Walt Disney Co is mulling the use of drones for next generation theme park entertainment, after filing a patent application for ‘unmanned aerial vehicles.’
The application suggests that drones could operate larger-than-life puppet or projection screens for night time entertainment.
The patent goes on to explain: "The inventors recognized that presently there are no mechanisms for creating very large aerial displays such as a display that is reusable or repeatable, dynamic, and interactive."
"This is a significant improvement over prior flying characters, which typically were provided in the form of parades or other blimps filled with hot air and that had little or awkward articulation of any movable parts," it said.
Disney’s UAVs would be controlled from the ground and synchronized to prevent collisions, and could also be used to create a high-tech digital fireworks show, a safer and cheaper option than a typical pyrotechnic display.
Al Ducharme of Hoverfly Technologies, which designs and manufactures drones, said small quad-copter UAVs cost around $1,000, and can run to six figures for commercial custom specifications.
"I’m sure Disney will cordon off an area to fly drones over, as with any kind of technology, be it a roller coaster or a drone, you have to take safety into consideration," Ducharme said.
