Within days of receiving permission from the Federal Aviation Administration to fly drones during their nighttime shows, Walt Disney World has announced what will be its first nighttime show using the unmanned aircraft.
The new show has been in development for some time, with Disney working alongside experts in the field with experience in drone-based shows. No further information has been released, but according to those familiar with the situation, look for a debut of the show in mid November, with viewing areas likely to be located in the Marketplace area.
A show using drones at Disney Springs will debut for the holidays. A brief clip Disney unveiled Monday shows people using remotely controlling devices that create a Christmas tree of green lights in the sky.
A New Holiday Experience is Coming to Disney Springs
“This holiday season, the idea of “wishing upon a star” will take on an even more magical meaning in the skies of Disney Springs,” the Disney Parks Blog said.
According to Scott Smith, assistant professor of hospitality and tourism at the University of South Carolina, putting the drones at Disney Springs instead of in a theme park is a sound strategy.
“It’s a smart way of getting people out and introducing them to Disney Springs, especially to locals who may end up doing some Christmas shopping out there,” he said. “But I suspect once they reach that goal, they will pick this up and move this somewhere else where they need attendance.”
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