It’s fall — nearly fa-la-la-la-la time
The temps and the humidity dip a bit, the kids are settled into school, your Halloween plans are solidifying and — boom — suddenly it’s mid-October and we’re just days away from celebrating the Christmas season.
Seriously, on Nov. 8, just about two weeks from now, Disney World will kick off its yuletide festivities with the first day of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom and the debut of the finale for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Two weeks. And I’ve barely started my shopping.
Actually, Osbornaholics who are annual passholders can see the lights in action in preview evenings from Nov. 1 to Nov. 5.
It’s a bittersweet occasion as Disney is turning off the 5 million lights after this season. The company said last month that preparation for new lands themed to “Star Wars” and “Toy Story” would prohibit it from running the Spectacle in the future.
This will be the 20th year for the Osborne Family presentation, an event I think I’ll miss. It’s a show that I don’t mind a big crowd during — so much of the action happens way above the heads of the masses, and it’s just so darn festive.
I may be just melancholy enough to try the new — for three nights only — Merry & Bright Dinner Reception. The event menu includes holiday fare such as shrimp, beef and turkey alongside wine, beer specialty drinks and nonalcoholic beverages. Participants also get a reserved spot to watch the lights do their thing plus a “custom shadow box keepsake featuring their own Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights,” according to Disney World’s official website.
The price is $99 ($54 for ages 3 to 9), and the event runs nightly from Jan. 1 to Jan. 3. Admission to Hollywood Studios also is required.
Or if the exit of the lights is leaving you with bitter taste in your mouth, there’s the Merry & Bright Dessert Party, running nightly between Nov. 6 and Dec. 30. It’s $69 ($39 for ages 3-9) and they throw in a stadium blanket.
Reservations can be made at disneyworld.com or by calling 407-939-3463.
WALT DISNEY CO. change, includes Gary Sinise (Nov. 27-29), Neil Patrick Harris (Nov. 30-Dec. 3), Whoopi Goldberg (Dec. 4-5), Joe Morton (Dec. 6-8), Ana Gasteyer (Dec. 9-11), Vieira (Dec. 12-14), Ferrera (Dec. 15-17), Wilson (Dec. 18-20), Kim (Dec. 21-23), Edward James Olmos (Dec. 24-26), Blair Underwood (Dec. 27-28) and Amy Grant (Dec. 29-30).
The program runs three times nightly at the park’s America Gardens Theatre, beginning at 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. The event is included in regular Epcot admission.