In The Drone Girl’s world, two of my deepest passions collided: Disney and drones. And not just any sort of Disney drones — Frozen drones. (If you’ve met me in person, you’ll likely have seen that I exude big time Anna energy — and coincidentally my sister conveys big time Elsa energy.)
Thus, it was absolutely perfect when Hong Kong Disneyland Resort marked the opening night of its new World of Frozen themed area of the park via a drone show. The drone show was a one-off performance held for the grand opening celebration on Nov. 16 (technically the land opens to the public on Monday, Nov. 20) — and it’s unclear whether drones will return in the future. But the drones that audiences got to watch were absolutely fitting.
For the evening opening ceremony, Anna and Elsa took the stage in a ceremony that featured fireworks and drones. The drones performed as if they were an extension of Queen Elsa’s magical powers, flying over the themed Arendelle land in shapes like snowflakes and icicles, set against a soundtrack inspired by songs from the “Frozen” and “Frozen 2” movies including “Into the Unknown” and “Do You Want To Build A Snowman?” Call it drone ice magic.
You can watch the full show here:
Among the attendees for the Frozen drone light show included Bob Iger, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company; Josh D’Amaro, Chairman; and Jennifer Lee, Oscar-winning writer/director of “Frozen” and “Frozen 2.”
Related read: How much does a drone light show cost?
What to know about Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen
While there have been touches of Frozen in other Disney theme parks (including a boat ride at Florida’s Epcot theme park) World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland marks the world’s entirely first Frozen-themed land in a theme park.
What’s more, is that this highly-anticipated expansion is the largest in the park’s history. The land features two new attractions: a boat ride similar to the Epcot version called Frozen Ever After, as well as Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs, which is a roller coaster that winds through the forest, past Oaken’s Trading Post and Olaf’s Snowmen.
In addition to the attractions, World of Frozen also features themed dining and shopping experiences. Guests can enjoy a hearty Norwegian-inspired meal at the Golden Crocus Inn with menu options including braised lamb shank, or grab a sweet snack at Northern Delights, including an ice blue Coronation Sundae and Celebration Cakes decorated with a mini-Olaf.
But as for the drones, that was a one-time show. Any travelers heading to Hong Kong in hopes of a drone show will have to let it go.
Related read: Light show drones: the most popular drones that entertainment companies are using
Disney’s drone light show history
This is definitely not the first time we’ve seen a Disney using drones for nighttime entertainment — and it’s hardly even the first time in forever.
On the other side of the earth, Disneyland Paris has pumped out a steady stream of drone light shows. Examples of Disney drone shows in the U.S. include a very early example, when Walt Disney World Resort in Florida put on a drone show at its shopping district called Disney Springs during the 2016 holiday season.
In summer 2020, Disney filed a compelling patent for an entire “Aerial Show System Using Drones”.
And outside its theme parks and resorts, Disney has put on drone shows in other public spaces, such as a 2021 drone show to promote Disney+, featuring a version of Baby Yoda in the sky. Then there are other drone light shows that aren’t explicitly presented by Disney but that have Disney’s endorsement. That includes the Sky Elements Star Wars drone show that I got to see in person, which had approval from Lucasfilm (which is owned by Disney).
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