SeaWorld San Diego plans to test a nighttime spectacular above the marine park in February that employs 500 aerial drones that can create illuminated images in the night sky.
SeaWorld submitted a proposal to the California Coastal Commission for a test run of the 5-minute aerial drone light show on select nights from Feb. 4-18.
If the limited test proves successful SeaWorld is considering continuing the drone show with longer performance times.
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SeaWorld’s 10 p.m. nightly performances in February would employ 12-ounce Intel Shooting Star quadcopter drones designed specifically for aerial shows.
The 15-inch square Intel drones would take off autonomously, fly pre-programmed routes 400 feet above SeaWorld and land after the show. The drones depict shapes in the night sky using onboard colored lights. Music played at ground level inside SeaWorld would accompany the light show.
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SeaWorld envisions the drone light show replacing some or all evening fireworks shows. The drone show test-run will not include fireworks.
The drones get their bearings from GPS location technology. The Federal Aviation Administration generally allows aerial drones to fly under 400 feet. SeaWorld’s application indicated FAA authorization had been issued.
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The Intel Shooting Star drones have been used at Universal Studios Hollywood during the “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” nighttime spectacular above the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Disney Springs outdoor shopping mall at Walt Disney World in Florida put on a “Starbright Holidays” aerial drone show in 2016.
The Puy du Fou historical theme park in France used a drone fleet in its “Cinescenie” nighttime show. The remote-controlled aerial fleet flew in sync with lighting, audio, visual, pyrotechnic and special effects.
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The California Coastal Commission hearing regarding SeaWorld’s drone show proposal is set for Thursday, Nov. 14. SeaWorld will monitor noise, light and bird strikes during the test run.
