New Organization Aims to Enhance Drone Show Safety Following Orlando Incident Stakeholders have formed the International Drone Show Industry Association (IDSIA) to promote safety and quality standards for drone shows worldwide. This development comes in the wake of a recent accident at a drone show in Orlando, Florida, which injured a young spectator. Investigation into this […]
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In the first episode of Weekly Wings Season 2, hosts Paul Rossi and Terry Neff explore key developments in the drone industry as the new year begins. Watch on the DRONELIFE TV Youtube Channel here. They kick off with discussions on U.S. Army training operations in Romania using Skydio and Anduril drones for reconnaissance and […]
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It’s been a good and bad weekend for North Texas-based drone light show company Sky Elements. Yesterday we gave an update on a drone show put on by the company in Lake Eola, Florida, where footage shows multiple drones colliding out of control and falling into the lake and on land.
One boy ended up in the hospital after being struck by one of those out-of-control drones. According to CNN affiliate WESH, the injuries were so severe that the boy underwent open-heart surgery.
Read more about that story here.
But in other news — this time over in Texas — Sky Elements achieved a groundbreaking milestone on Dec. 20, 2024. They’ve broken all sorts of records, but this record is unique. Sky Elements shattered the Guinness World Record for the “Longest Animation Performed by UAVs or Drones.”
In collaboration with the City of North Richland Hills, the American drone show company Sky Elements flew 2,500 drones that told a darling Christmas story across the sky in a dazzling 30-minute display. And being such a long show, this one had a full story behind it involving penguins and a snowman.
This historic event marked Sky Elements’ 12th Guinness World Record. Michael Empric, a Guinness World Records adjudicator, was present to officially verify the accomplishment.
The event took place at the Birdville ISD Fine Arts/Athletics Complex. There, attendees watched the show from their cars, tuning in to 88.9 FM to experience the synchronized audio that complemented the visuals, evoking a modern-day drive-in movie experience.
Watch a condensed version of the 30-minute show here:
The achievement surpassed the previous record of 26 minutes and 26 seconds, held by a Chinese drone company in Shenzhen, Guangdong.
That show happened a few years back and was put on by Shenzhen HighGreat Innovation Technology Development Co., a company that also makes light show drones. During that show, HighGreat actually broke what at the time was four new Guinness World Records, including the largest number of drones flying simultaneously (5,164), the largest light image (composed by 5,184 drones), the longest animation show performed by drones (26 minutes and 26 seconds), and the largest number of varied consecutive formations by a single fleet (88).
In recent months, conversations around drone records often centered on sheer size — how many drones could take flight in synchronized displays. While impressive, the frequent breaking of such records has begun to feel reminiscent of the early days of drone delivery, when novelty milestones like delivering pizzas, sandwiches or coffee dominated headlines.
The past weekend’s record-breaking drone show shift the focus to technological advancements, particularly in flight duration and animation complexity. Sky Elements’ latest record isn’t just a bigger number; it’s a leap forward in drone technology. Extending drone show times to 30 minutes requires advanced hardware, software and meticulous planning. In fact, this show rotated three fleets in and out, which enabled them to run a show that long.
This record underscores significant progress in both battery efficiency and drone reliability as well as drone show planning. All of those qualities are crucial factors for the future of drone applications beyond entertainment, such as search and rescue, agriculture, and logistics.
Sky Elements relies on UVify drones, which are made by American drone company UVify and manufactured in South Korea. The company’s are largely considered the best light show drones you can buy, known for their precision and performance. Uvify’s drones are engineered to excel in demanding environments, offering extended battery life, high-speed capabilities and robust durability. The drones cost about $1,500 each.
UVify also rolled out a new rental network that makes putting on ultra-massive systems possible, by way of what’s called the FAB (Fleet Augmentation by UVify) rental system. With it, UVify implements a revenue-share system where customers who use extra drones share show revenue with UVify in exchange for borrowing their drones.
