At IAAPA 2024, drones are the next big thing in theme park magic

The buzz at this year’s IAAPA Expo in Orlando isn’t just about roller coasters or new virtual reality rides. At IAAPA 2024, it’s all about drones, and more specifically drone light shows.

From Disney’s crowd-making drone show at Disney Springs over the summer called Disney Dreams That Soar to a competing drone show across the way at Universal Orlando, drones are redefining entertainment in theme parks worldwide.

That’s the clear trend at IAAPA 2024. Short for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the conference of the same name happens annually in the theme park capital of the world, Orlando, Florida. The conference brings together all sorts of leaders in the theme park world, from ride makers to culinary creators. Some amusement parks use the massive conference to announce new rides. Others flaunt their funky foods.

But this year, it’s drones everywhere. The trade show floor opens today and is ongoing throughout most day time hours until the end of the week on Friday, Nov. 22. And here are some of the highlights of drones at IAAPA 2024:

Drone light show companies on the show floor

This year has no shortage of drone light show exhibitors. Among those are UVify, which makes the drones that power the shows put on by America’s Got Talent finalist Sky Elements. There’s Pixel Swarm Drones, another drone light show company. Another big name exhibiting? Dronisos, which is perhaps most famous for putting on Disney’s Electrical Sky Parade. That show, held at Disneyland Paris, is my favorite drone show out there.

And all those drone show booths really stand out. Over at the Dronisos booth at #3802, the team is actually giving away a custom drone light show. Besides Disneyland Paris, Dronisos also powers drone shows at Dollywood, Legoland and Puy du Fou.

Meanwhile UVify has been using its booth to promote its IFO light show drone. UVify also makes the IFO-P, which is a pyro drone (yes, that means a drone with fireworks attached).

Why are the booths so popular this year? Drones bring together a rare combination of sustainability, adaptability, and pure thrill. Unlike traditional fireworks, drones offer an environmentally friendly option with no smoke, loud explosions, or debris left behind. But they also bring something even more exciting to the table: the ability to change and evolve. Each drone show can be customized with different lighting, shapes and even logos, providing an ideal canvas for theme parks and attractions looking to create branded experiences.

An actual drone light show

Seeing the drones themselves on a table is nothing like seeing them from the sky. Many people still have yet to have seen a drone show. And for companies looking to proof just how awesome drone shows are at theme parks, IAAPA 2024 makes it an easy sell. This year’s conference features multiple nights of drone shows.

For the first time ever, IAAPA 2024 is hosting a nighttime drone show, held just outside the Orange County Convention Center. Sky Elements is powering the show — and it could potentially be another record-breaking show.

Shows will go on the following dates and times:

• Tuesday, Nov. 19: 6:15 p.m. and 8:05 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 20: 6:15 p.m.

And by the way, if you’re going to the conference, reference this map which spells out the two best viewing locations.

More than just light shows: power washing drones and more

While drone shows seem to get the biggest spot light, those aren’t the only drone sightings at IAAPA 2024. Some unique use cases are flying high too.

For example, Apellix Power Wash Drones has a booth at 7230. There, the company (which is actually based in Florida and is considered the maker of one of the best exterior building cleaning drones) is promoting how it can assist with theme park maintenance.

Drones are here to stay

In the past, drones often had a negative perception, such as spying. And sure, some drones still grapple with that challenge. But if IAAPA 2024 is any indicating, then it’s clear the tides are turning.

The public increasingly sees drones as a source of joy and entertainment. You can already see plenty of drone shows in theme parks today. But especially over the next few years as theme park leaders take what they learned at IAAPA 2024 and implement it in their own parks, look up. You might just catch a bit of magic hovering in the night sky.