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.
Still haven't got tickets yet to Disney's Hollywood Studios or your Disney Vacation Package yet? Then check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Disney needs.
Posted on Fri, Aug 21, 2009 @ 06:18 AM
Night of Joy Concerts at Hollywood Studios
Night of Joy 2009 is a contemporary Christian music festival held September 11-12, at Disney World Hollywood Studios. From 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. each night, hear live performances by today's top bands in contemporary Christian rock, pop and gospel as you ride some of the Park's most rockin' attractions.
* Buy Group Tickets and save!
* Buy Individual Tickets
The Night of Joy artists perform on several stages around Disney's Hollywood Studios, which means you can choose from different musical performances and locations throughout the festival.
Between shows, take a break from the festival for a brush with fame or for cinematic thrills packed with movie magic. Soak up the glitz and glamour as you experience these spectacular attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios:
* The American Idol Experience
* Toy Story Mania!
* Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
* The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
* The Great Movie Ride
Group Special Rates
Bring your Group to experience the fun and fellowship of Night of Joy, where you'll receive a number of special benefits! In fact, any group of 10 or more qualifies, so get your fellowship grooving. Between sets, you can experience exciting, new attractions like Toy Story Mania!, and The American Idol Experience, plus classics like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock n' Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith. It promises to be a night...or two...that you and your Group will never forget!
Disney World Vacation Packages:
Still haven't got tickets yet to visit Hollywood Studios at Disney World, or maybe you are looking for a Disney World Vacation Package? Then check out our website for all your Orlando Vacations at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com
Posted on Wed, Aug 05, 2009 @ 06:38 AM
Fantasmic at Disney World Hollywood Studios
Fantasmic! A breathtaking 25-minute fireworks and water show performed on select nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park that brings together all of your favorite Disney World Characters-including heroes, princess and villains-for the very first time.
The Show:
Fantasmic! stars Mickey Mouse and a bevy of classic Disney Characters, and includes over one million gallons of water and 50 costumed performers. Combining explosive pyrotechnics, shimmering laser lights and dazzling dancing water effects with beloved Disney songs and animation, Fantasmic! is a lavish musical extravaganza in sight and sound, overflowing with silly and suspenseful surprises for the entire family.
The Story:
Fantasmic! takes you into the colorful imagination of Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer's Apprentice in this nighttime musical special effects extravaganza! Join Mickey as he invokes the characters and spirit of such favorite Disney classics as Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Aladdin, Pinocchio, The Lion King, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Dumbo, Tarzan, and more.
But when the Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs gathers such classic villains as Ursula, Cruella de Vil, Scar, Frollo, Jafar and a larger-than-life Maleficent to turn Mickey's dreams into a nightmare, leave it to Mickey and the power of imagination to save the day.
Performed Select Nights:
Fantasmic! is performed on select nights only. Be sure to check the Times Guide at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park for schedule and show times. Since Fantasmic! is an outdoor show, it is also subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.
Please have your entire party together before entering the theater. Seating begins 90 minutes prior to each show, so arrive early to ensure you get a seat. Guests sitting in the first couple of rows may get wet during the performance.
Still haven't got your tickets yet to Hollywood Studios? Then check out our website for all your Disney World Vacation Packages at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com
Posted on Sun, Jul 19, 2009 @ 06:59 AM
Walter Cronkite "And That's The Way It Is"
If you look up news anchor in the dictionary and there's sure to be a photo of Walter Cronkite. He died yesterday at the age of 92. Known as the most trusted man in America, Walter Cronkite guided the country through many difficult times. But he also had a lighter side that he showed in his friendship with Walt Disney and later as narrator in a few Disney attractions at Walt Disney World.
He was the narrator of Spaceship Earth from 1986 to 1994. He also appeared and narrated "Back To Neverland" a film about animation featuring the talents of Robin Williams and Disney's Animators that was shown in Disney-MGM Studios (Now Hollywood Studios) at Walt Disney World.
As a tribute to Uncle Walter here's a quick clip from that film.
Posted on Sat, Jul 04, 2009 @ 07:16 PM
American Idol Holding Season 9 Auditions at Amway Arena
Well with all that is going on in Orlando this week like the US Citizenship Ceremony at Disney World, and the 4th of July Fireworks display at Magic Kingdom, then what a better way to keep up the summertime fun then with American Idol Auditions.
American Idol Season 9 auditions are being held at Amway Arena this week. Registration takes place on July 7 and 8 with auditions being held starting at 5 a.m. on July 9.
