EPCOT "Lights of Winter" Holiday Display Officially Retired - Walt Disney Boards - Message Boards & Forum Discussing The Genius Of Walter Elias Disney!

**WDB News** · #1 (**permalink**) 11-11-2009, 05:11 PM

Based on some Tweets from the Disney Parks Twitter account, the VERY popular "Lights of Winter" holiday display at Epcot will not be returning this year

As a matter of fact, based on the Tweet, it will be retired altogether.

Quote:

The Lights of Winter at Epcot has been enjoyed for years. But (technology) to operate the lights is obsolete, prompting us to retire the lights.

There will be a 'replacement' of sorts as a new choir will debut.

Quote:

Debuting at this year’s Holidays Around the World at Epcot is a new gospel choir, “D’Vine Voices” – Nov. 27 through Dec. 26.

Now, I'm sure the choir is great, but I'm going to miss the "Lights of Winter" display. Here's an example of the display.....

YouTube- Epcot's Lights of Winter - Carol of the Bells

goofy101 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-11-2009, 11:38 PM

this is a shame loveed the lights of winter

kathiewe · #3 (**permalink**) 11-12-2009, 12:04 AM

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO this was my favorite favorite favorite attraction at Disney. I looked forward to it all year and couldn't make it last year so was really looking forward to it this year.

I cannot believe they can update the technology to make this happen.

So sad

Well at least I know ahead of time and won't be dissapointed when we get there.

Thanks for the heads up.

**WDBArnyVee** · #4 (**permalink**) 11-12-2009, 06:55 AM

Kathie, I feel the same way! That was my favorite part of the decorations/theming at Epcot!

I'm disappointed and I definitely hope that they come up with a replacement. I know that the technology was 'out of date'...especially considering what is done with the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights, but I'd still want something at Epcot to replace it.

luvlifeinfl · #5 (**permalink**) 11-12-2009, 08:16 AM

It sad that there things being discontinued that still draws big crowds.

Well if you did not see the article posted yesterday in the Orlando Sentinsl here it is.

Epcot’s Lights of Winter retired from Disney World holiday lineup | TheDailyDisney.com from OrlandoSentinel.com

jwilliams31 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-12-2009, 08:49 AM

This stinks. This was my favorite thing at EPCOT. I don’t know what they’re talking about with “obsolete technology”. The lights themselves? The controllers that make the lights all blinky?

With the people that work for Disney and the money that they have, I can’t imagine that this would be difficult to upgrade? DIYers make controllers for this in their garage (myself included).

Hell, they have this on a much larger scale over at MGM, sorry “Hollywood Studios”, with the Osbourne Lights that dance now. They can’t just port that over to the arches at EPCOT?

I hope they bring this back…

luvlifeinfl · #7 (**permalink**) 11-12-2009, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwilliams31

This stinks. This was my favorite thing at EPCOT. I don’t know what they’re talking about with “obsolete technology”. The lights themselves? The controllers that make the lights all blinky?

With the people that work for Disney and the money that they have, I can’t imagine that this would be difficult to upgrade? DIYers make controllers for this in their garage (myself included).

Hell, they have this on a much larger scale over at MGM, sorry “Hollywood Studios”, with the Osbourne Lights that dance now. They can’t just port that over to the arches at EPCOT?

I hope they bring this back…

You know I was thinking the same thing, how are these lights any different then the ones @ DHS, lord who knows those might go next yr???

kathiewe · #8 (**permalink**) 11-12-2009, 12:23 PM

Ok, now that I've had my vent, here's my real concerns about this issue:

1) This attraction has been down for almost a year, they had plenty of time to address any tech issues known from last year.

2) Why announce the departure on Twitter?

3) Does Disney really think choirs around the world will match the wonderment of watching the light dance to perfectly themed and choreographed music?

4) Does Disney not understand how many people LOVE this attraction and would be upset about this dismissal?

5) Does Disney understand that these special touches is what makes us, their loyal guests, come back time and time again? Not to mention get us to become shareholders, DVC members, passholders, and Disney addicts....