Want to buy your own set of UVify IFO drones? Mention UVify promo code DGIFO to your UVify sales representative to receive a 5% discount plus an additional free battery and set of high-performance props per IFO.
This latest feat is just one of many in Sky Elements’ portfolio. Sky Elements is now a 12-time Guinness World Record holder, including another reason record-breaking drone show in Texas involving firework drones, plus a show at IAAPA 2024 that put 2,484 drones over the Orlando Convention Center to break the record for “Largest aerial display of a bird formed by multi-rotors/drones.” The company was also a finalist on “America’s Got Talent.”
The company will likely face some setbacks after that Orlando drone show that went wrong
Still the company has earned a reputation for pushing the boundaries of drone entertainment, previously setting records for the largest drone show in the U.S. and creating displays for high-profile events like the MLB World Series, NFL games and movie premieres.
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In the final episode of 2024, Paul Rossi and Terry Neff dive into a packed lineup of drone industry insights and future projections. Starting with a wave of mysterious drone sightings along the East Coast, we analyze public perceptions and regulatory challenges. The hosts also explore the emerging role of laser communication in drone systems, […]
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In a move set to make it even easier for teams to put on their own (huge) drone light shows, drone show leader UVify just introduced a new concept offering light show drones for rent.
It’s called the FAB (Fleet Augmentation by UVify) rental system. This model allows members of the UVify IFO network to expand their fleets on demand, enabling them to deliver larger-scale productions without the need for hefty upfront investments. Of course, you must already own some UVify drones to participate in the program.
The UVify IFO is a light show drone famously used by names including Sky Elements, which was a finalist on America’s Got Talent. UVify sells their IFO drones for just over $1,500 per unit.
Want to buy a UVify IFO drone? Mention UVify promo code DGIFO to your UVify sales representative to receive a 5% discount plus an additional free battery and set of high-performance props per IFO.
And for teams using IFO drones who are continuously seeking to break records for huge drone shows, this makes it possible — without the huge upfront cost. Some of the record-breaking drone shows made possible by UVify IFO drones include that recent Sky Elements drone show with 2,484 IFO drones creating a hummingbird in the sky for IAAPA 2024, and more recently a 5,000 drone Christmas light show (also by Sky Elements) that entailed a massive turkey and a gingerbread village. Watch that one below, right here:
The FAB system operates on a revenue-share model exclusive to UVify IFO network partners. Here’s how it works:
Fleet augmentation: Imagine you own a fleet of 100 UVify IFO drones but secure a contract requiring 200 drones. Instead of purchasing an additional 100 drones outright, you can rent the extra drones from UVify.
Revenue sharing: For the rented drones, the revenue from the contract is split 50-50 between the operator and UVify. Using the example above, if the contract is valued at $60,000 (at $300 per drone), the operator keeps $45,000 while paying $15,000 to UVify for renting the additional 100 drones.
Scalability: The more drones you rent, the higher the revenue share UVify collects. For instance, if you own 100 drones and need 1,000 for a show, you can rent the additional 900 from UVify, further amplifying your production capabilities.
Of course, it’s likely more economical long term to just fork over the $1,500 per drone. But for drone light show companies who have landed an unusually large contract, the model can make sense. UVify’s FAB system offers several other benefits for operators:
Reduced Capital Costs: Avoid the significant investment required to purchase additional drones for one-off or sporadic large-scale events.
Flexibility: Scale your fleet based on project requirements, allowing you to accept larger contracts without logistical concerns.
Global Accessibility: UVify’s warehouses in the U.S., Europe, and soon the MENA region ensure quick and reliable access to rental drones.
The FAB rental system is an industry first and could fundamentally reshape how drone light show operators approach scalability and profitability. By enabling operators to grow their base fleets incrementally, FAB aligns UVify’s success with that of its partners.
UVify famously builds the IFO light show drones, which are built in South Korea. UVify sells a turnkey solution, where your purchase includes all hardware, software and 24/7 support. Of course, that also unlocks access to UVify’s FAB rental network.
