Central Florida theme parks are enhancing their evening shows by integrating drones, adding a new dimension to their entertainment offerings alongside traditional fireworks displays. These drones, adorned with advanced lighting systems, are redefining the viewing experience of nighttime events, sometimes complementing fireworks displays and other times shining on their own.
Brian Morrow, owner of Kissimmee-based B Morrow Productions, a company that designs experiences for theme parks and museums, commented on the trend. “Drones have transcended the fleeting appeal of VR in years past. They offer a tangible, impactful experience and are becoming a mainstay of entertainment,” he noted.
Showcasing the innovative use of drones, Disney Springs recently launched “Disney Dreams That Soar,” a twice-weekly show that creates iconic Disney characters in the sky, all choreographed to beloved Disney tunes. Similarly, Universal Studios introduced 600 drones in its “CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular,” featuring recognizable symbols like E.T.’s finger and the Ghostbusters logo.
Other venues are getting in on the action, too. Gaylord Palms is offering “Sounds of America: A Nighttime Spectacular” on select nights, while Legoland Florida is set to launch a 500-drone show called “Monster Skytacular” during its Halloween festivities.
Universal Orlando creatively integrates drones with fireworks, projections and music to produce a holistic entertainment experience, according to Michael Aiello, senior director of creative development for Universal. “We consider a lot of factors, such as visual impact and drone battery life, to optimize the narrative flow of the show,” Aiello explained.
Despite the innovation, traditional fireworks remain a beloved part of theme park displays, underscoring their enduring appeal. Dennis Speigel, founder of International Theme Park Services, said, “Fireworks have a historic significance and excitement that continues to captivate audiences around the world.”
As theme parks continue to explore the synergies between drones and traditional elements, guests can expect ever more spectacular shows that blend technology and storytelling, proving that the sky really is the limit for evening entertainment.