All of which leads me to think the real reason for the removal of this attraction is money. There were likely tech upgrades/standard fixes that needed to be done for last year and Disney chose not to spend the money on this attraction.

Why? Because Disney does not view this attraction as a money maker. Which is sad because it alone is the reason we go to Disney at Christmas. While not marketed like Osborne, it was by far my favorite Christmas show at Disney. I am not kidding -- this is my favorite attraction at Disney and it hurt me to no end that we missed it last year. It is why, despite our problems in Sept, DH agreed to take me to Disney for Christmas. If Disney does not understand that the special attractions matter then we may start looking for other places to spend our family entertainment dollars.

That said, I am willing to give Disney a pass this year considering the economy, but that excuse will only last so long. Disney needs to remember that those things that made it big in good times is what will help see it through in tough times.

Just my .02....

**hms1016** · #9 (**permalink**) 11-12-2009, 07:31 PM

Seriously give me a break. This is another excuse. I understand the economy is bad, but Disney needs to remember this is WHY we keep coming back. All the special touches. Not to mention last year they cut the tree lighting ceremony. If I remember currectly that was becasue of "safety". Disney don't keep cutting so much of the special things that you start to lose you fans.

Smiling Tink · #10 (**permalink**) 11-12-2009, 11:11 PM

Disney, please don't retire Lights of Wonder!!!
This too was one of my favorites to see during Christmas time. Wow, I'm glad I was able to see them last year not knowing it might have been it's last time to bring me smiles and that special feeling of wonderment.

**PolynesianMedic** · #11 (**permalink**) 11-12-2009, 11:45 PM

From what I have read on some other forums I peruse, the reason the technology is obsolete is because it was going to cost to much to make this "green". Osborne Lights have almost completely, if not completely this year, changed to LED lights which draw a fraction of the power that traditional lights draw, but there is a big cost at upgrading to these as they have a tendency to last a LONG time.

I am wondering if the structure itself was not able to be rewired for the new technology and since it would have cost too much to rebuild something they decided to not do it. Just a thought on my end.

kathiewe · #12 (**permalink**) 11-13-2009, 05:59 AM

I've seen the green issue discussed on other boards as well and believe there is something to be said about that. However, as a city planner who works with sustainable development concerns, there are many simple things that Disney could do and would save money they are not done. So, while I think Disney is trying to take small steps in this area, there are many more steps that need to be taken.

Also, if going green was Disney's major issue, then why not make a big deal about that. One, it would earn them points amoung those, like myself, who think going green is important. Two, it would help the attraction's many afficinados, like myself, better understand why a favorite Christmas experience is going away. Some may even applaud them for this action.

Jamapak · #13 (**permalink**) 11-13-2009, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kathiewe

Ok, now that I've had my vent, here's my real concerns about this issue:

1) This attraction has been down for almost a year, they had plenty of time to address any tech issues known from last year.

2) Why announce the departure on Twitter?

3) Does Disney really think choirs around the world will match the wonderment of watching the light dance to perfectly themed and choreographed music?

4) Does Disney not understand how many people LOVE this attraction and would be upset about this dismissal?

5) Does Disney understand that these special touches is what makes us, their loyal guests, come back time and time again? Not to mention get us to become shareholders, DVC members, passholders, and Disney addicts....

All of which leads me to think the real reason for the removal of this attraction is money. There were likely tech upgrades/standard fixes that needed to be done for last year and Disney chose not to spend the money on this attraction.

Why? Because Disney does not view this attraction as a money maker. Which is sad because it alone is the reason we go to Disney at Christmas. While not marketed like Osborne, it was by far my favorite Christmas show at Disney. I am not kidding -- this is my favorite attraction at Disney and it hurt me to no end that we missed it last year. It is why, despite our problems in Sept, DH agreed to take me to Disney for Christmas. If Disney does not understand that the special attractions matter then we may start looking for other places to spend our family entertainment dollars.

That said, I am willing to give Disney a pass this year considering the economy, but that excuse will only last so long. Disney needs to remember that those things that made it big in good times is what will help see it through in tough times.

Just my .02....