The drones are some of the most powerful out there. Key specs include a waterproof rating of IP43, win speed resistance of up to 20 m/s (45 mph) and 26-minute flight times. The drones weigh 682 grams and their dimensions are 275x275x120 mm, which is somewhat comparable to something like the DJI Air 3S drone.
They even sell pyro drones.
Order the UVify IFO today, and don’t forget to mention UVify promo code DGIFO to your UVify sales representative to receive a 5% discount plus an additional free battery and set of high-performance props per IFO.
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When fireworks light up the night sky, they leave behind more than fleeting bursts of color. There is noise, smoke and debris, reminders of an old-fashioned form of celebration. But in Toronto, the skyline is changing. This year, the city announced a partnership with Illumin Drone Shows to replace traditional fireworks with cutting-edge drone light displays, marking a turning point in how public celebrations are imagined.
This move isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about sustainability, innovation and storytelling — and it places Toronto at the forefront of a global trend. Across the world, cities are beginning to trade fireworks for drones, tapping into technology that offers mesmerizing visuals without the environmental drawbacks of pyrotechnics.
The trend is perhaps no more clear than in the Canadian City of Toronto. Toronto, which is Canada’s most populous city, put out an ambitious Request for Proposals (RFP) earlier this year. The city’s goal was clear: find a partner capable of creating dazzling yet sustainable spectacles for its annual events. The RFP’s rigorous technical and safety standards set the tone, signaling the city’s intent to push boundaries while maintaining public safety.
The city of Toronto selected Illumin Drone Shows, a Canadian leader in drone entertainment, for the job. The company’s innovative hardware and proprietary software have already been used for events like Ottawa’s Diwali Celebration and Belleville’s Festival of Lights. Now, with Toronto as a client, Illumin is cementing its reputation as a pioneer in the industry.
“Toronto is not only our home but a global beacon of progress, creativity, and cultural celebration,” said Christian Ilumin, CEO of Illumin Drone Shows.
Drone light shows are gaining traction worldwide, especially in urban centers eager to adopt more sustainable practices. Displays in cities like Shanghai and Dubai have drawn millions of viewers, showcasing the power of synchronized drones to tell stories and create immersive experiences. Unlike fireworks, drones generate no toxic smoke, leave no litter and operate with far less noise—a win for the environment and for communities sensitive to loud celebrations.
“This partnership between Toronto and Illumin Drone Shows has the potential to spark a broader movement across cities globally,” according to a statement from Illumin Drone Shows. “By adopting drone technology, Toronto is demonstrating how public celebrations can evolve to meet the demands of a modern, environmentally conscious world.”
And for its part, Illumin Drone Shows — while deeply rooted in Canada — is expanding its reach. The company recently opened a U.S. headquarters in Tampa Bay, positioning itself to bring aerial artistry to American audiences.
Other accolades for the company include that Illumin won third place for the Best Rising Star Drone Show of 2023 in the 4th International Drone Show Competition from SPH Engineering. It’s also the team behind Canada’s largest ever drone show, which was a 600-drone display for Range Rover.
For cities, investing in drone technology goes beyond entertainment. It’s a statement of intent, and a reimagining of what city-funded, what public celebrations can be. While many drone shows are privately commissioned (often by companies for corporate events or product launches as evidenced by the myriad Super Bowl drone shows), cities do spend big on their own entertainment, which in turn can drive spending as people travel, shop and dine out the day of the drone show.
In fact 26.5 million visitors arrived in the city of Toronto in 2023, and spent $8.4 billion across sectors such as hotels, shopping and entertainment, according to the Economic Impact of Visitors in Toronto, released in June 2024. Not only does that contribute $2.1 billion in tax revenue, but it sustains roughly 67,000 jobs in the City of Toronto, generating $3.5 billion in labor income. Drone shows could likely drive even more tourism into the city.
For the drone industry, Toronto’s commitment a clear sign that the market for global drone entertainment market is growing. With that comes investment from both public and private sectors. After all, the average cost of a drone light show in North America is $52,455. Companies like Illumin are leveraging this momentum, with clients ranging from local governments to major corporations seeking to incorporate drones into marketing and events.
