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Disney’s cutting-edge drone technology hit a snag during a nightly performance lately.
Nighttime spectaculars have long been a cornerstone of the Disney park experience, with fireworks traditionally taking center stage. The trend began in the 1950s with Fantasy in the Sky at Disneyland Resort, performed on a nightly basis over Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Credit: D23
However, in recent years, Disney has shifted toward integrating advanced projection mapping and drones, which offer safer, quieter, and more sustainable alternatives to traditional pyrotechnics.
The shift has been especially notable at Disneyland Paris, where drone shows have been elevated to an art form. In 2024, the park introduced Disney’s Electrical Sky Parade, a pre-show inspired by the Main Street Electrical Parade – including iconic features such as its snails, the Casey Jr. train, and Pete’s Dragon – featuring a dazzling display of synchronized drones, as a complement to its fireworks.
The innovative technology has allowed the park to deliver stunning visuals, but incidents like this highlight the challenges inherent in relying on emerging tech.
The Downside of Drone Shows
However, recent performances of Disney’s Electrical Sky Parade have led to unexpected damage in Fantasyland. As reported by @DisneyphileLIVE, two drones have crash-landed onto park structures—including Le Carrousel de Lancelot—with one causing visible harm to the roof.
Credit: Disney
Photos from the site reveal displaced roof slats gathered at the base of protective netting, underscoring the physical toll of the mishap.
In Fantasyland, two abandoned drones. It should be noted that the fall of one of them has clearly caused damage to a roof…
À Fantasyland, deux drones abandonnés. On remarquera que la chute de l'un d'entre eux a manifestement fait des dégâts sur une toiture… pic.twitter.com/v6QMpZ8X1i
— Disneyphile (@DisneyphileLIVE) November 30, 2024
This is not the first time Disneyland Paris has faced issues with drones. Earlier this year, similar incidents were noted near Dumbo the Flying Elephant and during last summer’s performances of Disney D-Light, the precursor to the current Electrical Sky Parade.
Disney Pushes Ahead With More Drone Shows
Despite these setbacks, Disneyland Paris remains committed to pushing the boundaries of nighttime entertainment. The park plans to debut Disney Tales of Magic above Sleeping Beauty Castle in January 2025. This ambitious production promises to blend fireworks with cutting-edge drone effects, replacing both Disney’s Electrical Sky Parade and Disney Illuminations.
Credit: Disney
For now, guests can still enjoy Disney’s Electrical Sky Parade, albeit with a few interruptions. The park has scheduled a temporary pause in the show for nine days beginning December 5. During this break, a Notre-Dame-inspired drone show will take center stage, celebrating the reopening of the historic Parisian cathedral following its devastating fire in 2019.
Are you Team Fireworks or Team Drones?
