New Drone Show Takes Flight at Gaylord Palms Resort Just as Disney Soars with Its Own

Gallery / 1 Photo
Sounds of America: A Nighttime Spectacular

Posted: Thursday May 30, 2024 7:48am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Drone shows are all the rage this summer in Orlando as the Gaylord Palms Resort is the latest to launch its nighttime spectacular alongside Disney and Universal.

Sounds of America: A Nighttime Spectacular

Gaylord Palms says, "The night lights up high above our Coquina Lawn with synchronized, brightly colored drones in the all-new 'Sounds of America' show. Hundreds of drones lift off and paint the skies in a luminous tapestry of aerial art. The patriotic performance is a symphony of sight and sound, featuring an original Gaylord Hotels musical soundtrack."

Sounds of America: A Nighttime Spectacular will be performed at 9 pm on May 31, June 7, June 14, June 28, July 3, July 5, July 19, July 26, August 9, August 10, August 30, September 1.

The Gaylord Palms Resort drone show comes just a week after "Disney Dreams That Soar" debuted at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World. Gaylord Palms is located behind Disney's Pop Century Resort and just minutes away from Disney Springs.

Disney Dreams that Soar Show

Running from May 24 to September 2, "Disney Dreams That Soar" brings the Disney Springs Lake to life with larger-than-life images of classic Disney characters drones choreographed with iconic quotes from fan-favorite films such as Disney's "Peter Pan," "Dumbo," "Wall-E," "Big Hero 6," "Star Wars" and more. The show also features scores from favorite Disney soundtracks and an original song composed exclusively for this show.

Disney Dreams that Soar Show

At nearby Universal Orlando, starting June 14, "CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular" will feature 228 fountains that reach heights up to 131 feet, 4K projection mapping, an original composition featuring newly arranged scores, and more than 600 drones.

CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular concept art

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jrhwdwMar 13, 2025

I'm guessing not. They would be a lot bigger than Nighttime Spectacular Drones correct?

GuseyMar 13, 2025

Do Dragon-shaped drones count?

jrhwdwMar 13, 2025

Have Drones returned to USF yet after the Orlando Accident? Is EU planning anything with Drones? They haven't shown up in the Fireworks Testing.

TTA94Mar 13, 2025

Was hoping drones would be returning somewhere on property this summer, something else nighttime entertainment wise besides Starlight at MK, but I’m pretty sure we would have heard something by now.

SoFloMagicMar 13, 2025

Nothing like the summer. But the summer was such a cluster that it may have negatively impacted businesses - just based on my personal perceptions. Getting to west end businesses was downright impossible for extended periods. Salt and straw and everglazed likely loved the business after shows, but I can't imagine the M&M store loved having all access to it choked off by a rabid crowd of 5,000

dmc493Mar 13, 2025

Yeah curious how crowds at DS have been since the show’s run and post holidays

mattpetoMar 13, 2025

It just feels like this show will not return. Disney already promoting summer offerings (Starlight, Villains show, Mermaid Show) on their site. They are also indicating a summer deal, potentially Disney Visa card is coming very soon. I know the show was an operations nightmare, but I just have to imagine food and merch will be way down.

DisneyFanatic12Sep 03, 2024

Yup! Most don’t seem to be daily, but there’s many examples of drone shows at zoos!

Starship824Sep 03, 2024

In theory it sounds great however apparently the drones might still be too loud for the Animals. I'm not sure though. Have any other zoos or theme parks with Animal exhibits done drone shows?

TouchdownSep 03, 2024

That’s why it goes to AK, have a barge near the BBQ, put your flamethrowers and Roman candles interdispersed with fountains (because that’s all you can do at AK) closer to the stadium. Boom great show.

Starship824Sep 03, 2024

Because there's no place to launch the drones without them going over guests unlike unless you put them on a barge, but then how do you balance that with the pyro, do you have to cover the drones? Honestly I don't know.

Chef idea Mickey`=Sep 03, 2024

That's where I mean, the Skyliner runs with a view of the back of the Italy, America, Japan. I don't really know why it is safe on the Disney Spring's lagoon but not on World Showcase lagoon.

Starship824Sep 03, 2024

It wouldn't have to be near that you could do it on the other side near AA like where they did the big finally for 4th of July this year.

Chef idea Mickey`=Sep 03, 2024

Imagine how close view that be from the Skyliner. I'm not sure if they can with employee space behind and whether or not the skyliner is far enough that it can.