Osborne Family Lights at MGM Studios
Disney-MGM Studios will return the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights to the Park this year.
As the story goes, Arkansas resident Jennings Osborne and his family were very big on the Holidays. In 1986, Jennings asked his youngest daughter Breezy what her Christmas wish was. She replied that she would like to see their whole house covered in lights. They had quite a large house but Jennings was determined to make his daughter's Christmas dream come true. That first year the Osborne family covered their home with a modest 1000 red lights. With each passing year, the family wanted to do more. The Osborne's eventually purchased property adjacent to their own in order to expand on their newfound hobby.
The display grew to millions of lights. There were flashing lights, multi-colored lights, custom made light sculptures and a 75 foot Christmas tree adorned by lights. This drew onlookers from all over Arkansas. Displeased by the resulting traffic jams, the local residents asked that the Osborne family stop the annual display. Legal intervention was sought, and it appeared that the Osborne's beloved tradition was about to come to an end. When Mickey Mouse got word of this, he offered a venue where the Osborne lights could be shared with visitors from around the globe. In 1995, Residential Street at the Disney-MGM Studios became the home of this dazzling light show. Approximately 80% of the lights that are on display come from the original Osborne collection.
In 2003, Residential Street began undergoing a major renovation in preparation of the new stunt show scheduled to open in 2005. For the first time in 8 years, the Osborne lights were not displayed.
Fortunately, a new home has been found for this magical attraction. The Streets of America (formerly New York Street) is host to the 2005 Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights.
As in years past, once evening descends, this amazing display springs to life. Formerly drab buildings become twinkling light sculptures, while a host of angels fly overhead. Visitors are welcome to stroll through at their own pace. With over 4 Million Christmas lights, this is not to be missed. To enhance the experience, Florida "snow" flutters down while Christmas tunes fill the air.
In order to see the lights, you'll need to go to Commissary Lane. From there you'll be directed to the Streets of America were a center divider has been put in place. This keeps traffic flowing down one side and out the other. Just be sure that you're ready to leave as the exit is by Star Tours and there's no re-entry in that area. You'll have to walk all the way around if you want to see the lights again.
Hot chocolate and snacks are available for sale. Opposite the Sci-Fi Drive In is a bar where you can get alcoholic drinks including spiced Egg Nog.
Admission to the display is free with admission to the park, and it's a MUST SEE if you're visiting Disney World over the holidays.