For audiences, the shift to drone light shows offers something even fireworks can’t match: the ability to weave intricate, evolving narratives in the night sky that afford a greater level of storytelling than what most fireworks shows ever achieve.
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Welcome to this week’s episode of Weekly Wings, your trusted source for all things drones! Hosts Paul Rossi and Terry Neff bring you a mix of expert insights, industry updates, and engaging banter. As the holiday season ramps up, Paul and Terry discuss plans to transition the podcast to a bi-weekly schedule. This change will […]
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Drones have revolutionized nighttime entertainment, with drone light shows creating spectacular displays at theme parks, corporate functions and holiday celebrations. It’s a huge business opportunity — and many drone light show companies are springing up. So if you’re looking for light show drones for sale to launch your own business, which should you use?
By and large, UVify is the industry leader, trusted by top companies like Pixis Drones and Sky Elements which was a finalist on America’s Got Talent. UVify’s flagship model, the IFO, is the gold standard for drone light shows. There’s even the optional IFO-P pyro module that allows you to launch fireworks from it. UVify sells their IFO drones for just over $1,500 per unit.
Other companies have light show drones for sale for even less money, particularly if you’re willing to do some DIY (as is the case with the Drone Dojo light show kit).
So which light show drones should you buy? In some ways, there’s no best light show drone. Businesses putting on a professional-grade display need someone different than, say, a college class experimenting with light choreography. Given that, buying the right light show drone is key.
Generally speaking, UVify’s IFO drones are the best for professional light shows, offering unmatched reliability and cutting-edge features. But for hobbyists or smaller-scale projects, there are also budget-friendly options (as long as you realize that you get what you pay for). Here’s everything you need to know about the best light show drones for sale and where to buy them.
Price: $1,585 per drone
Where to buy: UVify.
Mention UVify promo code DGIFO to your UVify sales representative to receive a 5% discount plus an additional free battery and set of high-performance props per IFO.
If you’re looking for a professional-grade solution, UVify’s IFO drones are the gold standard. These are the same drones used by Sky Elements, the drone team that won America’s Got Talent. Built in South Korea, the IFO drones are designed for reliability and precision, making them ideal for large-scale events and corporate showcases.
At $1,585 per drone (plus optional pyro costs), this is an investment meant for professionals or serious enthusiasts. But if you need a reliable, industry-leading drone, the UVify IFO is worth it.
Want to launch fireworks from your drone? UVify is a pioneer in making drones capable of launching fireworks, and the IFO was the first pyro drone to legally fly in the U.S.
To launch fireworks from your own light show drone, you’ll need UVify’s separate module that allows you to launch pyro to your drones. Called the IFO-P, you’ll owe $500 extra per module to deck out your drone with the pyro unit.
You’ll also have to account for the pyrotechnics themselves. Expect to spend $30-70 to purchase each gerb, which is a type of firework which produces a jet of sparks, usually lasting between 15 and 60 seconds. And though the fountain-style “gerb” fireworks are most commonly used on pyro today, UVify says it is testing other types of fireworks.
Luckily, you don’t need a module on every drone. According to UVify, drone shows that incorporate pyro on their drones typically only put pyro modules on between 40-60% of all drones in the show.
So how do firework drones work? You simply load the gerb(s) on your drone. The module has a separate firing system, which the pyro operator can then coordinate with the chief drone pilot to execute.
UVify has a proven track record in its pyro-enabled shows, due in part to their partnership with Cobra Firing Systems which ensures that safety and precision are never compromised. According to UVify, all shows to-date that use UVify pyro-equipped drones have a 100% success rate. For comparison, other companies have a success rate of only about 50%.
If you want to add pyro with your drone, keep in mind that you need a separate waiver to use pyro.
Order the UVify IFO today, and don’t forget to mention UVify promo code DGIFO to your UVify sales representative to receive a 5% discount plus an additional free battery and set of high-performance props per IFO.
