Rumor Alert - LoW Not Appearing This Year?

[mickeysaver]

Awaiting Moderation....

How is it that your corporate partner at Epcot, Siemens, who owns Sylvania, a company that makes lighting technology among other things, and the awesome Disney Imagineers, who create amazing tech gadgets could not in the past 11 months have figured out something to fix the problem or have created something similar with newer tech? People love to look at lights at night, it is a magical experience for all ages.

I am so lost as to how this has come to pass. Honestly, the cuts keep coming and unless there is something done to fix or suitably replace the Lights of Winter, we are not going back to Walt Disney World next year. As it is right now, I wish that I had just kept our original reservation at the Poly. The Yacht Club is cool, but the whole point of staying there was to be near Epcot to enjoy the Lights of Winter in the evenings. I feel an itinerary rework coming on. We arrive in about 3 weeks and this just stinks.

Tweeted....

@DisneyParks How is it that Siemens who owns Sylvania, who makes BULBS and Disney who creates amazing tech gadgets can't get the LoW up?

I am so mad at this lame excuse.

 

[kbelle8995]

Cancelling the Lights of Winter is just another example of Disney's decisions lately. Yes to the high price no to the magic.

RIP Lights of Winter.

 

[Kristina]

Me too.
I cannot believe they would wait until they are putting up this year's decorations to decide they are obsolete. I mean- why not just put them up for this year and plan the change for 2010?????

It's because they are lying. All these cuts are starting to be a bit too much for me.

However, are we sure that this Twitter account is the real deal?

 

[jeanigor]

It's because they are lying. All these cuts are starting to be a bit too much for me.

However, are we sure that this Twitter account is the real deal?

Its been all over the different sites. I would be EXTREMELY shocked if this were not the case.

Its even been reported in the Orlando Sentinel.

 

[chirurgeon]

Everyone of us who will be at WDW in the next six months need to go to guest services and complain about the cuts. I plan on going to EPCOT Guest Services and lodge a polite but firm complaint on the loss of the Lights of Winter. I also plan on writing a letter. If I don't have the LOW to sit and watch for a while, this would change my schedule. Probably spend less time in Epcot at the holidays. I don't think that is what they are looking for. Less park time, even less park days. I think the tipping point is VERY close.

Kim

 

[wdwscout]

I sent an email to WDW Guest Relations last night as soon as it was announced. So far, I only have the automated response that they got my email and I would hear something soon.
I will post here when I get a real response.

 

[corky441]

I can't believe I only have one picture of the LoW, but here it is

 

[PDJPrinceCharming]

Talk about some luck. Last year I was fortunate enough to spend my first Christmas at The World(this year is Christmas at The Land) & I was able to enjoy Mickey's 'Twas the Night Before Christmas as well as Epcot's LOW. Now this year I find out that both are discontinued(or at least not occuring this year) & I realize how lucky I was being able to go last year as those pictures I took will never be able to be taken again.

 

[exwdwcm]

Chris means...rest in pieces!

I will have to bring out the Texas 6 shooter for TSM. It's on Brandie!!

We will have to bring out the rest of the Texas Crowd: WebmasterKathy, Mary Jo (from El Paso), Carla, Michelle, Drake, Christy, TxYankee...

Count this Cowgirl in!
How many Texans do we have going to DAP? Michelle alone is bringing a party of around 15

that's right cowboys- i got 15 in my possee alone from TX- get ready Indy!!! We're packing heat!! and maybe a corn dog or two. Mom actually bought the TSM for the Wii and we plan to practice this weekend!

 

[TXYankee]

that's right cowboys- i got 15 in my possee alone from TX- get ready Indy!!! We're packing heat!! and maybe a corn dog or two. Mom actually bought the TSM for the Wii and we plan to practice this weekend!

Michelle,

To cool that Mom is practicing! Maybe I should come over and practice with her! Did you get her a wheelchair for your DATW or are you just going to let her push a toddler in a srtoller?

 

[jeanigor]

Michelle,

To cool that Mom is practicing! Maybe I should come over and practice with her! Did you get her a wheelchair for your DATW or are you just going to let her push a toddler in a srtoller?

Don't you mean push Don in a stroller?

 

[TXYankee]

Don't you mean push Don in a stroller?

I think having Michelle's Mom push a Drunk Don around the World Showcase is a perfect plan!!

 

[exwdwcm]

I think having Michelle's Mom push a Drunk Don around the World Showcase is a perfect plan!!

LOL- keep in mind she can't see very well, so watch out folks, stroller running over lots of toes.

i think our plan is to let her push a stroller in the am and get a wheelchair in the pm or as needed depending on how she does energy level wise. Now dad has medical issues too- just diagnosed as pre-diabetic and doing his testing now. Bone spur on his vertabrae causing shooting pain to his feet, in PT now for that and talking surgery. We might just need two wheelchairs, we will see. Hopefully we won't leave them in NORWAY on our DATW night. Mom does love her beer, she might not even notice and might want to get left in germany or somewhere.

 

[exwdwcm]

Don't you mean push Don in a stroller?

as long as I can leave him somewhere and he promises to wear a baby bonnet and drink from a bottle.

 

[jeanigor]

LOL- keep in mind she can't see very well, so watch out folks, stroller running over lots of toes.

Even more fun.

 

[TXYankee]

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LOL- keep in mind she can't see very well, so watch out folks, stroller running over lots of toes.

i think our plan is to let her push a stroller in the am and get a wheelchair in the pm or as needed depending on how she does energy level wise. Now dad has medical issues too- just diagnosed as pre-diabetic and doing his testing now. Bone spur on his vertabrae causing shooting pain to his feet, in PT now for that and talking surgery. We might just need two wheelchairs, we will see. Hopefully we won't leave them in NORWAY on our DATW night. Mom does love her beer, she might not even notice and might want to get left in germany or somewhere.

Sorry to hear about your Dad. Do they make Adult sized Double strollers? Lucky there are enough of your group to push 2 wheel chairs. Maybe Dad could use an ECV?

 

[exwdwcm]

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Sorry to hear about your Dad. Do they make Adult sized Double strollers? Lucky there are enough of your group to push 2 wheel chairs. Maybe Dad could use an ECV?

LOL on adult double strollers, hey those things might not be bad, they usually have cup holders, snack trays etc. I want someone to push me around!

yeah, we will use an ECV when necessary, but he is pretty stubborn and has a tendency to NOT tell us when he is in pain. apparently he has had this pain in his feet for months and just now finally mentioned it and went to the doctor. Plus he does manual labor outdoors, but just 'toughed it out'.

 

[Justin Jett]

I think having Michelle's Mom push a Drunk Don around the World Showcase is a perfect plan!!

Don't need to push Donny, just call Tow Mater

 

[FireDancer]

While I'm standing by my wait and see what they do stance I am hoping that if the choir doesn't work out they bring back a new LoW. Seeing that Epcot is supposed to be about the future, at least in future world, maybe it is time to replace what they have with something future leaning. Didn't they replace the lights at the Osborne display with LEDs? They can do multicolor LEDs that change with music instead of just flash on and off. The lighted white frames are a bit 80's. I think something much better can be done and the cost of lighting LEDs is lower than the standard Christmas bulb so it can still keep the cost down.

When I went back and looked at past Epcot Christmas photos I think it is the sentimental feeling of the lights that I'll miss more then the lights themselves. I'm hoping (though not betting by any means) that the choir idea is a short term replacement while they work on something new. Maybe it incorporates the choir idea, like all the lights turn while while they sing then switch back to the multicolored display. I promise I won't hold me breath though.