The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing
Lights is the primary Holiday Happening at the Disney's Hollywood Studios.
The
Streets of America backlot again will sparkle brightly as millions of twinkling lights dancing to music illuminate the area
November 28 through January 4, 2009, during the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights presented by SYLVANIA.
Amid "Florida snow" flurries, the building facades, trees and streets of the Disney's Hollywood Studios
backlot dazzle with 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.
Holiday cheer continues with the daily "Hollywood Holly-Day Parade" decked with favorite
Disney Characters in their holiday best, parading down Hollywood Boulevard.
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. 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:
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 Family Spectacle of 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 Spectacle of 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.
