Disney could use drones for shows...

[kbean]

Just read.....

Last week, Disney filed for three drone-related patents, envisioning flying robots that could animate giant puppets, carry projection screens and even act as floating pixels, or "flixels," in virtual fireworks shows.

Went on to say...

One patent application describes a system in which marionettes or helium-filled balloons could be tethered to and controlled by a fleet of synchronized drones, instead of puppeteers and handlers on the ground. The application even includes an appropriately creepy illustration of a drone-enabled, larger-than-life puppet of Jack Skellington from the film "The Nightmare Before Christmas" parading in front of a group of spectators.

Tiny unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, that light up with their own display screens could act as single pixels in a digital light show, flashing colors to mimic fireworks, Disney's inventors say. Drones could also carry movable and flexible projection screens that could solve the limitations of current light shows that are beamed onto buildings and other fixed surfaces such as Hong Kong's nightly "Symphony of Lights."

Just thought this was interesting. No word from disney if they really intend on using this technology.

[LittleDreamer]

When I heard about this patent application it made me remember the opening of New Fantasyland. The dragon marionette attached to the ultralight was a nice idea. Since they they have probably been refining that idea and this is what they came up with.

Someone pointed out that this would fit in well at the Animal Kingdom night show, since they might not use fireworks there.

[LittleDreamer]

The FAA has too many restrictions in place for civilian non-military drone flights.

Disney should easily have the power to get the authorization required by the FAA. I believe there was a Congressional thing(directive, action, whatever they call it) that the FAA had to make new rules concerning drones by the end of 2015. There are a few law suits against the FAA regarding drones, but i don't think these will proceed until after the new rules are purposed.

[Bucs300]

If anyone could get the authorization to do something it would be Disney. They do have quite a bit of pull.

[PopPhan]

I just saw a video of test fly patterns for the drones that Disney is hoping to use......For some reason, it seems to me that this could be something very usable for the AvatarLand area -- like for the "dandelion seed" (don't recall if they were ever named in the movie) floaters in the forest areas, or some of the native Pandora airborne wildlife....

Just a thought....