Tips For The Must-See Osborne Family Spectacle Of Lights

When I first heard about The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights found at Disney’s Hollywood Studios I thought, “Ehh, Christmas lights on the buildings. How spectacular is that?”

Ignoring the advice of the experts, we arrived late, on an incredibly crowded night and attempted to experience the phenomenom.

It was, in a word, SPECTACULAR!

And we enjoyed it so much, we came back the next night and then the next, just to soak it all in. For our family, it’s a MUST-DO, every time we visit Walt Disney World during the holiday season.

Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights arrived at Walt Disney World in 1995 when they got wind of Jennings Osborne’s predicament. His own personal holiday light display had gotten out of hand, with neighbors complaining and the Arkansas Supreme Court declaring that his 3.2 million light display, spanning three residential homes (he purchased the two homes on either side of him as his spectacle grew) was a public nuisance. With 3.2 million lights, 100 angels and a steam train engineered by Mickey Mouse, Jennings Osborne packed up his lights and headed to Disney.

Jennings Osborne never took money for the use of his creation. A big Disney fan, all he wanted was to be able to see the lights during the Christmas season. So every year, between December 23rd and January 1st, he and his family would be treated to a suite at the Grand Floridian so they could enjoy his display with other fans.

Sadly, the Little Rock, Arkansas philanthropist died at age 67 from heart complications in 2011. Known for his warm and generous heart, his spirit will live on with Disney’s Hollywood Studios Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights display.

Since 1995, Disney World has added 2 million more lights, “real” snowflakes falling and even a few hidden Mickey’s. Twinkling lights are synced to music creating an awesome display. Located on the Streets of America, it is an homage to the Christmas holiday season that only one man’s vision and Disney could create. If you are visiting between November 7, 2014 and January 4, 2015 this attraction is a MUST-SEE!

Mouseterplanner’s Best Tips

1. Arrive early or stay late! Lights begin at dusk, which is about 6pm in Florida during this time of year. Or, while everyone is heading home or catching the Fastasmic show, you can catch the last few showings.
2. Crowds will be tight. There is no getting around it. Mentally prepare and keep your family close.
3. Weekday nights are less crowded than weekends.
4. Immersing yourself in the lights is the point, but by standing at the end of a street you are able to get the full picture.
5. The lights remain on for about an hour after the official park closing if you want to snap some pictures with fewer people.
6. Besides hidden Mickeys there are amazing details to look for: a black Halloween cat is moved to a different location every year, the mannequin leg lamp from “A Christmas Story,” a canopy of lights to complete the immersion experience and theme decorations for certain storefronts and homes.
7. A family is chosen each evening to “flip the switch” that begins the event. Find the large switch, located off to the side and about 1/2 way down Streets of America,  and be in position by 5:45pm to catch the start of the show.
8. Holiday treats and hot toddys are available. Bring your sweet tooth and your ID!
9. My kids started a new tradition of visiting Streets of America during the day, attempting to catch hidden gems to locate later when they’re lit up. It’s a great way to get a different perspective and then enjoy the full effect in the evening.
10. The music/lights begin once every 10 minutes. If there is nothing happing when you round the corner, stick around. The fun is about to begin!