Rumor Queue: A Universal Orlando drone show may take flight
Reports indicate a Universal Orlando drone show may be in development, as fans recently spotted drones of various shapes hovering over the resort after hours.
After-Hours Drone Testing
@uhlexaah_ on Twitter posted a video of drones in the sky over Universal Orlando just after midnight on July 20, 2023. The drones formed the shape of an owl.
@DrewTheIntern on Twitter also spotted the drone testing, noting visible shapes of a clown and a Christmas present.
This isn’t the first time Universal has been spotted testing drones overnight. In January 2023, Amusement Insider noticed the resort launching drones seemingly in the shape of a fish.
Speculating the Possibilities
A bit of guesswork for a potential Universal Orlando drone show could connect these shapes to Universal attractions and events. Perhaps the symbols represent Harry Potter (the owl), Halloween Horror Nights (the clown), Seuss Landing (the fish), or the holiday season (the Christmas present). Or the shapes could simply be testing placeholders, and not final choices for a show. Nothing has been announced by Universal Orlando.
Universal Orlando currently doesn’t have a nighttime spectacular. The former Cinematic Celebration, which featured fountains and fireworks, closed in May 2023. A nighttime fountain show is typically part of the lineup at Halloween Horror Nights.
Drones in Theme Parks
Other theme parks have recently introduced drone shows, including Dollywood and Carowinds.
The most notable use of drones in Orlando has been “Starbright Holidays,” which performed during a single holiday season in 2016 at Disney Springs.
As for Universal parks, drones are part of the “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” show at Universal Studios Hollywood, which is currently being presented from dusk to park close on select nights though Aug. 13, 2023. However, Florida’s version of this show does not include drones.
Universal Orlando’s only stint with drones until now was displayed at the opening ceremony for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in 2019 when stars from the Harry Potter films “levitated” boxes into the air. Wingardium leviosa!
