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 Mon, Jul 13, 2009 @ 07:46 PM
Disney World's Epcot Center International Food & Wine Festival
The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is an autumn special event that runs from September 25, 2009 - November 8, 2009 and transforms Disney's Epcot Center theme park into a food and wine lover's paradise with specialty food items, culinary events, sophisticated parties and live musical entertainment.
Epcot Center theme park always features a remarkable collection of international dining opportunities and tempting spirits, but during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival there is even more to sample, sip and love.
Try delicious cuisine from around the world at special food booths set up along Epcot's World Showcase Promenade. Explore specialty marketplaces featuring regional foods, wines and beers. Learn from renowned chefs and winemakers at special programs and demonstrations, and sample the finest cuisine from around the globe at spectacular culinary events.
Plus, there is more to do than just enjoying great food and beverage. Enjoy the Eat to the Beat concert series every night during the Festival and unwind with a stellar lineup of celebrated musical acts. Three shows nightly at 5:15 pm, 6:30pm, and 7:45 pm.
Eat to the Beat Concert Series
- 9/25-9/27 - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
- 9/28-9/29 - Richard Marx (NEW!)
- 9/30-10/3 - Starship starring Mickey Thomas
- 10/4-10/6 - En Vogue
- 10/7-10/8 - Better Than Ezra (NEW!)
- 10/9-10/11 - Sister Hazel
- 10/12-10/13 - Kool & The Gang
- 10/14-10/16 - Spyro Gyra
- 10/17-10/18 - Jon Secada
- 10/19-10/20 - Sister Sledge
- 10/21-10/22 - Vanessa Carlton (NEW!)
- 10/23-10/25 - Taylor Dayne
- 10/26-10/28 - Boyz II Men
- 10/29-10/31 - John Waite (NEW!)
- 11/1-11/2 - TBD
- 11/3-11/5 - Billy Ocean (NEW!)
- 11/6-11/8 - Los Lobos
When you arrive at Disney Epcot Center theme park, visit the Festival Welcome Center to plan your day. You'll also find the Festival Wine Shop and the Wonders Bar-where you can purchase champagne and wine or attend official book signings with celebrity chefs and authors. The Stockpot shop offers marvelous merchandise, including the collectable marketplace cookbook.
Epcot theme park admission is required. Some Epcot International Food & Wine Festival events require ticket fees in addition to admission to Epcot theme park. Availability is limited for some events. Events may be rescheduled or cancelled at any time.
Still haven't got your tickets yet to visit Disney World and Epcot Center to see the Eat to the Beat Concert Series or The Food & Wine Festival?
The Check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Disney World Vacation needs.
Posted on Mon, Jun 29, 2009 @ 06:42 AM
Disney World Hall of Presidents featuring Barack Obama
The Hall of Presidents at Disney World's Magic Kingdom was recently given an overhaul, including new advanced audio-animatronic versions of US Presidents Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and our new President Barack Obama.
Here’s a look at George Washington and Barack Obama as seen in the attraction, followed by thoughts on the new show:
After visiting the attraction today, many people were quite impressed by not only these new animatronics but also the show as a whole. The previous version, which ran for roughly the duration of George W. Bush's terms in the White House, was, in opinion, on the boring side. It opened with a lengthy film and spent far too little time on the highlight of the show: "The Presidents".
In the new version, the show still features a movie and all 44 presidents "live" on stage, but it is all integrated together much more smoothly. The movie is comprised mostly of still photographs and paintings telling a brief overview of the history of US Presidents, beginning with George Washington's reluctance to take the office all the way through video of George Bush speaking into a megaphone post-9/11.
Actor Morgan Freeman replaces the previous narrator, Maya Angelou J.D. Hall. Morgan Freeman's narration is clear and concise, allowing the audience to focus on what is being said rather than how it is said. It's edutainment at its best.
Midway through the movie, the audio-animatronic version of Abraham Lincoln is revealed, seated alone in the middle of the stage. He smoothly stands up and recites the entire Gettysburg Address (the same recording that was used in the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln attraction at Disneyland in California for many years). This is easily one of Disney World's most lifelike animatronics they have produced and the best representation of our 16th president that I've ever seen.
After the movie ends, the screens shift aside to reveal all of the presidents - some seated, some standing. The lights dim and the presidents are individually introduced by name, each giving a head nod toward the audience as they are illuminated by spotlights.
All of the animatronics look incredibly lifelike in person (much better than in the video above). The lighting is rather dim throughout the show and some people found it difficult to see well from the middle of the theater, so I highly recommend staying to the left as you enter the theater to secure a front row seat.
Whether you voted for Barack Obama or not, you will enjoy seeing him in person, even if only in audio-animatronic form. Any American will receive a strong sense of patriotism in seeing the newly-updated Hall of Presidents. Disney World has done a fantastic job replacing a once-boring show with an entertaining and informative presentation featuring state-of-the-art technology that is sure to excite Americans and international travelers alike.
The newly-updated Magic Kingdom Hall of Presidents officially opens on Independence Day, July 4, but has been running previews for several days. I highly encourage you to go see it. It is a treat for you and your family.
Still haven't got tickets to go to Magic Kingdom yet? The check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for your Disney World Vacations. And remember, 4th of July is just a few days away.
*Article & Photo's courtesy of Disney World & Orlando Attractions Magazine.
Posted on Sun, Jun 28, 2009 @ 07:34 AM
Pirate League at Disney World Turns Guest into Pirates
The Pirates League at Disney World is the newest buccaneer adventure at Magic
Kingdom, featuring makeovers that turn theme park guests into savvy pirates. Depending on the pirate package, a trained Pirate Master
can transform boys, girls (ages 3 and up) and grownups into pirates,
buccaneers and maidens using facial effects, fake scars, removable
teeth, hats, bandanas and other costume accessories.
