Girls on Wheels Vicki Baker, Nancy Burns, Shirley Monge, Cassie Richardson, and Susan Hebert channeling our inner super-hero at Universe of Light
Vicki Baker
Ever daydream of gaining superpowers and saving the world? Of joining forces with Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, or Green Lantern to combat evil? This summer the fantasy of jumping into a comic book universe came true for Girls on Wheels (well, not exactly) as we stepped into the Universe of Light presented at the Gaylord Texan Resort.
Wandering through 12 iconic scenes, each telling a part of the bigger story from the DC comic book Justice League series, we met up with our favorite super-heroes and classic super-villains, like Lex Luthor, the Cheetah, and the Joker. Illuminating works of art, these legendary characters from Metropolis, Themyscira, Gotham City, and the Batcave were crafted from 1,000 glowing larger-than-life lantern displays constructed by Chinese master artisans renowned worldwide for their long history of lantern making.
Zigong, China, known as the “Lantern Capital of the World,” has a 1,000-year-old tradition of creating breathtaking lanterns. Dating back to the Tang and Song dynasties, craftsmen perfected the art using bamboo frames, silk coverings, and intricate, hand-painted designs. Today, applying these same ancient techniques using silk, paint, steel, and cutting-edge LEDs, DC legends rose to epic scale, surrounding us with light.
Here are just a few fun facts highlighting the scope of this event: 1,000 handmade lanterns; 28 semi-trucks used to transport the materials; over 3,000 LED lights illuminated the displays; more than 50 tons of steel supported the framework; 30 miles of silk fabric covered the frames; the full installation traveled more than 7,800 miles from China to Grapevine, Texas; the enormity of some structures alone was seen in the Batmobile, spanning nearly 30 feet. These stats aren’t just impressive—they reflect the artistry and passion poured into every inch of this magical experience!
Universe of Light was an adventure where beloved comic book characters came alive. The glowing lanterns, expert craftsmanship, and interactive elements created fun-filled memories for Girls on Wheels—each step filled with color, detail, and nostalgia. Final verdict? This wasn’t just a light show—it was a larger-than-life comic book dream come true. The kind of experience that leaves an impression long after the lights go out.