Disney's Hollywood Studios Bids Farewell To The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

For many, when one hears the name Osborne, you think of the Black Sabbath Singer Ozzy and his wife Sharon, along with their children Kelly and Jack. Then you wonder what in the heck do the outrageous Osborne's have to do with the family friendly Walt Disney World? As it turns out nothing.... 

The amazing light display that has graced the the Streets of America for the last 20 years started modestly in Arkansas as a single home's annual display. Every year, Jennings Osborne and his family set up an elaborate collection of holiday lights. Over time, the collection of lights grew and grew... and grew! 

 

In 1995, the Osborne family decided to share their magic with the world and the Walt Disney World Resort happily offered to give this wonderful display a new home. This year the 20 minute nightly spectacular, ran continuously, dusk to park closing, starting on November 6th,

Featuring vibrant, undulating lights that shimmer upon the back lot streets and sky, all synced up to a set of joyful Christmas carols by the the Trans Siberian Orchestra and other artists. The lights are strung along the faux storefronts and houses. There are also lights in the shapes of angels, Christmas trees, toy soldiers, a spinning earth, and dozens of “hidden Mickeys.”

All good things must come to an end and Disney is pulling the plug on The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights tonight. It seems Walt Disney's quote, "Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world" also applies to Walt Disney World.

The park has stated, "In order to prepare for some incredible experiences coming to the park, including the recently announced Toy Story Land and a Star Wars-themed land, we will not be able to present The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights in the future.” 

On New Years Day Disney announced a nice little perk for Guests who booked the Merry & Bright Dinner Reception at Hollywood Studios from January 1st through January 3rd;  they will get to take home a light from the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights display. 

Thanks to Walt Disney World for hosting this fantastic Christmas display for the past two decades and allowing millions of people the opportunity to experience the Magic of Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights!