Preparations begin at Disney Springs for new 'Disney Dreams That Soar' drone show

Apr 17, 2024 in "Disney Dreams that Soar"

Posted: Wednesday April 17, 2024 12:37pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

With just over a month to go until the debut of Walt Disney World's new 'Disney Dreams That Soar' drone show at Disney Springs, crews on the ground are preparing the staging area to serve as the launch site for the drones.

A large section of the Strawberry Parking lot has been closed behind Cirque du Soleil adjacent to the lake, and a perimeter fence is being installed around the site.


"Disney Dreams That Soar" is a summertime experience that will be a late-night perk for visitors. Taking place over the Disney Springs lake, it will showcase Disney stories celebrating the joy of flight with state-of-the-art drones choreographed to create designs in the sky, paired with a "soaring" musical score and memorable movie quotes. Disney Dreams That Soar will run nightly from May 24 through September 2, 2024.

While we don't yet have specific details of the new show, we can expect hundreds of drones to be part of 'Disney Dreams That Soar.' Walt Disney World has previously hosted a limited-time drone show, Starbright Holidays, at Disney Springs for the 2016 holiday season in association with Intel and its Shooting Star drone product. That 5-minute show featured 300 drones, intricately choreographed in 3D space over the Disney Springs lake and synchronized to holiday music.

Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

View all comments →

DisneyFanatic12Sep 03, 2024

Yup! Most don’t seem to be daily, but there’s many examples of drone shows at zoos!

Starship824Sep 03, 2024

In theory it sounds great however apparently the drones might still be too loud for the Animals. I'm not sure though. Have any other zoos or theme parks with Animal exhibits done drone shows?

TouchdownSep 03, 2024

That’s why it goes to AK, have a barge near the BBQ, put your flamethrowers and Roman candles interdispersed with fountains (because that’s all you can do at AK) closer to the stadium. Boom great show.

Starship824Sep 03, 2024

Because there's no place to launch the drones without them going over guests unlike unless you put them on a barge, but then how do you balance that with the pyro, do you have to cover the drones? Honestly I don't know.

Chef idea Mickey`=Sep 03, 2024

That's where I mean, the Skyliner runs with a view of the back of the Italy, America, Japan. I don't really know why it is safe on the Disney Spring's lagoon but not on World Showcase lagoon.

Starship824Sep 03, 2024

It wouldn't have to be near that you could do it on the other side near AA like where they did the big finally for 4th of July this year.

Chef idea Mickey`=Sep 03, 2024

Imagine how close view that be from the Skyliner. I'm not sure if they can with employee space behind and whether or not the skyliner is far enough that it can.

Chef idea Mickey`=Sep 03, 2024

I think if Disney Spring's needs something special even for five or ten minutes at a times is a giant Mickey head and Minnie. This drone show had a theme but anyone missed Mickey or a Minnie to represent the true magic of Disney Spring's? Orange Bird and Baymax were fine.

Chef idea Mickey`=Sep 03, 2024

And to get it debut it in Florida however only they can before Universal debuts their nighttime show!

StreetwaySep 03, 2024

One of the big surprises of this show for me was the fact that they played the Anita Bryant Orange Bird Song before the show started.

Chef idea Mickey`=Sep 03, 2024

If I vaguely remember it may been something people stopped and glanced at it in awe. There wasn't even a setup like everyone get into place unless you planned it out yourself.

Starship824Sep 03, 2024

Well, now that we know they are successful and very popular at wdw what are th future of them? I know everyone's first thought has been animal Kingdom but I think you said there were a lot of logistical reason they can't do that. I saw someone once bring up the idea that they could do drones behind the pavilions at Epcot.

wdwmagicSep 03, 2024

It was viewed as a way to bring in drones to WDW, at a venue that did not require any overflight of guest areas, could be setup fairly quickly and easily, and would possibly provide a boost to sales at Springs.

EeyoreFan#24Sep 03, 2024

There were a ton and I mean a ton of Disney CMs staffing it last night. I thought maybe because it was the last night, but if they are doing that prep every night I could see where it’s not sustainable. Also I’m sure it’s a lot of money spent that mostly (hopefully) draws crowds to fill non Disney pockets at the springs.