What does:
5 million lights
32 miles of extension cords
66 snow machines
100 gallons of snow fluid (per night)
and 40 Hidden Mickey’s give you?
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights!
One of our most favorite events we experienced at Walt Disney World during our Christmas trip was seeing the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at the Disney Hollywood Studios. As you turn the corner on to the city backlot, your senses overwhelm you and your jaw drops. The upbeat Holiday tunes get your toes tapping and you mysteriously start groovin to the beat. Millions of lights blanket the walls of the tall buildings with dancing toy soldiers, flying angels, and blinking Christmas trees. The dancing lights simply amaze you and put you in the perfect holiday spirit. Take a look:
What’s the story behind all those lights? According to AllEars.net:
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.
Obviously it was a hit because it remains one of the highlights of the holidays at Walt Disney World! The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights has shows every 15 minutes each evening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The show begins right after Thanksgiving and lasts until the New Year.
If this doesn’t get you to Walt Disney World at Christmas, I don’t know what will!
I think I’ve seen that before! Isn’t that the craziest thing ever? Who has time for all that???? WOW!
Wow – that is some light display! I don’t even have my lights up yet – now I’m feeling like a bit of a slacker.
Time to show my ignorance. I’d heard about the Osborne Family Lights before, but for some reason I just assumed it was Ozzy Osbourne and not some normal family.
I’d actually love to go see either version. It looks fun.