Critic focusing on music and the performing arts.

By Lana Sterling

Disneyland Paris made history on Bastille Day by staging a stunning drone display that captivated audiences and secured a coveted place in the Guinness Book of World Records. The 12-minute show saw an astonishing 1,630 drones take to the skies to light up the night sky.

During the traditional fireworks display on Sunday 14 July, the park dazzled spectators with a mesmerising combination of pyrotechnics, lighting and intricate drone choreography. The nighttime spectacle featured five enchanting scenes inspired by beloved Disney classics with a French twist, including iconic tales such as Beauty and the Beast, The Aristocats and Ratatouille. Symbolic elements of French culture, such as the Eiffel Tower and the rose window of Notre Dame Cathedral, also graced the technologically enhanced screen.

The crowning glory was an oversized silhouette of Mickey Mouse, Disney’s beloved mascot. This larger-than-life version of Mickey broke the world record and cemented its place in history as the “largest aerial display of a fictional character using multirotors/drones”, as officially recognised by Disneyland Paris.

Months of meticulous planning and collaboration between Disneyland Paris and Dronisos, Europe’s leading provider of drone technology, culminated in this groundbreaking achievement. 

Ben Spalding, Entertainment Producer at Disneyland Paris, expressed his delight at the Guinness World Records title and highlighted the dedication and ingenuity of the entire team. Matthieu Robin, Entertainment Creative Lead at Disneyland Paris, echoed this sentiment, underlining their commitment to providing guests with unforgettable experiences.

The record-breaking performance was not only a momentous occasion for Disneyland Paris, but also demonstrated the park’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of entertainment and innovation.