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.”

A giant dinosaur appears amidst a vibrant, colorful display of Universal lights and fireworks. The glowing reflections shimmer on water, creating a lively and dynamic scene. In the foreground, silhouettes of people with raised hands watch in awe.
Credit: Universal

While Universal has not provided an official reason for the suspension, the decision comes on the heels of a tragic drone-related incident during a separate show at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando.

Drone Incident Leaves Child Injured

The incident, which took place at Lake Eola’s holiday drone show, left a seven-year-old boy, Alezander, severely injured. A falling drone struck Alezander during the performance, resulting in injuries that required immediate medical attention. His parents, Adriana Edgerton and Jessica Lumsden, revealed that their son underwent open-heart surgery for a chest injury sustained in the incident.

In a statement provided to Fox 35 News, 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).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the incident. Officials confirmed that memory cards from the drones involved would be sent to the NTSB recorders laboratory in Washington, D.C., for analysis. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, though a full determination of the probable cause and contributing factors could take up to two years.

A Broader Look at Drone Safety in Public Events

The Universal globe with gold letters stands prominently at the entrance of Universal Orlando Resort.
Credit: Aditya Vyas on Unsplash

This incident has raised significant concerns about the safety of drone technology in public entertainment settings. The City of Orlando had contracted Sky Elements, a company with a history of managing similar events, for the Lake Eola show. Notably, this was Orlando’s second year using Sky Elements, and other cities, such as Ocala, have recently renewed contracts with the same vendor.

As drones become increasingly popular in entertainment, questions about their reliability and safety protocols are gaining attention. While drone technology offers unique opportunities for breathtaking visual displays, incidents like the one at Lake Eola highlight the risks associated with large-scale deployments over populated areas.

What This Means for Universal Orlando

The pause in Universal’s drone show component comes as a precautionary measure, particularly as the resort has invested heavily in the innovative technology. Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular, which debuted in November 2024, uses more than 600 drones to create intricate formations over the Universal Studios Florida lagoon. This cutting-edge approach is a newer concept for the Orlando theme park scene and has been a significant draw for guests.

By temporarily halting the drone element, Universal aims to evaluate its protocols and ensure the safety of its guests and staff. The decision also underscores the importance of maintaining public trust in large-scale productions that rely on emerging technologies.

The Magnificence of Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular

Even without its drone component, Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular remains a must-see event for Universal visitors. The 22-minute show combines music, water, lights, fireworks, and projection mapping to celebrate the soundtracks that have defined generations of moviegoers.

Iconic films and franchises featured in the show include:

  • Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts
  • Jurassic World
  • Jaws
  • Shrek
  • Ghostbusters
  • Trolls
  • Back to the Future
  • Universal Monsters
  • Transformers
  • How to Train Your Dragon
  • E.T.
  • Fast and Furious
  • The Super Mario Bros. Movie
  • Minions
  • The Mummy
  • King Kong

With its stunning choreography, the show features 228 fountains reaching heights of up to 131 feet, 4K projection mapping, and an original score specifically composed for the performance.

Location and Accessibility

The spectacle unfolds over Universal Studios Florida’s lagoon, with a dedicated viewing area in Central Park, adjacent to the Hollywood section of the park. With no height restrictions, the show is accessible to guests of all ages, making it a family-friendly highlight of the park’s entertainment lineup.

Drones in Theme Park Entertainment: A Balancing Act

The use of drones in theme park entertainment presents a fascinating evolution in how stories are brought to life. Disney, Universal’s primary competitor, has also experimented with drone technology in shows like Dreams That Soar, a recent production staged over water at Disney Springs. By operating over water, Disney minimized the risk of drones falling into crowded areas, a safety consideration that might serve as a model for future productions.

As the entertainment industry continues to explore the potential of drones, incidents like the one at Lake Eola emphasize the need for rigorous safety measures and thoughtful planning. For now, Universal Orlando’s decision to pause its drone component reflects a commitment to ensuring the well-being of its guests while delivering unforgettable experiences.

Are you sad to hear Universal has cut drones from the show? 

The post Universal Adds Mandatory Guest Safety Protocol, New Offering Now Suspended Indefinitely appeared first on Inside the Magic.

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