Universal Orlando Resort has announced the temporary suspension of the drone element in its highly acclaimed nighttime spectacular, Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular. According to a statement shared via Fox 35 Orlando, a spokesperson for the resort confirmed the pause, saying, “We have currently paused the drone component of Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular. Guests can still enjoy the show nightly at Universal Studios Florida.” While Universal has not provided any official reason for the suspension, the decision follows closely after a tragic drone-related incident during another show at Lake Eola, located downtown Orlando.
The incident, which took place at Lake Eola's holiday drone show, left seven-year-old Alezander severely injured. A falling drone struck Alezander during the performance, resulting in injuries so severe his parents, Adriana Edgerton and Jessica Lumsden, stated he required open-heart surgery due to chest injuries sustained from the incident. Lumsden shared, “He is still being monitored but remains determined to walk again.” The family is now spending the holiday season by Alezander's side in the intensive care unit (ICU), as they cope with both trauma and uncertainty.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations to determine the circumstances around the accident. Officials confirmed they will analyze memory cards from the drones involved, sending them to the NTSB recorders laboratory in Washington, D.C. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, but full findings concerning the cause and contributing factors may take up to two years.
This incident has raised significant concerns about the safety of drone technology utilized in public entertainment settings. Sky Elements, the company responsible for celebrating the holiday spirit, had managed this drone show, marking its second consecutive year with Orlando, which had contracts renewed from nearby cities like Ocala. With increasing popularity of drones for entertainment, the risks associated with such technologies extend to their deployment over populated areas, highlighting the urgent need for safety protocols.
The pause in Universal's drone show component signifies precaution amid heavy investments made by the resort to utilize innovative technology. Notably, Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular, which debuted recently, utilizes over 600 drones to create stunning formations above the Universal Studios Florida lagoon. This approach has become one of the park's significant attractions. By temporarily halting the drone element, Universal aims to evaluate existing protocols to assure the safety of guests and personnel, underscoring the importance of maintaining public trust.
Even without its drone component, Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular remains accessible to Universal visitors, offering stunning artistry combining music, water, lights, fireworks, and projection mapping. Iconic franchises have been celebrated within the show, including major hits from Harry Potter, Jurassic World, Transformers, and Mario Bros.. The choreography features 228 fountains with heights soaring up to 131 feet, showcasing 4K projection mapping and original scores composed for the event.
Location-wise, the spectacle occurs over Universal Studios Florida’s lagoon. The designated viewing area is found within Central Park, adjacent to the park's Hollywood section. Accessible to visitors of all ages with no height restrictions, the show has become family-friendly entertainment.
Interestingly, the use of drones within theme park shows signifies transformative storytelling methods, with Disney also employing similar technology for productions like Dreams That Soar. By operating over water, their strategy minimizes the chance of drones falling over crowds - potentially serving as insights for future productions. The industry continues to explore how to leverage drones creatively, though Toronto’s incident strongly signals rigorous safety measures must be prioritized.
Meanwhile, following the Orlando accident, Brad Snelling, director of operations for Oklahoma's Dynamic Skies drone company, discussed the enforced safety checks. He stated, “It’s the same equipment as what we operate.” Snelling pointed out the collision issues found at the Orlando show, emphasizing the importance of strict inspection protocols. “I test the entire show multiple times before the audience sees it.” His company conducts 10-point inspections on the drones prior to flight and utilizes advanced software to monitor drone proximity.
Snelling interprets the incident as educational for the drone industry, eagerly anticipating insights from the FAA investigation. He stressed the importance of public safety and urged compliance with regulations like not flying over people. While the holiday season heralds drones as popular gifts, he advised drone enthusiasts to understand safety guidelines, underlining safety distance for spectators watching drone shows.
Universal Orlando's decision to pause its drone component reflects their commitment to safeguarding guests alongside continuing to deliver unforgettable nighttime experiences. Are you disappointed to hear Universal halted drones from the show?
