Christmas lights on the castle

[Landry]

Are we sure it's the projection show that's the issue? I thought it was an issue with the giant 50th Anniversary medallion that's on the front of the castle. I'm pretty sure they did projections over the lights in the past.

 

[mom2rtk]

Are we sure it's the projection show that's the issue? I thought it was an issue with the giant 50th Anniversary medallion that's on the front of the castle. I'm pretty sure they did projections over the lights in the past.

They did.

 

[Moliphino]

Actually more like 13 years. I really miss them.

Yup, they pre-dated Frozen by at least 5 years. Cinderella originally made a wish that the castle would sparkle like her glass slippers.

 

[mom2rtk]

Yup, they pre-dated Frozen by at least 5 years. Cinderella originally made a wish that the castle would sparkle like her glass slippers.

Loved that Cinderella show. They started in 2007. I remember because when I saw them I immediately started planning for our December 2008 trip.

 

[Moliphino]

Loved that Cinderella show. They started in 2007. I remember because when I saw them I immediately started planning for our December 2008 trip.

I went with my mom in December 2008. That was such a great year for Christmas at Disney - they still had the Osborne lights and the Lights of Winter at Epcot.

 

[mom2rtk]

I went with my mom in December 2008. That was such a great year for Christmas at Disney - they still had the Osborne lights and the Lights of Winter at Epcot.

Probably my favorite Disney trip ever. Sigh. Love projections on the castle. But they don't hold a candle to those lights.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

I believe it is more about the new paint job on the castle. The netting was specifically painted/dyed/colored to blend in to the paint job of the castle and be almost invisible with the lights on. The new paint job does not match the netting and therefore the netting no longer is invisible.

 

[jo-jo]

I believe it is more about the new paint job on the castle. The netting was specifically painted/dyed/colored to blend in to the paint job of the castle and be almost invisible with the lights on. The new paint job does not match the netting and therefore the netting no longer is invisible.

I think it more the cost of putting them up and taking them down. What's next up???? shadow puppets of bunnies and birds, using famous people hands, so that will be the draw.

 

[tinkerhon]

Now I want to really cry! I had hoped once they sent back the boxes of old unusable Osborne lights they'd wait a couple years, then pull out the good stuff (not the ones that looked just like the old) and create their own light extravaganza. It was the only reason for me to go at the holidays. Haven't been back since they left.


WOW, didn't think it was that long. They were pretty for a couple years but as someone who went often they weren't worth the crane and disruption to the castle for months on end. Folks who had a once in a lifetime or rare visit would have to deal with that in their photos.

Ok, the Osborne light mention has officially made me cry -- Now, THAT was Holiday !! IMHO, Disney has not been able to duplicate that feel--- I love Disney as much as the next fanatic, but we always set a day aside for SeaWorld during our holiday trip--- THEY do Christmas !!!

 

[mom2rtk]

Ok, the Osborne light mention has officially made me cry -- Now, THAT was Holiday !! IMHO, Disney has not been able to duplicate that feel--- I love Disney as much as the next fanatic, but we always set a day aside for SeaWorld during our holiday trip--- THEY do Christmas !!!

Disney hasn't even tried to replicate that feel.

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

If they want to they can create a Christmas projection on the castle that would look exactly like it did before.

That would be too simple a solution.

 

[DanielleC]

Now I want to really cry! I had hoped once they sent back the boxes of old unusable Osborne lights they'd wait a couple years, then pull out the good stuff (not the ones that looked just like the old) and create their own light extravaganza. It was the only reason for me to go at the holidays. Haven't been back since they left.


WOW, didn't think it was that long. They were pretty for a couple years but as someone who went often they weren't worth the crane and disruption to the castle for months on end. Folks who had a once in a lifetime or rare visit would have to deal with that in their photos.

I had heard that Osborne lights, not the animated figures and stuff, went to Give Kids the World.

 

[HopperFan]

I had heard that Osborne lights, not the animated figures and stuff, went to Give Kids the World.

What we all know as the Osborne Lights for many years were all created by Disney based on the original Osborne Lights designs plus tons more. I believe all the originals, which were likely dusty in boxes, were sent back. Now I don't know if any of the replicas could be given away or used since Osborne might have "owned" the design" ... like the tall soldiers, the earth, perhaps Disney gave them to the Osbornes too.

Disney did take part in a huge light donation. If they were used ones, likely they were the generic strings, not the Osborne designs. I kinda think Disney would give them new lights if nothing else safety.

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...nual-night-of-a-million-lights-holiday-event/

 

[Dis Dragon]

It's because of all the flair they added to the castle, the turrets and the emblem. I know it's a lot of work to put them up, I really hope they come back after the 50th is over, but like a lot of other things I think we may have seen the last of them. (and I really hope I'm wrong)

 

[Jennasis]

I know I am in the minority, but I never liked the castle lights (and I do not like the new paint scheme on the castle either). I'm a castle purist I guess.

 

[Richie248]

The castle lights were ok. I definetly don't miss the crane that was parked near the castle while they were installing them.

 

[ChristmasJay83]

They can ditch the projections, and I'll be happier.

The castle is not a movie screen. Everything projected onto it looks like a mess of colored lights to me.

And, they can get rid of that garish new paint job, too. Bring back Cinderella's castle the way it's supposed to look.

There! I feel better.

I though the same thing until I saw the castle projections last Christmas season and was blown away. It was substantially better than the lights, which I loved.

 

[maltdizzy]

Are we sure it's the projection show that's the issue? I thought it was an issue with the giant 50th Anniversary medallion that's on the front of the castle. I'm pretty sure they did projections over the lights in the past.

Not just the medallion, but the faux bunting on the turrets and the gold "ribbons" around several of the spires. All of that is part of the 50th decorations. I'm not saying the Dreams Lights will return, I could easily see Disney settling for cheaper projections, but they can't go back until the 50th decorations come off.

I think the Beacons of Light on Spaceship Earth demonstrate just how much more impressive real tactile lights are than just turning on a projector. Effort counts in work and play.

The castle lights were ok. I definetly don't miss the crane that was parked near the castle while they were installing them.

I miss the updates from the Disney World Crane FB page.

 

[DanielleC]

There is a documentary on Disney+ titled Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic and it shows how they decorate. They do the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland each in a single night.

 

[Lisa P.]

I think the Beacons of Light on Spaceship Earth demonstrate just how much more impressive real tactile lights are than just turning on a projector.

Part of what makes Beacons of Light so impressive is the sheer size of Spaceship Earth. It's visible from all sides and even from great distances. How awesome it would be if they could install LED lighting over the surface of the castle walls that did not impact the daytime appearance of the castle. (Hopefully, lesson learned from Epcot's horrible black taco monstrosities.) It could enable viewing of nighttime shows from more angles than just Main St. I know, pie in the sky... but just think how beautifully lit the seasonal fireworks programs could be!