Summary

The undefined website content recounts the final showing of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios, reflecting on the beauty and magic of the display, its discontinuation, and the subsequent introduction of a Star Wars-themed area.

Abstract

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights was a cherished holiday tradition at Disney World's Hollywood Studios, captivating visitors with its enchanting displays. The 2015-2016 season marked its last appearance, which was documented by the author, JoAnn Ryan, who shares her experience and photographs of the event. Following the lights' retirement, a Star Wars-themed setup was introduced, which proved to be highly lucrative for Disney. The author, who worked in merchandise at Disney World, notes the significant revenue generated by the Star Wars franchise, suggesting that financial motivations may have influenced the discontinuation of the light show. Despite understanding Disney's need to evolve and remain profitable, the author and likely many others, feel a sense of loss for the Osborne lights and express mixed feelings about Disney's business decisions.

Opinions

The Osborne lights were a significant attraction, drawing visitors specifically to experience the Christmas display.
The author implies that the decision to replace the Osborne lights with a Star Wars-themed area was driven by profit, as the new attraction brought in considerable revenue.
There is a sense of nostalgia and sadness over the loss of the Osborne lights, with the author suggesting that Disney may be perceived as prioritizing profit over tradition.
While acknowledging Disney's need to make money, the author hints at a critical view of the company, referring to it as potentially "greedy" and "power-hungry."
The author encourages readers to explore more of their travel and Disney work experiences through linked articles, indicating a desire to share more personal insights and stories.

Writing — Travel & Photography

The Last Showing of the Osborne Christmas Lights Display at Walt Disney World

The bittersweet essence of beauty and magic

Cute bear in old-style car, Osborne lights, Hollywood Studios, Dec 2015 — Photo by JoAnn Ryan

For many years, visitors to Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM Studios) at Disney World would be dazzled by The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. However, the 2015–2016 holiday season marked the last showing… and I was there to document it.

Hope you enjoy the photos!

I was there to witness what transpired after the lights went out as well.

Mickey and Minnie dining together and snowman, Osborne lights, Hollywood Studios, Dec 2015 — Photo by JoAnn Ryan

The Osborne lights were truly spectacular. As a guest strolling through the “city streets”, every display was seemingly more fun and magical than the last. Indeed, people would travel to Hollywood Studios at Christmastime just to see the lights.

Most iconic was the Christmas Tree and Earth displays shown here:

Christmas tree and Earth displays at the Osborne lights, Hollywood Studios, Dec 2015 — Photo by JoAnn Ryan

I’d thought about including a brief history of the Osborne lights, but gee whiz, there are about a bazillion websites out there sporting nice write-ups about just that, like this one: “Could the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Ever Return to Disney World?”.

Why reinvent the wheel?

May the force be with you, now

After the light show was effectively gone with the wind, in place of this came a temporary (although eventually it became permanent) set-up for Star Wars. Working in merch at Disney World, I had the chance to pick up shifts working in that Star Wars set-up, and guess what?

Surprise, surprise, Star Wars raked in the cash… and I mean RAKED in the cash… big time. There are a lot of Star Wars fans out there! Seriously, in merch alone, Disney must have made a true killing — blood, guts, and all.

I know well as I assisted in stuffing the money into my till (and credit card machine).

Snowman display and Mickey Mouse driving train at the Osborne lights, Hollywood Studios, Dec 2015 — Photo by JoAnn Ryan

Not here to vilify Disney exactly, but it does seem reasonable to assume that the light show was discontinued because it brought in far less cash and Disney had the Star Wars movies making bank. Disney is well known for doing such things, aren’t they?

Rather sad, but that’s just a fact Jack.

Various displays, Osborne lights, Hollywood Studios, Dec 2015 — Photo by JoAnn Ryan

Disney is also well known for simply changing things up though, so perhaps it was all more innocent than this. Plus, Disney is a for-profit company after all, so perhaps we can’t blame them for that either. Gotta pay the bills.

Still, I know I’m probably not the only one who pines away the Osborne lights at Christmastime. And I’m probably not the only one who thinks the Disney company may in fact just be a bunch of greedy, power-hungry f*cks.

If you want to read more about my time working at Disney World and check out a few photos of topiary displays from Epcot, check out this story:

Christmas Stitch at Disney World — Cute or Evil-looking?

Disney topiary and just a bit of what it’s like working for Walt Disney World

medium.com

Also, check out more travel-related stories here:

Globetrotters

Sharing travel stories, tips and experiences together

medium.com