Disney files for FAA approval to add drones to live shows at parks

in Disneyland Resort, Entertainment, Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom Fireworks

Disney has filed an application with the Federal Aviation Administration for permission to fly drones as part of live shows at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

In documents first published by Stitch Kingdom, Disney has proposed the addition of the small, unmanned aircraft to be used for a wide range of purposes. By flying them in synchronization, the drones — or “flixels” (floating pixels) as Disney calls them — could be used for new and existing nighttime shows to add LED lights to form patterns or work in unison to carry large character marionettes.

With safety in mind, up to 50 “flixels” would fly at a time in a controlled airspace that would be at minimum 100 feet away from guests in the park area.

From Stitch Kingdom:

According to the application, ‘Flixels are to accompany entertainment at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts, including during each resort’s nightly Fireworks Spectaculars. Deployed from a monitored platform designated as the launch/land area in restricted access areas of each resort, Flixels will be “magically” incorporated into Disney story elements that engage and inspire children and their families. Once the show segment concludes, Flixels will return to the launching/landing area.’

“It will be a safe and innovative addition to the Disney guest experience, one that Disney hopes will inspire the public’s imagination about what is next in aviation,” Disney states in their application.

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