and the Sorcerer Mickey wand will be introduced in late November to early December at those same locations.

If you haven’t seen the Glow with the Show ear hats in action at the Disney Parks, we have several videos in which you can see them at work:

Glow with the Show (now “Made with Magic”) interacts with the following entertainment (some items offered seasonally):

Disneyland Resort

Magical!
Remember, Dreams Come True
Fantasmic!
World of Color
Cars Land (Different areas initiate different colors)

Walt Disney World

Wishes!
Celebrate the Magic
Fantasmic!
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
Villainy in the Sky (special events)
Frozen Fireworks (special events)
Happy HalloWishes
Holiday Wishes

SaveSave

Dirk Wallen’s 10/27/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the All-Star Resorts last week and has a number of newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip, so let’s take a look:

They are still testing Downtown Disney busses from Animal Kingdom daily

In preparation for the new queue for Festival of the Lion King in Africa, Tusker House is getting some work done

Work continues on the new Festival of the Lion King theater

In the queue for Expedition Everest, the screens were finally turned on for this new display in the queue

These should interact with MagicBands in the coming weeks

The ads are pretty funny

Frozen billboard outside Disney’s Hollywood Studios

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

There are 4 new screens installed at the canner at Star Tours as well

We assume these will interact with MagicBand as well at some point

Frozen banners are now hanging in the animation courtyard

There are construction walls up by PIXAR Place for some reason

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is ready to premiere on November 8th

At the All-Star Resorts, more of these trophy cases have been installed. This one is at Music.

At Movies, the display changes between The Muppets and Star Wars

Eventually, these displays may interact with your MagicBand as well

Here is the Star Wars display

MagicBand accessories are now available at most of the resorts

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights: Making Disney History

WDWNT on March 18, 2013

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been the host of The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights since 1995. For nearly two decades, this unforgettable display has been one of Walt Disney World’s main attractions during the Christmas season. Before making its mark on Disney history, the Osborne family light show caused a great deal of controversy in its origins of Little Rock, Arkansas.

Abiding by the request of his daughter, Jennings Osborne decorated his home in 1,000 Christmas lights in 1986. Year after year, Jennings Osborne and his family progressively increased their display, causing it to bring visitors from all areas of Arkansas. By 1993, the Osbornes were using more than three million lights. These not only covered their home, but also spanned both properties adjacent to their house which Jennings Osborne had purchased in order to intensify the spectacle. Osborne showcased his Christmas lights and elaborate decorations, including two carousels of lights and a seventy foot tall Christmas tree of lights, for thirty-five consecutive days from the time of sunset until midnight. The Osbornes lived on a very busy street of Little Rock and consequently the lights caused major traffic congestion, which led to many discontented neighbors and drivers. This growing gripe against the Osbornes eventually turned into a lawsuit against the family, in which the Osbornes were not successful. In the events to follow, the Osbornes’ light show was restricted to 15 days and reduced hours. Osbourne appealed to the Arkansas Supreme Court to overturn this ruling, but they refused. The final chance for Jennings Osborne’s Christmas lights display to be unrestricted took place in an appeal to the United States Supreme Court in 1994. One year later, the Supreme Court ruled that Osborne’s display was to be completely abolished.

Osborne received several offers from potential new hosts of the display. It was not until he was contacted by Walt Disney World project director John Phelan that a deal was finalized. Phelan communicated with Osborne’s attorney to arrange for the transfer of the rights to this production so it could be brought to life again in Walt Disney World. The offer made by Phelan was for “The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights” to be placed in (the now former) “Residential Street” of the Studios Backlot Tour in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (at the time, Disney-MGM Studios) by the Christmas season of 1995. Osborne wrongly perceived this to be an offer from Disney to bring his display to a residential street of Orlando. When this misunderstanding was addressed and clearly explained to Osborne, he gladly agreed to the offer.

In 2003, as Residential Street was beginning to be demolished to clear space for the incoming Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, the new home for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights was set to be the Streets of America. At the time of this transition, a new effect was added that is now regarded as a classic when visiting the Walt Disney World Resort in the Christmas season: a simulation of snowfall. This winter scene is made possible through one-hundred gallons of fluid placed into thirty-three snow machines on a nightly basis. Now consuming this large area of space, the spectacular was improved in 2006 by allowing the lights to be dimmed electronically. By adding this feature, the lights are now able to “dance” choreographically to Christmas music by Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Elvis Presley and more. Hence the display’s current name: The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.

The most recent and notable change to this show took place in 2011. For this year’s display, the lights were all changed to LED bulbs and ropelights, which gave a new aesthetically stunning appearance to the event. Also, the large and notable “canopy” was improved to contain the three primary colors, red, blue, and green, in LEDs. This gave the canopy 21,600 pixels, which can derive up to sixteen billion colors, therefore creating a form of video screen.

Bringing The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights to such a large scale for millions to enjoy took quite some time and unexpected events. Annually, this breathtaking event is made possible through extensive creative efforts and millions of lights. Most importantly, it continues due to the appreciation of Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ guests who return during this season for this highlight of Walt Disney World’s Christmas spirit. What may have originally been seen by the Osborne family as an end to their Christmas tradition was truly an outlet that preserves their legacy of lights.

Dirk Wallen’s 1/9/13 Hollywood Studios Photo Report

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen made a quick trip over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios earlier today and has a couple of newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip. Let’s take a look:

Peter Pan blu-ray billboard in the parking lot

We’re still letting the memories begin…

More RFID entrances are being installed in preparation for the rollout of MyMagic+ and MagicBand

Plenty of Kodak references still up all over the park

The stage is finally down in front of the hat

Peter Pan and Frankenweenie billboards in the Animation Courtyard

The Monsters Inc. 3-D billboard is now a billboard for Monsters University

Comedy Warehouse is gone…

Muppetvision 3-D is still presented by Kodak currently

Osborne Lights are coming down

1/13/12 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on July 27, 2012

WDWNT Reporter visited the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Friday the 13th, so get ready for a not-so-spooky look at what’s new in the parks:

A new Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom window has appeared under the Main Street train station