Price: $2,000 per drone
Where to buy: GetFPV
The Lumenier ARORA Light Show Drone is another professional-grade option that combines sleek design with cutting-edge features. Known for its advanced LED system and customizable choreography options, the ARORA is favored for its vibrant displays and smooth flight dynamics.
They’re high-quality drones, but their top selling point over UVify is that they’re made in America. Lumenier ARORA light show drones are fully built, test-flown and serviced by build technicians at the company’s Florida facility.
At ~$2,000 per drone, the ARORA is pricier than UVify’s IFO, and while it delivers stunning visuals, it lacks some modular features like pyro integration.
And here’s another reason to skip it. As of publication, it’s out of stock.
Price: $7,495 for a base kit (includes 10 drones)
Where to buy: DroneBlocks
If you’re looking to teach programming or want an educational tool for students, the DroneBlocks Light Show Kit is a fantastic option. With this kit, DroneBlocks blends education and fun, making drones more than just a tool for entertainment. Students can see their code come to life in a tangible, visually stunning way.
This kit focuses on coding drone light shows, making it ideal for STEM programs or coding camps.
Unlike the UVify option that prices per drone, the DroneBlocks kit’s pricing model requires a minimum number of drones. The starting kit, which includes 10 drones, costs $7,495 (or $750 per drone).
And do note that while this kit is great for small-scale projects and classrooms, it does lack advanced features found in professional drones.
While this kit is great for small-scale projects and classrooms, it does lack advanced features found in professional drones. For example, drones have a maximum programmable height of 8 meters (26 feet). That’s a nice safety feature so students don’t fly drones out of control, but you won’t be flying huge-scale shows over major buildings with these drones.
Flight times are just 12 minutes, which means you should plan on keeping your drone show at eight minutes or less.
Price: Varies based on parts used, but ~$1,000 per drone
Where to buy: Source parts on your own via Drone Dojo guide, which incorporates the Raspberry Pi drone kit.
For hobbyists or educators who want to create small-scale light shows without breaking the bank, the Drone Dojo Light Show Kit is a great choice. This DIY kit allows you to assemble your drones, program light displays, and learn the basics of drone show production.
Drone Dojo is an online, membership-based drone course website. They have a range of DIY-style drone building and computer coding courses including “How to program a drone using Python” and “Precision Landing and Drone Delivery.” Drone Dojo’s light show guide is actually free. That says, it largely assumes you’ve gone through the course on “How to build a Raspberry Pi drone.”
This Drone Dojo kit is best for personal projects or educational purposes. Don’t plan on buying a bunch of drones to put on large-scale events or other commercial use applications.
And as is the case with any DIY project, this isn’t for the faint of heart. Be prepared to put in the effort (and to shop around to nab a deal). From there, accept that the drones will lack the precision and durability of professional models like the UVify. Consider these more of a great entry point for learning the craft.
Enroll in the Drone Dojo’s membership program, or purchase the Raspberry Pi drone kit to get started making your own drone light show.
Buying a light show drone setup is no cheap investment — and there’s a lot of other work that goes into putting on a drone light show beyond just buying a great, easy-to-launch option. Though we dig deeper into what goes into launching a drone business of any kind elsewhere on my site, here’s a high-level overview of other things you need to know before launching a drone show business.
Operating drones for light shows involves adhering to aviation regulations in your region. In the U.S., this typically includes:
Though not required to fly drones under FAA rules, you’ll typically want drone insurance before putting on a drone show. Your client, or the owners of the land you’re flying over, might require it.
Key policies include:
On that note, before any drone show, your safety procedures should include:
Some of the drones in this guide come with software designed specifically to work with that drone. However, if it doesn’t, have a plan for:
When considering light show drones for sale, here’s the tl;dr of what we would choose.
Ready to light up the sky? Whether you’re crafting an unforgettable wedding reception or an educational STEM program, make sure you buy the best light show drone to make it happen.
