[Idea] Fireworks of the future!

[zugzug15]

Just saw this footage of Drone air shows and was wondering if this would be something that Disneyland would use in the future either as a replacement for or as a supplement to the nighttime fireworks shows.

I can totally imagine a talking Mickey in the sky narrating a pre-show.

[Blurr]

I believe Universal Studios already does this for a Patronus effect at the end of one of their Hogwarts shows, which would lead me to believe that Disney has at least considered the idea if it's already made it's way into the theme park industry. Maybe they're just waiting for the right way to implement them. But I imagine it won't be long before we see them show up in at least one of the Disney parks.

[MRaymond]

I have seen a few drone shows on video and they look amazing. I think the biggest problem with implementing it at Disneyland would be Anaheim and/or Orange County. What happens when a drone disconnects from the group, falls out of the sky, hits someone, you get the idea. I think WDW would see a drone show first, where will the drone land, in a swamp?

[DisneyPilot]

What happens when a drone disconnects from the group, falls out of the sky, hits someone, you get the idea.

Not much different than exact same scenario that that they do for fireworks and fallout zones.

Disney is currently working on that technology and I believe already has some relevant patents of their own

[SkunkID]

I have seen a few drone shows on video and they look amazing. I think the biggest problem with implementing it at Disneyland would be Anaheim and/or Orange County. What happens when a drone disconnects from the group, falls out of the sky, hits someone, you get the idea. I think WDW would see a drone show first, where will the drone land, in a swamp?

While I won't say it wouldn't be a concern, I do know that there are "options" for "high quality" drone shows to prevent this sort of thing. Unless I am mistaken, one option was having the drones have a "Deadman switch," that requires constant current from the battery inside, and if it fails, a small compartment let's off a small explosive or co2 charge than releases a parachute so the drone falls like a model rocket would, as opposed to a rock.

As for one disconnecting. I believe most shows have the drone "default" to a failsafe mode where if it can't find where it's supposed to be again, it just floats down so it can be manually collected and resynced.

[Starcade]

There are many ways to make these safe enough for use near a large crowd and if they fail unlike winged craft they just fall straight down as there is no glide as all the lift is in the props. So easy scenario is have the show above back stage. Some have a return mode if they find themselves dropping in power level or losing signal they will either hover softly to the ground or return to previous fixed point. Equipping them with mini chutes is not commonly used on these smaller drones who purpose and payload is a bright LED. Most drones that use parachutes are the larger camera carrying versions. The injury from one of the tiny drones ( palm sized ) is minimal more of an issue of small cuts that can be a concern than blunt force injury. Having one falling on your is less scary than the impact of one flying into you. A drone swarms biggest issue is what happens if they get hacked more so than if they fail.

Another method drones could be used is by carrying up a scrim to be held and stretch out to receive a laser projection. You could have a 3D hologram of Tinker Bell flying all around the park at night chased by Peter Pan to wires or risk of death to CM needed. It would be two sets of groups carrying separate scrims and the laser projection would be image mapped to follow each scrim.

There is a bunch of FAA regulations that are still in flux on this so things could become easier or more difficult depending on how future laws come down.

( I spent 15 years as an executive in the RC model industry so I have thought about this one a lot over the years )

Things will be changing though between regulations, cost and just a lack of impression amongst younger people fireworks are becoming less and less desirable to younger generations. Ask a 10 year how much they like watching fireworks and shoulder shrugs are not too uncommon.

[Eagleman]

I have seen a few drone shows on video and they look amazing. I think the biggest problem with implementing it at Disneyland would be Anaheim and/or Orange County. What happens when a drone disconnects from the group, falls out of the sky, hits someone, you get the idea. I think WDW would see a drone show first, where will the drone land, in a swamp?

I think

few Drone Show would be Great to see..........
But Safety .......would have be number one
I feel there still many Issues and concerns
( like fallout )

in the Anaheim area !

But I'm Sure if Disney can do it ........they would ,at the right time and with the FAA approvable .

[ltfan]

I think WDW would see a drone show first, where will the drone land, in a swamp?

WDW has already done a drone show in Disney Springs. It was called Starbright Holidays. The show ran in the holiday season of 2016 and 2017.

[BigThunda]

If this meant that FL and TT wouldn't have to close, I'd be all for it! Then again, there is something organic about watching/hearing/feeling a firework show that can't be matched by a drone imho.

[Eagleman]

there is something organic about watching/hearing/feeling a firework show that can't be matched by a drone imho.

I have to Agree......
""FIREWORKS"

Displays are common throughout the world
and are the focal point of many cultural and religious

celebrations
for Thousand's of Years

[N2dru]

I have seen a few drone shows on video and they look amazing. I think the biggest problem with implementing it at Disneyland would be Anaheim and/or Orange County. What happens when a drone disconnects from the group, falls out of the sky, hits someone, you get the idea. I think WDW would see a drone show first, where will the drone land, in a swamp?

There are a lot of places for drones to land besides a swamp at WDW