Disney Legend Jodi Benson Helps Kick Off Media Preview of “Night of a Million Lights” at Give Kids the World (Photos, Video)

Hi everyone!

Night of a Million Lights opens to the public at Give Kids the World Village on Friday, November 13th, 2020! The holiday walk-through includes more than 3 million lights donated by Walt Disney World. Disney Legend Jodi Benson (The Little Mermaid, Toy Story) was at the media event last night to speak and perform a couple of songs. Below we have video of her as well as some photos of the lights – we will have a much bigger article and a video focusing on the displays tomorrow after visiting again (depending on weather) tonight. Night of a Million Lights is scheduled to run through January 3rd, 2021.

There is a backdrop in Towne Hall talking about how Walt Disney World donated the 3 million lights.

President and CEO of Give Kids the World, Pam Landwirth spoke on the balcony. She mentioned the lights and how Walt Disney World just happened to have a few million lights left over that could be donated. 🙂

Jodi Benson talked about her connection with Give Kids the World, which started about 5 years ago. She was part of several events this year, including virtually. She started speaking while wearing a Minnie Mouse mask, which she took off to sing after saying she tested negative (and had a great flight on Delta, mentioning how with her mask & shield she “looked like a warrior”).

Here is our video that includes Pamela Landwirth and then Jodi Benson speaking and singing “Part of Your World” and “Jingle Bells”.

Benson still sounds like Ariel when she sings.

 

Benson is one of a number of celebrities who support Give Kids the World, including very long time supporter John Stamos.

Here is a look at Towne Center, so beautifully decorated. Jodi Benson was on the balcony.

I’m sharing also some photos of the lights – just a very small amount of them.

It looks like an astronaut reindeer in front of Henri’s Starlite Scoops, standing on a rocket ship.

There are so many lights along the Avenue of Angels.

Amberville looks lovely in Christmas lights. Nothing like this has ever been done at Give Kids the World Village because families stay here and the village doesn’t open too much to other visitors. But that could be modified in the future.

The Enchanted Carousel is an iconic part of Give Kids the World, and is so beautiful lit up.

There are photo opportunities.

The 150 foot light tunnel connects the check-in area to the 47 decorated villas.

Hasbro is a longtime partner with Give Kids the World and has a fun display including Peppa Pig and Mr. Potato Head. Some of the longtime partners that have decorated villas include Walt Disney World, Boston Market and Perkins. Local and national businesses have been supporting Give Kids the World for a long time, and it is fun to see many of them offering creative decorations.

A topiary is lit up.

While we were there last night, it started pouring. We went to the car to wait it out, and then had a nice opportunity for photos.

I don’t think Disney had planned to decorated houses, so instead of the 45 we were told, there are 47. This is a look at reflections toward the villas and I will be posting more of them tomorrow.

This one is a Cinderella theme, the other a Beauty and the Beast theme.

Come back tomorrow for more of Night of a Million Lights!  There is so much more than just the millions of lights (several attractions, a Tree Trail and more!) Find out more information and purchase tickets here.

Masks, a temperature check and social distancing are required for the event.