Where do they get "Osbourne?"

[heart4dis]

All right, I give up. I've tried to figure out what "Osbourne" means or where it comes from. Since no one else has questioned it on these boards since I've been on, I guess it's a dumb question. All I can think of is Ozzy...and he doesn't seem too Disney-ish!

Why do they call the Christmas lights at Disney Studios "Osbourne"?

You may now laugh at my stupid question.
But please enlighten me!

 

[Ohanamom]

The family that created the light display in their hometown was named Osbourne.

 

[Kaycee]

The lights used in the display at WDW belong to an Arkansas businessman whose last name is Osborne. He originally displayed them at his home, but when the light collection got too big, his neighbors complained and he had to stop displaying them. Disney approached him about using his lights at WDW, and they've been there ever since. They bear the man's name because they still belong to him.

Osborne is a fairly common last name. It's really funny that most people automatically think of Ozzy when they hear the name and think the lights have something to do with him!!

Kaycee

 

[hightown]

Believe I know the answer!

This Osbourne lives in Little Rock, AR or near there and basically went nuts with Christmas Lights and displays. Had tons and tons. The neighbors or city sued and courts decided they couldn't do their display.

Somehow Disney hired the Osbourne family do bring their displays to WDW and do it there. There was a set contract term and I don't know how long it lasts.

That's what I heard anyway and I do remember in the news about the Arkansas folks getting their display banned.

I'm sure someone will have details or maybe that's not the real story. Will look forward to additional details...

Sharon

 

[heart4dis]

I am relieved to know they won't be black and red Ozzy lights!! lol

 

[Deb & Bill]

He is Jennings Osborne from Little Rock AR. He used to decorate his house for his daughter, Breezy, every Christmas. He bought the house on either side of his just to be able to add to the decorations. People started coming from everywhere to see his decorations. Finally his neighbors had enough and took him to court for the nuisance that he created. In the evenings, they couldn't leave their homes because of all the traffic in their neighborhood. They were concerned that an ambulance wouldn't be able to get to their homes if they needed. He lost the case and was not able to decorate like he used to. So Disney contacted him, bought his decorations and decorated the Back Lot set with them. I was in Little Rock in 1993 which was about the last time Mr Osborne was able to decorate his three houses as he wanted.

 

[Feelin' Goofy]

This is not an explanation but a cool site.

http://wdwig.com/hol_osborne.htm

 

[Feelin' Goofy]

http://wdwig.com/h_osb.htm

 

[Penny2]

Don't have the URL for the Osbourne (sp?) website but there is one. Perhaps someone could post it? After our last trip, 3 years ago I found the website and emailed Mr. Osbourne to thank him for the display and let him know how much we enjoyed it, how it gave helped us to gain the true spirit of Christmas, and how nice it was, etc. He sent me back a really wonderful email thanking me and telling me how much he appreciated knowing he had a part in my holiday. What a nice and generous spirit.....think Walt would have like him!!!!

 

[Samirella]

The contract went through last year. I enjoyed the display each year . Of course the display seen by guests was extremely enhanced by Disney. It was still beautiful and will be missed!

 

[Experiment626]

Originally posted by Penny2
Don't have the URL for the Osbourne (sp?) website but there is one. Perhaps someone could post it?

http://www.jenningsosbornefamily.com/mainframe.html

 

[SCOTTNJ]

Samirella...Are you saying that last year was the last year for the Osborne lights at MGM. They will not be at MGM this holiday season?

 

[zurgswife]

I was wondering the same thing....i had not heard any report to the fact that they were going anywhere....The original contract was for 5 years which would have put it to end 2000....I hope because it was there in 01 and 02 that they will be there when I visit in 03

 

[Muffy]

What do you mean you will miss it? Are they doing away with Osborne lights? No!

 

[zurgswife]

Muffy....Samierlla lists as working for WDW Entertainment...so, that's why I was wondering if She knew something the others of us didnt..I hope not...as they will be missed..

 

[Samirella]

From Jennings Osborne himself. They will be gone just for one year. They are moving the lights to New York Street after that.

 

[Kaycee]

Thank goodness they'll be back!!

I was disappointed when our plans to go this December fell through, but now that I know the lights won't be there, I feel a little better about it.

Hopefully we'll get to go in December 2004 or 2005. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the Osborne Family Lights then!!

 

[SCOTTNJ]

Samirella....

Okay, just so I completely understand this. Last year we had millions of lights to enjoy, this christmas we will have NONE.?

Maybe next time you speak to Jennings Osborne you could suggest something in between the two extremes. I understand that the backlot is being redeveloped into some still unknown attraction but If Mr. Osborne could maybe treat us to a couple of decorations on the New York Street just to give us a taste of what is to come in 2004, that would be great.

 

[Samirella]

Originally posted by SCOTTNJ
Samirella....

Okay, just so I completely understand this. Last year we had millions of lights to enjoy, this christmas we will have NONE.?

Maybe next time you speak to Jennings Osborne you could suggest something in between the two extremes. I understand that the backlot is being redeveloped into some still unknown attraction but If Mr. Osborne could maybe treat us to a couple of decorations on the New York Street just to give us a taste of what is to come in 2004, that would be great.

You have to understand that the Osbornes aren't the only decision makers in this. Residential Street is going through renovations. Naturally the next option would be New York Street, however the facades are having major renovation as well. I'm guessing that the earliest they thought they would be able to put any lights up would be next year, especially since they have to start around August.

 

[NancyIL]

No Osborne Lights.....how sad! That was one of my favorite things to see during holiday season. I'll just have to get my fix of Christmas decorations at the other parks and the resorts.