Magic, adventure, thrills, surprises, and dreams are undoubtedly the constant offerings during a visit to the iconic Disney parks in Orlando, Florida. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, experiences like the 2.5G forces on Mission Space at Epcot or the vertigo-inducing 13-story drop on The Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are unforgettable. Adding to these, Walt Disney World Resort is now introducing a new experience for its guests.
The “happiest place on Earth” is gearing up to amaze its visitors with an unparalleled nocturnal show at Disney Springs starting May 24. Titled “Disney Dreams That Soar,” this spectacle will feature 800 state-of-the-art drones creating magnificent images in the Florida skies. Viewable twice each night throughout the summer until September 2, it promises to be the perfect end to a day filled with shopping, activities, and dining, according to the company’s announcement.
This new experience will allow Disney park visitors in Orlando to witness images inspired by characters and scenes from classic movies like ‘Peter Pan’, ‘Dumbo’, ‘Wall-E’, ‘Big Hero 6’, and ‘Star Wars’, among others. “We aim to showcase Disney characters that have always dreamed of flying, not just in the literal sense but also in taking their lives to the next level,” said Tony Giordano, the show’s director. He added, “No matter your age or how big a Disney fan you are, you’ll see a character you love.”
The performance will feature giant character figures like Baymax, reaching almost twice the height of Spaceship Earth, the iconic geodesic sphere at Epcot measuring about 55 meters (180 feet). “Nothing can prepare you for the awe of seeing a Baymax inflate, transform, and disappear right before your eyes,” commented Giordano.
The effort behind the spectacle is to emotionally connect with the audience. “We want to create an experience where you feel compelled to hold the hand of the person next to you,” he explained. The show will also feature music from the most famous Disney soundtracks and a new song specifically composed for this nine-minute spectacle.
Disney has put forth great effort to ensure this show is not only technologically innovative but also capable of evoking the magic of its stories. “The night-time spectacle at Disney Springs will be an emotionally thrilling and visually stunning adventure, bringing beloved Disney stories to life in the sky,” said a company spokesperson.
Visitors to Disney Springs from May 24 onwards will witness this incredible synchronization of changing images in the sky, set to a backdrop of enchanting music, enriching the multi-sensory experience.
“The combination of iconic music and a newly created composition for the event adds an emotion-rich layer that makes the display even more memorable,” added Disney. “I can’t wait to stand alongside our guests and hear their reactions. That’s my favorite part of creating any show because those reactions are the reason we do what we do,” stated Giordano.
On June 28, Magic Kingdom will proudly introduce a new attraction: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, inspired by ‘The Princess and the Frog’. This ride, set during the Mardi Gras season, invites visitors to join Princess Tiana and Louis, the jazz-loving alligator, in a unique celebration for the people of New Orleans. Guests will also enjoy the music of Zydeco, a special blend of rhythm and blues native to Louisiana.
“We’re thrilled to see the magic of Tiana come to life in a way never seen before,” expressed a Disney spokesperson. This initiative, replacing the long-standing Splash Mountain attraction known for its 16-meter drop, marks the company’s movement towards a more inclusive and diverse representation in its theme parks.
Splash Mountain, themed after the 1946 film “Song of The South”, faced critique for its insensitive representation of characters and themes. Disney has made several adjustments to its attractions to align with contemporary sensitivities, like updating the “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride at Disneyland after receiving backlash for sexist depictions.
