"Starbright Holidays" Drone show coming to Disney Springs

BackOTheLine

Well-Known Member
Conceptually that video was pretty awesome. I also had trouble making out a lot of the shapes but it was still pretty cool. As someone who plays around with drones - I'd be interested to know how things work out in the long run (mechanically speaking). Every drone I've ever flown seems poised on the edge of disaster most of the time. Motors burn out, random signal interference and crazy wind swirls are just a few things that seem to pop up often. Although I'm sure Disney spends more $$ on their drones than I do on mine.
 

MisterPenguin

President of Animal Kingdom
Premium Member
The only two things I could make out were a tree and a bird.

Hey look! It's a butterfly!

No, it's an angel.

I think it's a bow, honey.

Is that a map of the Holy Land?

Hi, I'm the imagineer for this attraction, and I want to let you know it's a giant Rorschach.

it is surprising to suddenly see 300 drones in front of you int he night sky.

If I had a nickel for every time 300 drones suddenly appeared right in front of me...
 

Luxe

Well-Known Member
Pretty cool concept and a bold move from Disney putting this out there already. From what I saw of the preview, it is obviously pretty short. Originally I thought it might of been related to the flight time of the small drones but if the full show is supposed to be longer that would fix that issue. It's something that I have never seen done before so it's hard to not find it impressive. The tech being used is really fascinating and with some further tweaks, improvements and adjustments I think these drone shows could become an incredible experience. Right now I am just entertained by the fact there is 300 drones flying in sync in the sky with flashing lights.

The shapes were mostly disappointing as they don't seem clear enough to make out the objects they're trying to represent. The 3D tree was probably the best but is obviously a very simple example of what the drones could be capable of with some extensive show planning in the future. I could only make out the dove, the tree and I think one part near the end was supposed to be Santa's sleigh and his reindeer flying around? I'm not sure but considering this is a free event at DS, I think it's fantastic tech being used in a creative way that will only get better in time. Also, since this is obviously a test run for applications in the future, it only makes it even more exciting.
 

Phil12

Well-Known Member
The problem with a show like this is there's no surprise. It's almost like a marching band in the air. You see all the parts, you see them moving, so there's no build, no finale, etc.

I mean, it's beautiful, sure, but hopefully this will never replace the big bombastic fireworks shows WDW is known for.
As a good corporate citizen TWDC will gradually reduce their use of fireworks for entertainment purposes. As the drone shows improve upon their technology we'll see much more sophisticated displays. There will come a time when the drone shows will be able to replicate and improve upon current fireworks displays.
 

EvilChameleon

Well-Known Member
As a good corporate citizen TWDC will gradually reduce their use of fireworks for entertainment purposes.

tumblr_mwvn96pbgD1qflml0o1_250.gif
 

Creathir

Well-Known Member
I would argue there is quite a surprise for the switch on. They are silent, and it is surprising to suddenly see 300 drones in front of you int he night sky.
I would imagine it was quite shocking.

Even in the video, I was shocked at how MANY there were...

Very amazing technology on display here... Totally the future.

Kudos to Disney for working on such awesome stuff!
 

prfctlyximprct

Well-Known Member
This is so freaking cool! I know nothing of drones, is there a person controlling each one of them? Or is it computer controlled? Where are all those people hiding if so?! Lol
 

mm121

Well-Known Member
I'm not sure if anyone has seen this from Attractions Magazine yet...

pretty nifty

though i bet counting the drones and then searching the lake for crashed ones after isnt super fun
The problem with a show like this is there's no surprise. It's almost like a marching band in the air. You see all the parts, you see them moving, so there's no build, no finale, etc.

I mean, it's beautiful, sure, but hopefully this will never replace the big bombastic fireworks shows WDW is known for.
yea i hope they dont get rid of fireworks

but in an area like disney springs this works since they have to be more concious of disturbing the neighbors at DS

its been decades since dtd did fireworks and even that was only like 2 nights a year, not nightly
As a good corporate citizen TWDC will gradually reduce their use of fireworks for entertainment purposes. As the drone shows improve upon their technology we'll see much more sophisticated displays. There will come a time when the drone shows will be able to replicate and improve upon current fireworks displays.

lets hope not!!

though in cases like DS where this is a free show it makes sense, as I'm sure losing a few drones to the lake is still cheaper than nightly fireworks
 

Master Yoda

Pro Star Wars geek.
Premium Member
Pretty cool concept and a bold move from Disney putting this out there already. From what I saw of the preview, it is obviously pretty short. Originally I thought it might of been related to the flight time of the small drones but if the full show is supposed to be longer that would fix that issue. It's something that I have never seen done before so it's hard to not find it impressive. The tech being used is really fascinating and with some further tweaks, improvements and adjustments I think these drone shows could become an incredible experience. Right now I am just entertained by the fact there is 300 drones flying in sync in the sky with flashing lights.

The shapes were mostly disappointing as they don't seem clear enough to make out the objects they're trying to represent. The 3D tree was probably the best but is obviously a very simple example of what the drones could be capable of with some extensive show planning in the future. I could only make out the dove, the tree and I think one part near the end was supposed to be Santa's sleigh and his reindeer flying around? I'm not sure but considering this is a free event at DS, I think it's fantastic tech being used in a creative way that will only get better in time. Also, since this is obviously a test run for applications in the future, it only makes it even more exciting.
I would agree, but I am willing to give them a pass for now as not only is the technology rather new, so it the style of choreography.

It is not unlike what a new video game console comes out. The first games are not all that different than the previous system. After a few months the programmers learn where they can push and where they can't and the quality starts to ramp up.

Once they work with it for a while they will learn what works and what does not the quality will most likely increase.
 

KrazyKat

Well-Known Member
I think it's great to see Disney trying something new and different for WDW. Can't wait to see it in person which I'm sure is one of those "have to see it in person, video doesn't due it justice" type of things.
 

KrazyKat

Well-Known Member
Why do I foresee someone calling into Coast to Coast AM and saying "George, we were on vacation at Disney World when we saw all these tiny orb like UFOs starting to fly around Disney Springs".
 
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ptaylor

Premium Member
Saw this in person last night. Still very rough around the edges, but very impressive. Great job Disney and Intel for putting this together so quickly and pulling it off.

I was surprised how quiet they were, and how bright the lighting was.

About the future of drones. If used as part of an existing nighttime show, it could really add something special. As a stand-alone, I don't think it succeeds, particularly when these shows become common place, as Intel intend. The potential for their use in Wishes, RoE or RoL seems huge.
 

montyz81

Well-Known Member
I have to believe with all those props running, there must be a great deal of wind/small electric motor noise. Is there music with this? This looks spectacular. Also, if a drone falls and someone catches it, do they get to keep it? :)
 

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