Included in each
of the three packages offered: a sword and sheath, earring and eye
patch, temporary tattoo, exclusive pirate coin necklace, map case
folder, a personalized pirate oath and a pirate portrait.
Here is a look at some of what goes on inside:
So, If you are planning to visit Disney World and are going to be going to Magic Kingdom, make sure that you make a stop at the Pirates League and turn you and your family into Swashbucklers.
Haven't gotten your Disney World Tickets yet, then check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Disney World Vacation Packages..
*Article and Photos courtesy of Disney World & Orlando Attractions Magazine.
Posted on Sat, Jun 13, 2009 @ 08:25 AM
Get your Disney PhotoPass CD before price goes up
If you're considering buying a Disney World PhotoPass CD for an upcoming Disney World Vacation, you'll save if you pre-order it before Tuesday. The price goes up $20 to $149.95 on June 16.
Also, you can save an additional 20 percent if you order the CD here or at PhotoPass centers on Disney World property.
Disney World has stationed its photographers throughout the parks -- and even the water parks -- and it's free to have your photo taken. Just ask the photographer. Afterward, he will give you plastic card; the numbers on the card are what you will use at either a PhotoPass station on Disney World property or online to view your photos.
I have seen many families that have purchased many professional photos from thier Disney World outings through the years and by far the best deal if you plan to purchase more than 10 photos is a PhotoPass CD. The price of the CD is for an unlimited number of photos from your vacation -- even if the photos won't actually fit on one CD. So, if you plan to buy the CD, take photos everywhere and anywhere!
You can duplicate photos by doing a "save as copy" in the edit mode on disneyphotopass.com. This will allow you to save versions of the same image with different borders, signatures and crops because the images cannot be manipulated with Disney tools once they are burned on the CD.
If you haven't got your Disney World Vacation yet, then check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Disney Vacation needs!
Remember -- the CD price is for as many photos as you have in your account.
Posted on Sun, May 03, 2009 @ 08:57 AM
Memorial Day Vacations to Orlando
With Memorial Day Weekend just around the corner, now is the time to start looking and to book your Orlando Vacation Package to either Disney World, Universal Studios or SeaWorld Orlando....
Right now www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com is running specials for all your vacation needs to Orlando.
Orlando Vacation Specials are:
Call one of our Orlando Vacation Specialists now to have an Orlando Vacation Package customized just right for you and your family or use one of our already custom Orlando Packages....
Posted on Mon, Apr 27, 2009 @ 08:25 AM
Star Wars Weekend at Hollywood Studios
Started back in 1997, Walt Disney World has sponsored a series of special Star Wars Weekends in the Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park. Activities normally include celebrity appearances, as well as trivia contests and prize give-aways, Star Tours "ride-a-thons," and a Star Wars Cantina street party, complete with a live disc jockey.
During Star Wars Weekends, celebrities from all the Star Wars films are on hand for motorcades and star conversations, as well as autograph sessions.
Actors featured over the years include: Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Jake Lloyd (young Anakin Skywalker), David Prowse (Darth Vader), Kenny Baker (R2D2), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), and Anthony Daniels (C3PO) among others. Lots of costumed characters, from Luke Skywalker and Queen Amidala to Ewoks and Jawas, can also be found milling about the park, with plenty of opportunities for Star Wars fans to meet and greet them.
Star Wars Weekends activities are included with regular Disney's Hollywood Studios admission.
If you plan on attending any of the Star Wars Weekends, be sure to arrive at the park early. Although the official park opening time is 9 a.m., you will be allowed into the park around 8:30. You will not be able to get over to the Star Tours area until the official rope drop at 9, though.
Information Desk for the event is usually located at the entrance to the event area, across from Drew Carey: Sounds Dangerous.
This will be the place to have all your event questions answered and to sign up for different Trivia contests.
If you want a celebrity autograph, you'll need to get a Fastpass as soon as the park opens. The FP for autographs go VERY VERY fast! IF you have a FP you are guaranteed an autograph.
Two commemorative Star Wars Weekends pins (like the one at right) are issued each weekend, plus there is a special event pin.
Many children, and even some adults, dress in Star Wars costumes for the event -- this might be something to consider to add to the fun.
Haven't got your Hollywood Studios tickets yet? Check out our Orlando Vacation Packages which also include Disney Tickets to Hollywood Studios and all other Disney World Theme Parks!!!
Posted on Mon, Apr 13, 2009 @ 04:08 PM
Animal Kingdom Picnic at Disney World
For those who love the outdoors, especially dining in the outdoors, there is a
new choice in dining options at Disney's Animal Kingdom. "Picnic in the Park"
will be offered to guests who would like to enjoy a nice family picnic, Disney World
style.
Guests will place their orders for the picnic at Animal Kingdom's
guest-relations office or at the Tusker House Restaurant and then pick up their
food at their chosen time. Pick up will be located at the Kusafiri Coffee Shop
& Bakery right next door to the Tusker House. After that, guests can take
their picnic to any one of the 14 designated picnic areas that are available.
Prices start at $24.99 for a meal that includes sandwiches for three
people and can go as high as $56.99 for a meal that includes a rotisserie meal
for a family of 6. All picnics come packaged in a reusable bag, complete with
plates and utensils. They also include a map marked with the picnic area
locations.
And if you haven't gotten your Disney World Animal Kingdom tickets or Disney World Vacation yet, then check out our website at http://www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com
Posted on Sun, Feb 01, 2009 @ 10:45 AM
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Orlando Vacation Packages
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