Here are the address and telephone number for the Amway Arena:
600 West Amelia St.
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 849-2558
And if your a really big fan of the American Idol, then don't miss a chance to sing at The American Idol Experience only at Disney's Hollywood Studios. If you win a day's singing competitions there, you'll receive a skip-the-line pass for any regional American Idol television show audition, including the one in Orlando this week.
Still haven't gotten your tickets yet to Hollywood Studios? Then check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Disney World Vacations.
Posted on Tue, Jun 16, 2009 @ 12:31 PM
Who is Mama Melrose
The other day I was listening to the WDW Radio Show last week and Lou did a review of one of my favorite Disney World Hollywood Studios restaurants, Mama Melrose's. Mama Melrose had been on my list to do a "Who is..." segment and, what do you know, Lou did an interview on his segment that provided me with the information to answer the question. So.......for those of you who did not hear the show, here is the story on Mama Melrose.
She grew up in Italy and often cooked with her Dad who shared his recipes with her. As she grew up, she decided to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. She picked up and moved to California and came to the Hollywoood Studios. She made friends with some of the actors, started collecting memorabalia from them and stored it away to preserve the memories.
Eventually, she started inviting her actor friends over for dinner and her food was a hit with them. They loved it so much, they convinced her to open her own restaurant to share her great recipes with everyone. She pulled all of her memorabalia out of storage and decorated her restaurant with it. She did this as a tribute to everyone who helped her over the years and to let everyone know how she got started.
So the next time you are in the Disney's Hollywood Studios, drop into Mama Melrose's, have a bite to eat, and take a look around. As with everything Walt Disney World creates, the back story here really adds to the magic of this often-overlooked eatery.
Haven't got your Disney Hollywood Studios tickets yet? Check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Orlando Vacation Packages to Disney World!
Posted on Mon, May 25, 2009 @ 09:53 AM
Summer Vacation Getaway Packages to Orlando Florida
Well it is that time of year again and Summer is here...Orlando Discount Tickets USA is here to help you plan your Orlando Summer Vacation Package.
Whether you want to go Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld or any other Orlando area attraction, we have the Summer Vacation Getaway that is just right for you and your family.
- Disney World Vacations starting at just $329
- Universal Studios Vacations starting at $269
- SeaWorld Orlando Vacations starting at $169
Come to Disney World to see Mickey Mouse and all your favorite Disney characters at Magic Kingdom, or maybe you want to be a star at Hollywood Studios "American Idol Experience" or how about you fly like an eagle and get a birds eye view with Soaring at Epcot Center?
Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure Orlando has all your Major Thrill rides like the Hulk Coaster, Spiderman, The Simpsons, Dueling Dragons..
How about you go to SeaWorld Orlando and check out their newest attraction Manta! Or maybe you wanna see "Shamu" The Killer Whale in Believe or watch Dolphins to some amazing tricks in Blue Horizons...
There is something for everyone when you come to beautiful Orlando, Florida
So what are you waiting for? Check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Orlando Summer Vacation Getaways.
Posted on Thu, May 14, 2009 @ 07:00 AM
Hollywood Studios at Disney World Favorite Ride or Attraction
So you are going to Hollywood Studios at Disney World, What is the one ride you are most looking forward to? Maybe you have been to Disney's Hollywood Studios? What is your favorite ride or attraction?
Below is a list of the favorites:
American Idol Experience:
The American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios is held on a replica of the American Idol set where you experience being onstage or in the audience voting for singers, as if at an actual American Idol TV show.
AeroSmith's Rock n'Roller Coaster
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, a high-speed attraction for big kids, teens and adults in Disney's Hollywood Studios, is a roller coaster ride amplified by the driving beat of the special soundtrack recorded by the rock group, Aerosmith.
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Picture, if you will, a glittering Hollywood hotel in its heyday. You are the unsuspecting passenger for a 13-story elevator plunge - but beware! Now the experience is totally random every time!
Star Wars Star Tours
Embark an intergalactic simulator for a tumultuous trip through outer space. With an forgetful droid in the cockpit, you're in for warp-speed near-misses, collisions with comets and high-flying excitement - not to mention a mistaken turn into a combat zone, right into the pathway of the Death Star. May the Force be with you!
Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
High-octane thrills ignite as the world's top stuntmen take center stage in this adrenaline-filled spectacular. Custom vehicles, rocket skis and Hollywood-style pyrotechnic combine with precision stunt choreography to bring this Disneyland® Paris favorite to Walt Disney World® Resort.
So which one is your favorite attraction or ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios?
Still haven't got your Hollywood Studios tickets? Check out our Orlando Vacation Packages to Disney World for all your Disney needs..
