I saw Starbright Holidays last evening at Disney Springs. You don't see "the drones" only the light they produce. Someone had written earlier questioning the sound of 300 drones. Moments before the start of the show I was aware of what sounded like a swarm of bees - not loud at all. Of course, the show is accompanied by music which covers any sound the drones might make.
I love technology and its potential for entertainment (as well as other uses). When the drones first lit up, it was as if Disney had learned how to put stars in the sky. Over the next five minutes, the lights changed colors and shapes, most visibly forming a swirling Christmas tree and a dove at the end of the show.
What struck me most about the show was imagining how much better this will become over the years. I'm sure that what we are seeing this year is just the starting point. Ideally, (in my opinion) for a nighttime entertainment like this it should be 10 - 12 minutes in length and have more of a through story line. I'm not complaining, just envisioning the potential. If you are in the area, it is worth a trip to Disney Springs to be able to say that you saw the first year in what, I'm sure, will be growing use of this technology for Disney entertainment.
One quibble: It would have been nice if they had dimmed existing light along the lake at Disney Springs.
I dare say that with enough drones, they could simulate the effect of fireworks bursting in air. And yes it would save money and be environmentally friendly.
Aside from a holiday show like this one, I could definitely see this technology incorporated at Epcot. Let's face it, the revolving LED globe in Reflections of Earth is already used to provide a longer show that doesn't involve the use of fireworks. With drone technology (combined with lighted pavilions, projections, lasers and water screens), they could accomplish the same objective, but still incorporate fireworks and fire as part of a spectacular NEW nighttime show at Epcot.
