Got a return call from WDW re: Osborne Lights

[Dyanna]

I emailed WDW a few weeks ago to vent how unhappy I was that the Osborne Lights viewing dates (starting on the 28th) were pushed back until after Thanksgiving. We had planned our upcoming mid Nov trip back in Feb just so we could go see the Osborne Lights. It was also going to be our last trip to WDW for a few years as it is getting harder for us to afford it.

Received a voicemail from WDW while I was out this afternoon. They stated that WDW has no plans on changing the Osborne start date but that they are very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause us for our trip in Nov. My email was going to be forwarded to another department so that they may use it to make future improvements. They did mention that they knew that in the past the start date was in early Nov but had no reason why they decided to move it back. She did leave a number in case I wanted to call back but for what reason would I have to do so now. Our trip is already paid for & I cannot change our travel dates. Needless to day my family is bummed about not seeing the Osborne Lights & as mentioned this was the main reason for taking this trip in the 1st place.

[laward32]

I'm sorry you won't get to see Osborn Lights this year. I am glad to know that someone responded to your email. I wish something could be done to change the start date. Maybe if more people sent emails regarding their disappointment with this, they might move it.
I hope you still have a great trip.

[SgtTigger]

I am not sure when you are going...... I see mid Nov.
I have gone the week before Thanksgiving for the last 10 years..... They have always had the lights lit before the date listed...... Believe me they will have a pass holder preview before they light them up.....

Even know they say it I don't believe that they will not have soft openings before the listed date.... as a soft opening they will light the lights.........

[Carol]

I can understand your disappointment. However, it is not Disney's fault you planned your trip before the dates were announced. There have been many times the Christmas festivities have not started until after Thanksgiving.

The year I went to Disney at Christmastime, was the year the didn't offer the lights at all. (They were under construction moving the location.)

Of course I was disappointed - but didn't blame Disney because I booked my trip before knowing the Lights were being discontinued that year.

We still had fun. I'm sure you will too.

[Twinsowner]

you may be right that it is not disney's fault that they scheduled it befor egetting the dates ofr the lights. But what about us that WAITED to schedule our trip until the 180 day mark and had no choice but to get reservations without knowing because disney did not release the schedule until June. I am not one to gripe and would never send an email to them but I can say that I think they really let some people down with this. We would have scheduled our trip for after thanksgiving had we known.

[Pirate Granny]

OH NO...where is the schedule...did I miss it...I too planned our trip for the week before Thanksgiving...

[TinkRocks]

I'm sorry you won't get to experience the lights; however, I do think the lights are a 'Christmas experience,' and shouldn't be out before Thanksgiving.

On the same topic as 'Christmas experiences,' I'm upset that the Christmas parade at Magic Kingdom doesn't start until a day or two before Christmas... What's up with that? LOL

[Marceline]

Just throwing a possible reason out there...perhaps this is an energy savings effort? All those lights take a lot of electricity to run and everybody is starting to reign in the purse strings and make cuts and savings where they can in the current economy. Disney may have decided to wait for that particular light-show/event to begin until the more official kick off to the holiday season, which has always traditionally been AFTER Thanksgiving. It's only recently that retail commercialization has pushed the Christmas Holiday season to begin in early November anyways. Just a guess though.

There are still lots of festive things going on at the time of your visit...I believe MVMCP is running in November. That is a great way to feel festive!

You really can't get too down about missing this one thing....I mean....your going to Disney World!!!!! That's a good thing.

[BMan62]

I'm sorry you won't get to experience the lights; however, I do think the lights are a 'Christmas experience,' and shouldn't be out before Thanksgiving.

On the same topic as 'Christmas experiences,' I'm upset that the Christmas parade at Magic Kingdom doesn't start until a day or two before Christmas... What's up with that? LOL

I believe the reasoning with the Christmas parade has to do with the MVMCP -- the Christmas parade is, I believe, the same parade as is used on the MVMCP dates.

[buzznwoodysmom]

It does seem strange to me that they would push the lights back. I could see if the attendance at this event was poor until after Thanksgiving, but we were there last year for Thanksgiving and saw the lights the Monday before Thanksgiving and when I say the whole area was packed that is an understatement. We had a guy next to us say "This is more packed than New York City on New Year's Eve", and he was from New York.