Posted on Sun, Mar 08, 2009 @ 08:52 AM
Star Wars at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney World's Hollywood Studios Theme Park will once again host Star Wars Weekends,
an immensely popular sci-fi film festival, every Friday, Saturday and
Sunday from May 22 through June 14, 2009.
Star Wars Weekends at Hollywood Studios features
all of your favorite Star Wars characters such as Wookiees, Sith,
droids, Jedi, Ewoks, bounty hunters and Rodians in meet-and-greet
sessions, as well as Jedi Training Academy interactive entertainment
experience, Star Wars memorabilia, Star Wars trivia contests, special
Star Wars parades and star conversations with famous Star Wars actors
and creative geniuses.
Events activities are included in theme park
admission. For more information about Star Wars Weekends, visit
www.disneyworld.com/starwarsweekends.
Posted on Thu, Feb 26, 2009 @ 06:46 PM
Night of Joy
Multi-platinum Christian rock band P.O.D., who was currently on hiatus following
a lengthy world tour, will make its 2009 concert debut as part of a 14-act
lineup announced today for Disney’s Night of Joy Sept. 11-12 at Walt Disney
World. The musically diverse event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios also will feature MercyMe, newsboys, Skillet, Flyleaf, Chris Tomlin,
Kutless, Jars of Clay, Grits, Leeland, NeedToBreath, Superchick, Mandisa and
Family Force 5.
Seven acts will perform each evening between 7 p.m. and
12:30 a.m. at stage locations throughout the park. Night of Joy begins after
regular park operating hours, with concerts and select park attractions
available exclusively for the enjoyment of event ticket holders.
P.O.D.
is among four acts new to Night of Joy (along with Grits, NeedToBreath and
Family Force 5), joining a legacy of 134 Christian music acts that have played
Night of Joy since 1983. While a Disney “newbie,” the southern California-based
band that fuses hard rock with hip-hop, reggae and Latin music is well known in
music circles. They’ve been a hit on MTV, won two GMA Dove Awards, been
Grammy-nominated, had two platinum-certified albums – one triple platinum – and
in past summers played some of the north’s biggest Christian festivals.
But in spring/summer 2009, P.O.D. is chillin’: Vocalist Sonny Sandoval
and the rest of the band are home in SoCal enjoying family life following a
seven-month world tour that wound up in South America in December, making their
Sept. 11 date at Disney P.O.D.’s first gig of the year.
“In the past
year we’ve been blessed to play all around the globe but performing at Disney
World excites me most of all,” Sandoval said.
The complete Sept. 11
Night of Joy lineup: P.O.D., newsboys, Kutless, Tomlin, NeedToBreath, Leeland
and Superchick.
On Sept. 12, the Studios’ stages will present: Skillet,
MercyMe, Jars of Clay, Flyleaf, Family Force 5, Grits and Mandisa.
Eight
of the acts are nominated for Gospel Music Association Dove Awards in 2009,
topped by Tomlin with seven nominations including artist of the year. Other
nominees are Kutless, Leeland, NeedToBreath, Skillet, MercyMe, Mandisa and
Grits.
For Mandisa, Night of Joy will mark her second “guest appearance”
at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2009. On Feb. 12, she was among an
unprecedented gathering of 27 “American Idol” finalists – including the winners
from each of the show’s first seven seasons – who participated in a Hollywood
gala-style event to premiere “The American Idol Experience.” The new attraction
immerses guests in the excitement of the hit TV show “American Idol,” with some
guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios auditioning to take the spotlight onstage,
while fellow guests cheer them on from the audience and vote for their favorite
singer with instant results.
With an innovative ticket – exclusively for
groups of 10 or more – that combines a “day” visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
with Night of Joy admission that evening, guests will have a chance to
participate in “The American Idol Experience.” And by booking on or before Aug.
12, the Studios day/Night of Joy group ticket costs just $44.95 plus tax
(beginning Aug. 13, it costs $49.95).
There’s also a two-day ticket
exclusively for groups of 10 or more that combines Night of Joy admission on
both evenings (Sept. 11 and Sept. 12) with two “day visits” to the guest’s
choice of Walt Disney World theme parks (one per day) on Night of Joy weekend
(Sept. 11-13). Booked on/before Aug. 12, that ticket costs just $89.95 plus tax
(beginning Aug. 13, it costs $99.95).
Night of Joy tickets for
individuals also are available. One-night tickets purchased in advance (up to
the day prior to the event) are $49.95 plus tax (on event day, if available,
tickets are $54.95). Two-night tickets (providing admission to Night of Joy on
both Sept. 11 and 12) are $84.95 plus tax.
All the details about tickets
for groups and individuals are available online at www.nightofjoy.com