Partially agree.
The white "globe" lights that were the largest number of the bulbs in the display are actually covered, they are general purpose lights used more typically as vanity lights and similar applications. It would probably surprise many on this thread how high wattage this display actually is, it is not the small many lights that you see in home displays, they do not have c7 bulbs or mini-lights at all. Most of the colored bulbs are not covered, yet, but they are not Christmas lights as some have suggested, they are higher wattage display lights. Basically any lamp that had a 'suitable cfl replacement' at the time the badly thought out law was created are covered. Of course cfl lamps are a nightmare to try to dim, their color temperature is horribly inconsistent, and they are environmentally the worst thing you can do. Needless to say I do agree with you that Disney could stockpile a warehouse full of them and support it for several years out, although contrary to popular belief lamps do actually have a shelf life and will "go bad" after years even if they are not used. This is a battle we are fighting every day in architectural lighting and it is costing our customers a boat load. It is sad that no one ever points out the unintended consequences of feel good legislation.
Interesting theory, except that Christmas lights are not covered by this law. Per section 321, the energy standards are for general service incandescent lamps defined as medium screw-base bulbs between 310 and 2600 lumens. Furthermore, colored bulbs are specifically exempt.
Even if this law were applicable, it only regulates to the SALE of bulbs and not the use of them. Disney could stockpile incandescent Christmas lights before the law takes effect and continue using them for decades to come if the need were there.
The white "globe" lights that were the largest number of the bulbs in the display are actually covered, they are general purpose lights used more typically as vanity lights and similar applications. It would probably surprise many on this thread how high wattage this display actually is, it is not the small many lights that you see in home displays, they do not have c7 bulbs or mini-lights at all. Most of the colored bulbs are not covered, yet, but they are not Christmas lights as some have suggested, they are higher wattage display lights. Basically any lamp that had a 'suitable cfl replacement' at the time the badly thought out law was created are covered. Of course cfl lamps are a nightmare to try to dim, their color temperature is horribly inconsistent, and they are environmentally the worst thing you can do. Needless to say I do agree with you that Disney could stockpile a warehouse full of them and support it for several years out, although contrary to popular belief lamps do actually have a shelf life and will "go bad" after years even if they are not used. This is a battle we are fighting every day in architectural lighting and it is costing our customers a boat load. It is sad that no one ever points out the unintended consequences of feel good legislation.