I agree with you completely. I think the thing that is important for all of us to remember is that when something like this happens, we need to put pen to paper (or in this case, fingers to keyboard) and send this in to Disney as well as here. If enough people do that, then they will have to listen, but if they don't hear us, they don't know there is a problem. An as they say in Chicago....vote early, vote often. Letter campaigns are effective and you will be surprised what kind of response the second or third letter gets. The first always gets an auto response, but subsequent letters get handled differently. I will be glad to join in the letter writing for many of these causes. I believe it is important to keep the intent of Walt at the front of the issue and to make sure that the leaders of Disney today are kept aware of that too. This is a great forum to organize that sort of thing and I will be glad to be part of that.

kathiewe · #14 (**permalink**) 11-13-2009, 05:40 PM

Jim,

I agree. But who do we contact? Disney needs to figure these tech issues resolved before Christmas 2010. And they need to know this attraction is more than a nice entrance to WS, but a reason people spend their money and visit Disney at Christmas.

I'm in...

MickManiac · #15 (**permalink**) 11-14-2009, 12:18 AM

Very disappointed ... =( First time we will be going to WDW at Christmas, and we were really looking forward to seeing this.

**PolynesianMedic** · #16 (**permalink**) 11-14-2009, 01:10 AM

Great points Kathie!

DisneyNut2009 · #17 (**permalink**) 11-15-2009, 01:45 PM

I agree that with the losses of the Lights of Winter, the Country Bear Xmas Special, Mickey’s Tree-Lighting Treat, etc., the holiday season has become a lot less jolly at WDW.

And the fact that WDW has yet to offer Haunted Mansion Holiday and It’s a Small World Holiday (both of which they should at least try at WDW to see how the guests react, IMO) does add some further salt to that wound.

I sure hope that the afforementioned Xmas offering cutbacks are only temporary as results of our sagging economy and that they’ll all eventually return in the coming years.

dommiedarko · #18 (**permalink**) 11-18-2009, 10:00 PM

One word says it all: lame.

I remember this out of everything WDW does at Christmas time. We went up every Christmas (or a little after Christmas) when I was young. This was one of the reasons why Epcot was my favorite park growing up.

It's a shame.

Jamapak · #19 (**permalink**) 11-22-2009, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kathiewe

Jim,

I agree. But who do we contact? Disney needs to figure these tech issues resolved before Christmas 2010. And they need to know this attraction is more than a nice entrance to WS, but a reason people spend their money and visit Disney at Christmas.

I'm in...

I have always been a fan of sending my comments to the top and letting them filter to the appropriate person. Robert Iger is the CEO and here is a list of other exec. Pick which one you want or send to all. Volume and frequency of voice is what matters in these things.

Robert A. Iger
President and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company

CORPORATE
Alan Braverman
Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, The Walt Disney Company
Ronald L. Iden
Senior Vice President, Global Security

Kevin Mayer
Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy, Business Development and Technology Group, The Walt Disney Company

Christine M. McCarthy
Executive Vice President, Corporate Finance and Real Estate and Treasurer, The Walt Disney Company

Zenia Mucha
Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company

Preston Padden
Executive Vice President, Worldwide Government Relations

Jayne Parker
Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Thomas O. Staggs
Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, The Walt Disney Company

Brent Woodford
Senior Vice President, Planning and Control, The Walt Disney Company

BUSINESS UNIT
Andy Bird
Chairman, Walt Disney International
George W. Bodenheimer
Co-Chairman, Disney Media Networks and President, ESPN, Inc. and ABC Sports

Walter C. Liss
President, ABC Owned Television Stations

Andrew P. Mooney
Chairman, Disney Consumer Products Worldwide

Jay Rasulo
Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

Rich Ross
Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios

Anne Sweeney
Co-Chairman, Disney Media Networks and President, Disney•ABC Television Group

Steve Wadsworth
President, Disney Interactive Media Group

noi · #20 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 08:11 PM

aw, those lights were so memorable for me.

what a bummer. i remember them from a long time ago, i wish they wouldn't take them away!

i am sure the choir is lovely, but its just not the same!