Disneyland’s “World of Color,” a mesmerizing nighttime water show at Disney California Adventure, had once flirted with an ambitious idea to incorporate aerial drones into its already magical spectacle. However, these plans were ultimately shelved due to stringent U.S. government regulations concerning the use of flying robots in nighttime entertainment.
Walt Disney Imagineering’s Vice President for Parades and Spectaculars, Steven Davison, shed light on this fascinating “what-could-have-been” during a Magic After Dark panel at D23. According to Davison, Disney’s visionary team had collaborated closely with Intel’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Group. “We originally worked with Intel when they first brought the drones out,” Davison remarked. “They were supposed to premiere at this water thing across the street we won’t talk about.”
While Disney’s collaboration with Intel never materialized in the stateside parks, the idea was not entirely grounded. Disney Springs at Walt Disney World showcased the “Starbright Holidays” drone show in 2016, featuring 300 Intel drones. Moreover, Disneyland Paris has boldly explored nighttime drone shows with phenomenal presentations like “Disney D-Light” and “Disney Electrical Sky Parade.”
“There’s so many restrictions in America with the use of drones,” Davison elaborated at the D23 panel. “We’re finally getting a chance to actually look at them and use them.” He added that Disney had developed groundbreaking drone technology, even securing copyrights on some of their innovative ideas. Though many of these copyrights haven’t been enforced, the influence of Disney’s advancements is unmistakably clear in various drone shows worldwide.
As the nighttime skies of Disney California Adventure continue to dazzle guests with “World of Color,” it’s tantalizing to imagine what might have unfolded had drones soared above Paradise Bay. From the mist screens projecting epic battles between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader to the synchronized dance of 1,200 fountains, the addition of drones could have elevated the experience to unprecedented heights. Share your thoughts in the comments—would you love to see drones light up the night at Disneyland someday?
Source: Brady MacDonald