Considering the UVify IFO? Mention UVify promo code DGIFO to your UVify sales representative to receive a 5% discount plus an additional free battery and set of high-performance props per IFO.
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The third annual Sky Elements Flagship Christmas drone show will take place in North Richland Hills, Texas. The team is partnering with the City of North Richland Hills to fly a massive drone show over the Birdville ISD Fine Arts/Athletics Complex. A brand new Christmas story will be told in the skies and airwaves over […]Need a last-minute Christmas vacation idea this year? Drone fans should consider the Orlando World Center Marriott, which is offering an entirely new hotel amenity that we can get behind.
From Dec. 25 to Dec. 30, 2024 the world’s largest Marriott hotel will debut its first-ever holiday-themed drone show, designed by Sky Elements, which was a finalist on America’s Got Talent and America’s largest drone show company. The show will feature 200 synchronized drones lighting up the night sky above the resort’s Falls Pool.
Drone shows have become a highlight elsewhere in Orlando, including the Disney Dreams That Soar show at Disney Springs, plus the CineSational show over the summer at Universal. Just over a week ago, the IAAPA 2024 theme park conference hosted a record-breaking drone show for the Guinness World Record title of “Largest aerial display of a bird formed by multi-rotors/drones.”
But the Orlando World Center Marriott is blazing a trail as the first hotel in Orlando to offer such a holiday experience.
“At Orlando World Center Marriott, we want to help our guests experience the magic of the holiday season whether they are at the theme parks or looking to make memories with their family on-property,” said Robert Bray, General Manager at Orlando World Center Marriott.. “We invested in our holiday programming to introduce the best winter experience we have ever created and build new traditions for our guests.”
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit to Orlando World Center Marriott and experience its unique drone show offering:
The Orlando World Center Marriott drone show begins nightly at 8:30 p.m., and each evening presents a unique theme — but all with intricate formations, vibrant colors and holiday cheer.
As far as the best place to watch? The best free-to-watch spot is the Falls Pool area (though you need a wristband to enter, which you get by booking a room at the hotel). Or, if you want a more private experience, book a Holiday Drone View Room. These rooms offer a private balcony vantage point.
Otherwise, non-hotel guests can still find a way in by dining on property. Those folks should do dinner and a show at either the Lobby Bar Terrace or Mikado’s viewing deck.
Sky Elements uses drones from UVify, which famously makes the IFO drone. IFO drones cost $1,585 a piece, which means this drone show will likely have more than $300,000 worth of gear in the sky.
As it turns out, you can buy one for yourself. Though these drones aren’t sold at traditional electronics retailers, you can get your hands on your own light show fleet by emailing UVify’s sales team. And if you, drop my name. It benefits you! Give them coupon code DGIFO in your email for a 5% discount plus an additional free battery and set of high-performance props per IFO.
The drone show is certainly the highlight, but that’s far from the only winter festivities happening at this over-the-top hotel. Other activities happening at the hotel this Christmas include:
Special booking packages: The property is running a few special offers, including the “Getaway in Our World” package which includes a $50 nightly resort credit and free self-parking. For fans of free hotel breakfast, the “Breakfast Before You Explore” package includes breakfast for two adults and two children.
Cyber Sales: There’s also an early Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale that runs through Travel Tuesday) where you can save 25% on weekend stays through Jan. 20. The deal is even available during Christmas week.
Pay with points: Marriott Bonvoy members can also redeem Bonvoy points for their stay. Though many certainly earn points through frequent Marriott stays, you can also earn points through everyday spending on a Marriott credit card or by transferring points from a partner program like American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
The days between Christmas and New Year’s are typically bustling at the Orlando World Center Marriott. That’s unsurprising given the hype around the drone show and the fact that many snowbird families flock to enjoy the holiday season somewhere warm. Booking early is advised to secure your spot in the center of the action.
And if you don’t make it this year, have hope. The Orlando World Center Marriott resort said it intends to host more drone shows in the future.
Want to buy your very own light show drone?
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