I am sorry that you are going to miss the lights, but like other's have stated these dates are always subject to change. We'll be visiting next year for Thanksgiving and we'll have to decide if we want to miss the Osborne lights or the Epcot christmas events since both start the day after T-day and we'll be leaving the day after that.

As for the Christmas parade, it was always my understanding that the Christmas parade doesn't start up in the park during regular park hours because it is one of the MVMCP events and only guests attending the party get to experience it. Once the parties are over it becomes the day time parade for the remainder of the holiday season.

I hope everyone can still manage to have wonderful trips dispite the disappointment.

[Mickey91]

Gosh PolyGirl40, lets tone it down just a little. A bit harsh for someone who is already bummed about their plans.

Also, not that these things can't change, the Christmas parade is usually offered as the 3:00 PM parade on Saturdays in Dec. The first Sat is usually the taping for Christmas Day. We have been during Dec twice and the Saturdays we have been there have had the Christmas parade. It is not publicized beforehand but will be on the day's schedule. Again, that was the past two years and it could change.

And one last thought, why not do as Ebenezer learned and keep Christmas all year long. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the beautiful lights and sounds of Christmas in Nov. I actually cave by mid September and start listening to my CDs. I love Christmas!! As long as I celebrate the birth of Christ with a joyful, loving spirit, why should I only do that for one month?? The world would be a much better place if we all celebrated peace on earth and goodwill toward men more than the month of Dec.

[kakn7294]

I'm sending some for those of you traveling in mid-Nov before the Osborn lights are to be lit. I hope Bret is right and you still get to see the lights. Check daily for soft openings - maybe you'll get lucky!

[Carol]

Gosh PolyGirl40, lets tone it down just a little. A bit harsh for someone who is already bummed about their plans.

Excuse me?? There is nothing wrong with my tone! I said I understand the disappointment. It has happened to me - not to mention ride closures ...etc......

However, it is not Disney's fault when we plan things before schedules. It's a chance we all take.

Back on topic please ....

[TheRustyScupper]

1) One should never plan a whole vacation on one event.
2) Vacations are seldom made up of one single event/ride.
3) Especially at WDW with so many activities all around.
4) If the event/ride can be
. . . canceled
. . . closed
. . . moved or re-timed
. . . under rehab
5) If the event/ride is that important, then one should wait for the schedule.

[Ladyvader]

1) One should never plan a whole vacation on one event.
2) Vacations are seldom made up of one single event/ride.
3) Especially at WDW with so many activities all around.
4) If the event/ride can be
. . . canceled
. . . closed
. . . moved or re-timed
. . . under rehab
5) If the event/ride is that important, then one should wait for the schedule.

Amen!! a voice of reason. I remember two holiday seasons ago that it rained nearly every night and the Osbourne Lights were canceled consistently. Not just a misting but heavy downpours. I felt like scrooge out by the Hat telling our guests the lights were canceled. To plan a trip on one event, and one event only is a risky thing to do! All things are subject to change.

[Terk24]

No one needs a voice of reason. I too feel that Disney waits to long to release things. Many people don't have the luxury to wait 6 months or less to book a trip. I'm still waiting to get all details for food and wine festival. Also, how can Disney not have their rates set for '09. Many people need to start booking and planning trips now. I think Disney should be a little more proactive in setting dates early. Enough with the lecturing of how to or not to plan a trip.

[mrsgaribaldi]

I'm sorry for all the disappointment. I must be in the minority when I say I don't like the lights that much.
Anyway, I'm sure that you will all have a great time without the lights . And I hope they turn the lights on earlier so some of you are pleasantly surprised

[Daisy'sMom]

Well, you can always plan for next year. We always go the week after Thanksgiving. That time has never disappointed and that is where we feel the Christmas magic take over.

[Ed]

I'm sorry for all the disappointment. I must be in the minority when I say I don't like the lights that much.

Honestly, I don't like it nearly as much as when it used to be on the backlot among the old movie/TV sets. The new location is just too compressed; everything is jammed into a relatively-small area. We used to enjoy a leisurely walk along the streets, sipping a nice hot chocolate... it was more like walking through a neighborhood that was full of the Christmas spirit.

We still make a point of going to the Studios during the time when the lights are on, but we don't spend nearly as much time taking in the show as we used to.

[pink]

That's a bummer that they changed the days but I bet you will still have a magical trip anyways, enjoy.