Posted on Thu, Nov 12, 2009 @ 04:05 PM
Disney's Hollywood Studios Osborne Family of Lights
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is the primary Holiday Happening at the Disney's Hollywood Studios. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights sparkle with yuletide cheer. What began as a father's Christmas gift to his daughter has grown into a holiday tradition for many Walt Disney World guests with a dazzling display of millions of colorful lights and animated displays.
Bathed in bulbs of brilliance, the Streets of America glow with millions of dancing lights and animated displays November 10 through January 4, 2010. Amid gently falling snow, guests will bask in the glow as twirling carousels, melodic angels, colorful wreaths, marching toy soldiers and Santa and his reindeer move to high-energy music and 3-D effects, creating a dazzling symphony for the senses. The spectacle actually starts behind the scenes while the summer temperatures are still on the rise in Florida as dozens of Disney "elves" begin their meticulous work on more than 10 miles of rope lights, 130 angels, 44 snow machines and more.
Holiday cheer continues with the daily "Hollywood Holly-Day Parade" decked with favorite Disney characters in their holiday best, parading down Hollywood Boulevard. Click here for last years video.
Just what *is* the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights and how did it start?
Jennings Osborne, a Little Rock, Arkansas, businessman, began putting up lights nearly a decade ago, at the request of his young daughter. (Read our 2002 interview with Jennings Osborne HERE!) Each year, he added to the displays. When he ran out of room, Osborne bought the two houses on either side of his home so he could continue his creativity. Neighbors complained, however, and the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled in October 1994 that Osborne's house, when adorned with the 3 million lights, was a public nuisance. Although legally barred from causing a "spectacle", Osborne still lit the display three nights. He was found in contempt of court and fined $1,500. The court suspended a 10-day jail sentence, but ordered him to pay $7,000 in attorneys' fees. In 1995, the Walt Disney Company brought the Osborne Christmas lights to Walt Disney World! Disney's agreement with Osborne gives it the option of keeping the display for 5 years, possibly longer.
It sounds very impressive -- what exactly does the display entail?
The Spectacle of Lights includes:
-- 5 million lights
-- 32 miles of extension cables
-- 66 snow machines
-- 100 gallons of snow fluid a night
-- 43 hidden Mickeys
In 2006, the spectacle was enhanced to include choreographed "dancing" lights that swirl and soar to an exhilarating medley of holiday music every 15 minutes, thanks to electronic wizardry featuring more than 400 dimmers. Every building facade, all the trees, wreaths, bells and holiday figures dance to classic tunes among "Florida snow" flurries. Also bringing the Disney's Hollywood Studios backlot to life are three-dimensional and motion-based displays - some originally created at the Osborne home in Arkansas by businessman Jennings Osborne as a holiday display for the delight of his daughter.
How much does it cost to view the Osborne Lights?
There is no extra admission charged for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights beyond admission to the Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Where exactly are the Osborne Lights located?
The Lights used to start at the beginning of New York Street at the back of Disney's Hollywood Studios. As of 2004, they are located in the revamped "Streets of America" city backlots. Every night there is a brief lighting ceremony and guests are directed to walk down through the lights along the backlot area.
How long are the Osborne Lights on display? Are they shown every night during the holiday season?
The Osborne Lights usually have special previews just before Thanksgiving. They are officially unveiled after Thanksgiving and are displayed every night until the first week of the new year.
If you have comments or tips to share with others about touring the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios, please post them. We would love to hear from you.
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Posted on Tue, Sep 29, 2009 @ 10:32 AM
Disney World 2010 Promotion Offers Volunteers a Free Day
The following article courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine
Today Disney announced a new program that celebrates the spirit of volunteer service with a simple proposition: "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day."
Disney World hopes to inspire families to volunteer in their communities during 2010 through this first-of-its-kind program. One million people who perform volunteer service for a participating organization will receive a free one-day admission ticket to a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park.
While the "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" program kicks off Jan. 1, 2010, you can learn more about the program and how to get your free one-day admission to a Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme park by visiting www.DisneyParks.com or www.DisneyParks.ca (Canada).
This year, guests were given one free allowed into Disney World for free on their birthday as part of the "What Will You Celebrate?" campaign.
"In 2010, we want to recognize and add one more reason for celebration: the contributions people make to their communities every day," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "We want to inspire one million volunteers - people who will invest time and energy to make their own communities and neighborhoods a better place."
To enable people to sign up for an eligible volunteer project, Disney is working with HandsOn Network, the nation's largest volunteer network. Part of Points of Light Institute, HandsOn Network has 250 on-the-ground volunteer action centers across the country and connects volunteers to more than 70,000 nonprofit agencies that need their help.
Starting Jan. 1, 2010, guests can go visit the Disney Parks Web site to search for volunteer opportunities available in their area through HandsOn Network and sign up for a day of volunteer service. Many of the opportunities will be for projects that entire families can participate in together.
If annual passholders would like to participate, they'll be offered one of three choices instead of the free ticket:
• Special Fastpass cards for certain attractions for up to six people.
• A collectible Ear Hat figurine with exclusive trading pins.
• Donate the free ticket to a non-profit organization designated by Disney.
The free tickets will not be valid at Walt Disney World between March 29 and April 8 or on July 4, 2010.
Ticket quantities are limited. The program begins January 1, 2010 and continues until all tickets are distributed or Dec. 15, 2010, whichever occurs first.
Still haven't got your Disney Vacation Package yet? Then check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Disney Vacations needs.